The Adelphi - SEVEN: Death of Barkis

Trotwood was in Yarmouth in the evening, and he stayed at the inn where he used to stay.  Barkis being in his last hours, it was inconvenient to stay in his room in Peggoty's house.

He dined at the inn and went to sleep.

By about ten o'clock he came to Omar and Joram.  Omar offered him a seat and a smoke.  Trotwood took his seat by the chair.

I am sorry to have heard the bad news of Mr Barkis,' said Trotwood.

Omar looked at him, with a steady countenance, and shook his head.

Do you know how he is today?'

'The very question I should have put to you, sir,' returned Mr Omar, 'but on account of delicacy.  It's one of the drawbacks of our line of business.  When a party is ill, we can't ask how the party is.'

'We limit ourselves to Emily to get intelligence.  In fact, Minnie and Joram have just stepped down to ask her how he is,' said Omar 

He then offered some refreshments to Trotwood, which he declined, and decided to wait the return of Minnie and Joram.  Omar said that Emily is not settled.  She is alright but she wants some support.  He wished that there may be some change after his marriage to Ham.  Barkis's death need not put it off, but his lingering. 

Trotwood asked about Martha.  'No good.  A sad story, sir.  I never thought there was harm in the girl.'

He stopped, as he heard the footsteps of his daughter and her husband.  They came and brought the news that there was no progress in the condition of Mr Barkis.

Trotwood bade goodnight to Omar and his family and left for Peggotty.

Peggoty's house.  At his low tap, the door was opened by Mr Peggotty.  He shook hands with him, and passed into the kitchen.  Little Emily was sitting by the fire, with her hands before her face.  Ham was standing near her.

Silence, followed by whispers, and an alert for any sound from upstairs.

'Em'ly, my dear,' cried Mr Peggotty, 'here is Master Davy come! Cheer up!'

There was trembling upon her, and Trotwood felt the coldness of her hand when he touched it.  She shrank and glided from the chair, crept to the other side of her uncle, and nestled against his breast.

The dread of death had gripped Emily, more than anyone else.

Peggotty came down, and took her 'Davy' in her arms, blessed and thanked him again and again for being comfort to her in her distress.

She along with Mr Peggotty, then ushered him to upstairs.  Peggotty sobbed, and said that Barkis had always liked him, admired him and always talked of him before his stupor.  In case of his coming to himself, she believed, he would brighten up at the sight of her Davy.

The probability of his ever doing so, appeared to be very small, thought Trotwood.  He was lying with his head and shoulders out of bed, half resting on the box which had cost him so much pain.

'Barkis, my dear!' said Peggotty, almost cheerfully bending over him, while her Davy stood at the foot of the bed.  

'Here is my dear boy - my dear boy, Master Davy, who brought us together, Barkis!  That you sent messages by, you know!  Won't you speak to Master Davy?'

He was mute and senseless as the box, from which his form derived the only expression it had.

'He is going out with the tide,' said Mr Peggotty.

They remained there watching a long time.  The presence of Trotwood had a mysterious influence on the dying man.  He was muttering about driving Davy to school. 

'He is coming to himself,' said Peggotty.

Mr Peggotty touched Trotwood, and whispered with much awe and reverence.

'They are both going out fast.'

'Barkis, my dear!' said Peggotty.

'C. P. Barkis,' he cried faintly.  'No better woman anywhere!'

'Look!  Here is Master Davy!' said Peggotty.  For he now opened his eyes.

Trotwood was on the point of asking him if he knew him, when he tried to stretch out his arm, and said distinctly, with a pleasant smile: 

'Barkis is willing!'

And it being low water he went out with the tide.

____________________________________




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