Then, while I am immersed in the sacred preliminary
rites, do ye prepare sweet-smelling woods and spices for the last
act of parting.'
The children spread out what was left of the carpet. And, after
all, though this was just what they would have wished to have
happened, all hearts were sad. Then they put half a scuttle of
coal on the fire and went out, closing the door on the
Phoenix--left, at last, alone with the carpet.
'One of us must keep watch,' said Robert, excitedly, as soon as
they were all out of the room, 'and the others can go and buy sweet
woods and spices. Get the very best that money can buy, and plenty
of them. Don't let's stand to a threepence or so. I want it to
have a jolly good send-off. It's the only thing that'll make us
feel less horrid inside.'
It was felt that Robert, as the pet of the Phoenix, ought to have
the last melancholy pleasure of choosing the materials for its
funeral pyre.
'I'll keep watch if you like,' said Cyril. 'I don't mind. And,
besides, it's raining hard, and my boots let in the wet. You might
call and see if my other ones are "really reliable" again yet.'
So they left Cyril, standing like a Roman sentinel outside the door
inside which the Phoenix was getting ready for the great change,
and they all went out to buy the precious things for the last sad
rites.
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