Early in June, 1872, Burton sailed for Iceland at the request of a
certain capitalist, who wished to obtain reports of some sulphur mines
there, and who promised him a liberal remuneration, which eventually he
did not pay. He, however, paid for Burton's passage and travelling
expenses; but as he did not pay for two Isabel was unable to accompany
her husband, and during his absence she took up her abode with her father
and mother. Afterwards she was very glad that she had done this. For
some time past the health of Mrs. Arundell had given cause for anxiety.
She had been a confirmed invalid since her stroke of paralysis ten years
before, but she had borne up marvellously until the last few months, when
it was visible to every one that she was failing. The end came very
suddenly. Her dearly loved daughter Isabel was with her at the last.
The loss of her mother, to whom she was devotedly attached, was a severe
blow to Isabel. Mrs. Arundell was a woman of strength of character,
ability, and piety, and possessed rare qualities of head and heart.
It is scarcely necessary to say that the little cloud which had arisen
between mother and daughter on the occasion of Isabel's marriage had
long since passed away; indeed it was of the briefest duration, and
Mrs. Arundell came to love Burton as a son, and was very proud of him.
At the end of June, about ten months after the date of the recall from
Damascus, official favour smiled upon the Burtons again.
Pages:
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172