Yonge, Charlotte Mary, 1823-1901 / 2008-11-23 00:00:00

One or two men
and maids ran out at the sound, and as the travellers rode up to the
horse-block, an old gray-bearded serving-man came stumbling forth
with "Oh! Master Diccon, woe worth the day!"
"How does my mother?" asked Richard, as he sprang off and set his boy
on his feet.
"No worse, sir, but she hath not yet spoken a word--back, Thunder--
ah! sir, the poor dog knows you."
For the great hound had sprung up to Richard in eager greeting, but
then, as soon as he heard his voice, the creature drooped his ears
and tail, and instead of continuing his demonstrations of joy, stood
quietly by, only now and then poking his long, rough nose into
Richard's hand, knowing as well as possible that though not his dear
lost master, he was the next thing!
Mistress Susan and the infant were lifted down--a hurried question
and answer assured them that the funeral was over yesterday. My Lady
Countess had come down and would have it so; my lord was at Court,
and Sir Gilbert and his brothers had been present, but the old
servants thought it hard that none nearer in blood should be there to
lay their young squire in his grave, nor to support his father, who,
poor old man, had tottered, and been so like to swoon as he passed
the hall door, that Sir Gilbert and old Diggory could but, help him
back again, fearing lest he, too, might have a stroke.
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