The poor bairns came creeping in, for he was a man who by his manners had been able to secure their obedience in spite of his poverty.

And he preached to the people of his parish on that Sunday, as he had always preached; eagerly, clearly, with an eloquence fitted for the hearts of such an audience.

No one would have guessed from his tones and gestures and appearance on that occasion, that there was aught wrong with him,--unless there had been there some observer keen enough to perceive that the greater care which he used, and the special eagerness of his words, denoted a special frame of mind.
After that, after those church services were over, he sank again and never roused himself till the dreaded day had come..