CHAPTER XXXV—EXPIATION
'There's nought so finely spun
But it cometh to the sun.'
Mr. Thornton sate on and on. He felt that his company gave pleasure to Mr. Hale; and was touched by the half-spoken wishful entreaty that he would remain a little longer—the plaintive 'Don't go yet,' which his poor friend put forth from time to time. He wondered Margaret did not return; but it was with no view of seeing her that he lingered. For the hour—and in the presence of one who was so thoroughly feeling the nothingness of earth—he was reasonable and self-controlled. He was deeply interested in all her father said,
'Of death, and of the heavy lull,
And of the brain that has grown dull.'
It was curious how the presence of Mr. Thornton had power over Mr. Hale to make him unlock the secret thoughts wh
