Ernest was overwhelmed with expressions of condolence and respect
for his father's memory. "He never," said Dr. Martin, the old doctor
who brought Ernest into the world, "spoke an ill word against
anyone. He was not only liked, he was beloved by all who had
anything to do with him."
"A more perfectly just and righteously dealing man," said the family
solicitor, "I have never had anything to do with- nor one more
punctual in the discharge of every business obligation."
"We shall miss him sadly," the bishop wrote to Joey in the very
warmest terms. The poor were in consternation. "The well's never
missed," said one old woman, "till it's dry," and she only said what
everyone else felt. Ernest knew that the general regret was unaffected
as for a loss which could not be easily repaired. He felt that there
were only three people in the world who joined insincerely in the
tribute of applause, and these were the very three who could least
show their want of sympathy. I mean Joey, Charlotte, and himself. He
felt bitter against himself for being of a mind with either Joey or
Charlotte upon any subject, and thankful that he must conceal his
being so as far as possible, not because of anything his father had
done to him- these grievances were too old to be remembered now-
but because he would never allow him to feel towards him as he was
always trying to feel.
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