The Osceola times., 1877-06-16

Poor uncle Joe! He could not keep
still moment, but hovered about the
mother and child in nervous 1utter Of
fear.
Whose step is that at the door, The
old man looked up, and fash of Joy
passed over his face. Going hastily
toward the new conner, he seized both his
hands.
Thank God, you've come back, Frank
The child's been very sick, but think
he is little BETTER" following Frank TO
Bella's side. rf.a.r..
She looked up with her white face, and
the fearless anguish in her eyes. ooh,
Frank" she said family, putting out
her hand.
Clasping II gently, he said in tone Of
mild reproach: "Why didn't you send
for me, Bella9 :"
"Its diptheria-y0u mustn't stay"
whispered Bella, motioning him off as he
bent over the crib.
"But am going to stay, Bella" he
replied, with such mild decision that she
felt remonstrance was useless.
Wearily the time passed by. The doc
tor came and went, leaving little oonsol-
alton behind him. The old man, worn
out with grief and anxiety, slumbered
heavily in his chair.
Bella felt she could hardly have gone
through that night without Frank. She
scarcely knew her ardent, impetuous
lover in him who sat by her side-so
strong, yet 80 gentle, quick to anticipate
her slightest wish, and ministering TO
her and archie with the tenderness Of a
woman.
"Can't you close your eyes for few
moments 2" he whispered once. al
know just what to do now, and you look
no exhausted"
"No, oh no." said Bella, resolutely /;
and he urged her no further.
Midnight was approaching, and a great
hush fell upon them both, for the doctor
had said there might he 4 change at that
hour. Bella sat, her eyes fixed on the
child, never stirring except to give him
bis medicine or the stimulants the ply.
sician had ordered. Frank. motionless
as statue, watched the little face with
her.
At last Bella raised her eyes inquir.
ingly to his. There was CLEAN Uf hope
in her look and in the one that answered
her.
g. His breathing seems a little easier"
she whispered. Frank nodded silently,
and there was another long pause.
A gentle moisture was breaking out
over the child's face and body; his breath
ing eeems easier and his expression more
natural. Frank and Bella hung over
him, scarcely daring to indulge the sweet
hope that had sprung up in their hearts.
About three o'clock the doctor came
in. His tired, jaded face frightened the
moment he saw the child.
Yes, he seems BETTER" said he ; {" but
we mustn't venture TO hope yet. Now
let us look at the little throat again."
:" His throat looks better" said he a.
he rose TO go.
Bella followed him to the door. "The
symptoms are favorable" said he, IN
answer to her imploring glance. "Iwill
call in again before noon." Isl. o.
Bella turned TO 20 back to her seat.
As she did no she met Franks anxious
loving glance. 1t was almost more than
she could bear.
"Oh Frank" she said, If God will only
let him live !" and for the first time the
tears fell over her cheeks. Frank put his
arm gently around her, and she laid her
head upon his shoulders. They felt from
that moment that nothing could ever
part them more.
Once more let us enter the little cham
Der. The blinds are open now, and the
sunset light is streaming in. Archie
lies in hrs crib, looking like a little spirit,
his mother thinks with half sob, ms she
watches his pale, wasted face with It's
halo Of cleaning hair. But he is gaining
strength daily, and will soon be running
round, the doctor says.
Closing the blinds, his mother takes
chair beside him, and sings in low, gen.
tie voice. In few minutes he is fast
asleep, and she slips away for awhile.
She knows who is waiting for her below.
Bella" said Frank, after they had
talke few moments, al received q
letter to day. Guess from whom" aiil
"Pm sure don't know" said Bella.
She was setting the supper table, and
paused with half-startled glance.
" From your mother, Frank p
You little coward, how pale you've
turned all Of sudden But you've no
reason. I was true prophet, ] tell you,"
shaking the letter playfully at her. ~
have told her the whole story, and she 10
prepared to love you and receive you IA
a daughter. Is that table ready? Then
sit down by me and we'll read the letter
together. You'll find out what warm,
loving heart my mother has you little
infdel, you!" a,,y.,a4as.. a..,, =.
: "And what shal, we call the firm
now ~ asked Uncle Joe, as the happy
little party sat down to the table. It's
admitted a new member, you Know" he
went on, roguishly "Come, I'll give
you a naIue one it'll bear before long,
and we'll drink To the health of the firm
in this bottle of wine."
"Uncle said Bella, laughing and
blushing, while his old wife besmed in
diligently upon him from the armchair
where Franks strong arms had placed
her. 'i fE a.af Ialll
"Bella, Baby and Hushandp' said
Uncle Joe, rising, with Q beaming face,
though something like tear twinkled in
his eye. Long life and prosperity to
the firm, and may Gods blessing be on IL
for evermore ~ tt