"Oh, mamma," cried Julia with
fervour, "look! look! Can we, dare we, wish that angel back to this world
of misery and sin?" And it was some hours before she cooled, and began to
hang on Edward's neck and weep his loss and hers, as weep we mortals
must, though the angels of Heaven are rejoicing.
Thus died in the flower of her youth, and by what we call a violent
death, the one child Richard Hardie loved; member of a religious party
whose diction now and then offends one to the soul: but the root of the
matter is in them; allowance made for those passions, foibles, and
infirmities of the flesh, even you and I are not entirely free from, they
live fearing God, and die loving Him.
There was an inquest next day, followed in due course by a public trial
of James Maxley. But these are matters which, though rather curious and
interesting, must be omitted, or touched hereafter and briefly.
The effect of Jane's death on Richard Hardie was deplorable. He saw the
hand of Heaven; but did not bow to it: so it filled him with rage,
rebellion, and despair. He got his daughter away and hid himself in the
room with her; scarce stirring out by night or day.
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