Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/287

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LADY ANNE GRANARD.
285

soften to the eye the ghastly character of that visitant, whose seal is on the features. The curtains of the bed were lined with the palest pink, the finest lace fell in soft folds round the pale face, and a rich velvet scarf was thrown over the counterpane, to divert the eye from noting deficiencies; yet Lord Rotheles saw alone that death in a palpable form was before him; the very voice seemed unearthly; he was shocked, bewildered, overcome, as he had never been before, and, sinking into the nearest chair, his bosom heaved with convulsive sobs, that seemed to rend his very frame.

Georgiana was exceedingly alarmed, and offered him water, salts, whatever she could think of, and the nurse eagerly began to chafe his hands for a short time, being exceedingly alarmed, whilst his old attendant, long accustomed to witness his complaint, was horror struck by the expression of his countenance. His lord had never been so ill as now, since several hours passed before he was able to speak, and his physician desired to have a consultation, which accordingly took place, but without any favourable results. The whole of the next day every person under the roof, with their kind neighbours, and the good old baronet, were indefatigable