He had indeed been stricken hard, and his half-stunned face showed the violence of the blow.

The harsh, cruel, selfish man had at last been made to suffer.
Although he had spoken of it and had expected it, the death of his heir hit him hard, as the rector had said.
"When did he die ?" asked the father.
"It was past four, I think." Then there was again silence, and Lady Clavering went up to her husband and stood close by his shoulder.

At last she ventured to put her hand upon him.

With all her own misery heavy upon her, she was chiefly thinking at this moment how she might soothe him.

She laid her hand upon his shoulder, and by degrees she moved it softly to his breast.