H. Rider Haggard

“ Thus in due course he began to climb the little slope of Gunter’s Hill. The sun had set, but there was still a red glow in the sky, and against this glow he perceived the tall figure of Anthony standing quite still. When he was about a hundred yards away the figure suddenly collapsed, as a man does if he is shot. The Reverend Septimus put his hand to his heart and caught his breath. ”

“ The Reverend Septimus stared, then suddenly sank to his knees and returned thanks in his simple fashion. “Don't let us be too certain, Anthony,” he exclaimed at length. “There may be a mistake, or perhaps this is only a respite which will prolong the suspense. Often such things happen to torment us; I mean that they are God’s way of trying and purifying our poor sinful hearts.” ”

“ I should remember that she is much better where she is; that this is a very hard world; indeed sometimes I think it is not a world, but a hell. Oh! Barbara, my sweet Barbara!” And he struggled forward blindly, beating at the rough wind with his hands as though it were a visible foe, and so at last came to the crest of the hill where Anthony Arnott lay prone upon his face.
So sure was he of the cause of his collapse that he did not even trouble to look at the Rectory windows in the hollow near the church two hundred yards or so away. He only looked at Anthony, saying, “Poor lad, poor lad! ”