’It is this, John. Should I have another stroke, or be unable to attend to matters, what is to become of Cicely? What is to become of West Wyke? I want your promise that you will stand by her and the old place.’
’I will do all I can for her, and for West Wyke. You may rely on me, sir.’
’I felt convinced in my own mind that I might do so, and yet I desired your promise. I became troubled, and clouds came over my spirits. As Sebastian says, "My determinate voyage is mere extravagancy." It always has been so with me. I have set my mind on the wrong things, and gone the wrong ways to work when I took anything in hand. But it is not so now. Owls can see in the dark, and so can I. If I have made blunders hitherto, I will hit straight this time. I have your promise, have I not, John?’
’You will not desert poor Sissy. She has no relations, and I have positively no one in the world to look to except yourself, whom, upon my word, I have come to love and regard as a son.’ The old man patted Herring affectionately on the shoulder.
’There! that makes me content,’ said the old man. He had taken Cicely’s hand in his left, he held John by the right. All at once he put their hands together. ’There!’ he said, and chuckled, ’as Hamlet says, "There is a kind of confession in your looks, which your modesties have not craft enough to colour." I know you love each other. I give Cicely to you, John, and my blessing. You will take care of her—and, you will quarter the owls.’
He leaned back and his eyes closed. He was satisfied that at last he had done the right thing at the right time. The fatal faculty of making muddle and mischief followed him to the end.
Herring turned to Cicely and released his hand. She was trembling.
’You, Cicely, insisted that we were cousins. You have heard your father: he has made the relationship closer. We are henceforth brother and sister.’
She looked up, then her eyes fell, and the colour rose and sank in her face.
’Yes,’ she said faintly; ’I understand perfectly, _brother John_.’
’It be good for the soul to see men die,’ said Genefer, entering Mirelle’s room. ’Come along of me, mistress.’
’What is it, Genefer? Do not frighten me.’
’In the midst of life we are in death. It teaches us how frail and uncertain our life be. Come and see ’em die afore your naked eyes.’