Never before did I see such
an agony of grief as was depicted upon his countenance as he bowed
himself over the lifeless body of his only son. As soon as circumstances
permitted, I repeated to Mr. Dalton the conversation Robert had held
with me a short time before his death. Among other things I gave him
his watch which he had entrusted to my care. He pressed me to keep the
watch, saying, "From the frequent mention my son made of you in his
letters, I almost feel that I know you well, and knowing the strong
friendship he entertained for you, I beg of you to accept of his watch
for his sake as well as mine, and should we never meet again, bear in
mind that I shall ever remember you with gratitude and affection." It
was a small but elegant gold watch which to Robert had been a birthday
gift from an uncle who was very fond of him, and to this day it is to me
a valued keepsake.
When Mr. Dalton left the city, bearing with him the lifeless remains of
his son, for interment in the family burial-place, a deep gloom settled
over my mind, and for a long time, I could hardly rouse myself to give
the necessary attention to my daily duties.
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