23
Chapter Five
An old woman, gathering wrack after the s torn, found Andrew on the
beach. Sarah stooped over him as he lay in hie coffin in the parlour of
Rathard. His beard, washed and combed, lay like a sheaf of silver threads
on hie linen gown* The shining plumred life had gone from his lips* his
nostrils and eyelids had become delicate, waxen, translucent like shells, She
heard a step at.the door and drew back as Hamilton entered, bending his head
at the low doorway* "The neighbours are coming in he said. He laid his hand
gently on her shoulder, turning her to the light, la it wise for ye to be on
your feet?"
She passed her hand across her bruised forehead* I’m bravely now" she
answered. "Are the people in the close?"
"Aye, but rest yourself. I bade Agnes Sampson come up and help your mother
make what little meat there’ll be.” He seated himself on a chair near the door
and laid his hands on his knees* "Sarah" he began, now that he’s gone he
nodded towards the coffin, "I would like you and your mother to bide here for
a while till Frank and me get settled. You’re in no hurry away, are ye?"
He rose and walked to the coffin and placed his hand lightly on his father’s
brow. "He was a good man’ he said "and he was gey fond of you." Sarah rose
swiftly and stood with hear face to the window. z'ran the kitchen came the low
murmur of voices and a rhythmic beat like a tiny drum a3 some farmhand rocked
his sparbled boots on the tiled floor, Hamilton stood watching her silently.
'If my mother wants to stay, I’ll stay” she said. without looking at him again,
she turned and left the room.
She went up int the kitchen where the mourners were ranged around the
walls, some seated, some standing, and each with a cup of tea in his hand or
