He then decided to visit Náini Tál, a beautiful health-resort, recently established, on the margin of a lake embosomed amidst woods and mountains in the Himálayan ranges overlooking Rohilkhand. He had fixed the 28th for his departure thither, little thinking that his life was not to last till then; and he had actually despatched his Chief Secretary, William Muir, to Murádábád to meet him on the way from Bareilly to Náini Tál. By Sunday, the 25th, he had somewhat rallied, and was so far improved as to debate whether he would not attend church; but after some hesitation he refrained from going out. Dr. Hay and Bessie went to afternoon church, while he stayed at home with Maynie. He read aloud to her the Service for the day; neither of them apprehended that this was the last time he would ever recite the sacred passages. That evening at tea-time he seemed quite cheerful to both his daughters, wishing them good-night with all his usual affection, and without any idea that this was the last time of his bidding them an ordinary farewell.
He retires to rest as usual, but somewhat before midnight is seized with violent and acute trouble internally, which, in reference to the region of the pain, is pronounced to be colic. He receives every possible aid from Hay during the night, and towards the morning becomes composed. But the pain departing leaves some deadly mischief behind it, so he is exhausted, prostrated and unable to take nourishment. Soon after eight o'clock he sends for Bessie and asks
