Romish priest, his youth and good looks would have excited extraordinary
sympathy among the beholders, but the sight of Father Norham irritated
them, and they expressed their hatred of Popery by hootings. Lord
Der-wentwater seemed wholly undisturbed by the clamour.
Lord Kenmure met with a much better reception, and Mr. Sharp contrived
to let the mob know that his lordship held Popery in abomination.
In this manner the two lords were conducted to the Transport Office,
where they alighted, and were separately conducted to their rooms.
In the room prepared for the Earl of Derwentwater, Lord Widdrington, who
had been reprieved, was waiting to take a last leave of his friend, and
was so deeply affected that Father Norham deemed it advisable that the
interview should not be prolonged.
While bidding farewell to the earl, Lord Widdrington said, in accents of
profound emotion:
“Were I to live a thousand years I should never forget you! You will
always remain to me an example of fortitude and resignation. Your
heroism makes me regret that I have accepted life, since it would be a
privilege to die with you. I need not wish you firmness at the last, for
I know you will not want it.”
With this, he embraced him, and left the room.