If
any there be that grieve, O Father, comfort 'em; if any there be
in pain, O Father, pity an' cherish 'em; if any do bear ill-will
agin his brother, O Father, turn his anger to love that love may
come thereby. Oh, make us strong against all temptations, that when
we come to our last, long sleep we may rest with Thee for ever.
Amen.
And good-night, friends and brothers."
Hereupon Jessamy put on his hat, paused to grasp the horny hands
extended to him, then lifted a large canvas bag to his shoulder, but
at my shout he turned and flourished his hat in salutation as we drove
up.
"Why, Jessamy," exclaimed Diana, as he placed the bag in the cart,
"what's come t' your face?" And now I saw his comely features were
disfigured by an ugly blue weal.
"Oh, nothin' much, Ann," he exclaimed, smiling a little sheepishly.
"Only a whip--"
"Lord, Jess--whose?"
"I come on a fine gentleman thrashing of a little lad, whereupon I
ventured a word of remonstrance as in dooty bound and turned to look
to the lad as lay a-weepin', whereupon the gentleman took occasion to
gi'e me this here--ye see he didn't 'appen to know me, poor soul!"
"Well, I hope you gave the 'poor soul' all he needed!" cried Diana,
cracking the whip so loudly that Diogenes pricked startled ears.
"I'm afraid I did, Ann, God forgive me. The Old Adam's very strong in
me."
"And how's the poor boy?"
"Why, the gentleman wore ridin' boots, d'ye see--"
"Ah!" exclaimed Diana between white teeth.
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