The Resurrection Fireplace
Page 36
Y stands for Your Friends, best wishes sincere;
And after the rest had finished their “lol-de-rols,” the two continued to sing unaccompanied;
And Z for the Zanies who take their leave here.
They turned their backs on the others. Nathan seemed on the verge of running to them, but Al put his hand on the lad’s shoulder to stop him. For the first time since coming to London, Nathan wept. The tears he had not shed even in prison now came freely.
Little Danny leaned out of Mrs. Hume’s arms, reaching towards them.
Abbott clenched his trapper’s teeth and resisted the urge to follow them.
Daniel Barton finally understood. If Edward had asked him that question again, he could answer truly, from the bottom of his heart, that he would always love them, come what may. If only he had been able sincerely to say as much then, perhaps Edward would have sought a more humane solution to their problems.
Come what may.
The words had come too late, but they swelled now in his heart until he spoke them aloud.
Edward and Nigel looked back one last time. Nigel blew them a faint kiss. Then they walked away.
Barton’s remaining three pupils shovelled clods of earth onto the empty coffins. The cypress’s shadow faded.
The sky wrinkled and turned the same colour as the earth.
THE END