The most delicate part of the burden, however,
yet remained to be removed, and that was the invalid
herself. Desiring his men to remain without, the youth,
whose long and close intimacy with the family rendered
such a step by no means objectionable, entered the
apartment of Mrs. Heywood, who had already been prepared
by her daughter for the removal, and with the assistance
of Catherine raised the bed on which she lay, and
transferred it to a litter brought for the occasion. This
they carefully bore through the suite of small and
intervening rooms to the front, where two of the men
relieved them, Catherine walking at the side, and
unnecessarily enjoining caution at every step.
"This is, indeed, an unexpected change, Ronayne," said
Miss Heywood, sadly, "but this morning, and I was so
happy, and now! These poor flowers, too (for after having
fastened the windows and doors of the house, they were
now directing their course towards the mound), that
parterre which cost us so much labor, yes, such sweet
labor, must all be left to be destroyed by the hand of
some ruthless savage.
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