Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/305

 days, and it was from the morning papers that she first learnt of her irreparable loss.

Later, Lady Henniker Heaton received a letter from Mr Oswald Cheeke who was with Sir John at the end. In this letter there was given to Lady Henniker Heaton the supreme consolation of a knowledge of the Love that is stronger than Death.

Sir John had lain unconscious for three days; as the end was seen to be imminent, Mr Cheeke spoke to Sir John saying he was writing to Lady Henniker Heaton, but he could not succeed in rousing him. Mr Cheeke then bent down and spoke Lady Henniker Heaton's Christian name "Rose." The beloved name alone could break through the silence and pierce through the deepening shadows of death. Sir John raised his head to speak his last word "Love" and fell into a deep calm sleep in which his spirit passed away.

E.W.