Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1877-10-12

her baby was very ill.
For the first time in years she listened
eagerly for her husbands step. Suddenly
baby awoke.
ssMammal mamma +! Baby wants nam
ma !" she moaned.
Eyes, darling, here is mamma"
"Baby want papa, too
"Pretty soon, dear; papa will come pref
ty soon."
just then she heard his step outside, and
in moment he entered the room.
81 do wish Etha-'' he commenced, but
stopped as he saw the pale face OF his wife
and noticed the flush on the child's face as
it lay on its mothers arm.
s:What is the matter 20 he continued.
'Is Lula sick -
every sick indeed, fear" answered his
wife, sadly.
"What have you done for her-any-
thing ? Or have you sat and cried over her
all day 20 he asked.
mo, Fred, I have had no time to cry,
and have done for her the best could. u
And she told him what she had done, ad-
ding. ':But if mother were only here
should feel much easier.
'sNonsense You think your mother
knows everything wish you had half as
much confidence in your husband.
II wish had, Fred-I really, truly do, :"
she answered earnestly.
U,ro1 VNilr,ot 1ooIa6 Of bar q moment in
surprise, then said ::
81 think I had better go for the doctor. ="
II wish you would" she answered, land
tell him to come as soon as possible
He turned to co. but pleading voice
said
''Papa, tiss gu baby papa's pet"
Fred stopped and kissed the little face.
Oh, how burning hot it was. and what
strange look was in the deep blue eyes
His heart gave great throb; what if they
should lose their little one ? The very
thought made him tremble, and he turned
away quickly, and started in search Of the
doctor; he had not far to go, for short dis
lance from home he met him leisurely rid
ing along.
s'Good evening, Mr.. Wilmot," said DR..
Mason pleasantly.
"Good evening doctor; L am very glad l
happened to meet you our little girl is
very sick, and want you to call and see
her,
"What! little Lula ? Nothing serious,
I hope" said the doctor.
81 don't know whether it is or not" an
swered Fred ''but here we are, and hope
you will be able to dispel our tears
Opening the door, they entered the loom
where Etha sat holding her baby and DR..
Mason seated himself beside her.
ssIs little Lula sick 2" he said cheerilly.
''See, here is Dockey Masy come to see
hef.''
But the little one only moaned, "Mam-
ma Baby want mamma !"
Glow long has she been sick, Mrs. Will
mot ?" asked the doctor.
"Only since about eleven O'clock" an
gwered Etha.
The doctor smoothed back the golden
curls, and held the little hand with very
sober look on his usually sunny face.
'What do you think Of her. doctor -
asked Fred, who was regarding him at
tentively.
'sshe is very sick child, Mr.. Wilmot.
Congestion of the brain. [ have one or
two other cases, bat they are not so severe
as this.'
"Oh doctor, doctor! My darling is not
dangerously ill Tell me she is not DAN
gerously ill ~ exclaimed Etha, breathless-
ly.
e'Dear Mrs. Wilmot," replied DR.. Mason
laying his hand gently on hers, sit is best
that you should know the worst your dar-
ling is very sick indeed, but we will do the
best we can, and hope that we shall be
able, by the Lords blessing, to bring her
out all right. But remember, dear mother,
that all is in the Lords hands; whatever
trouble he sends, the comforter will come
with it and help you to bear it,
HNo, no! could not bear that! You
have but little idea what she is to me-my
one precious comfort y said Etha.
'sNeyer mind now; while there is life
there is hope,' replied the doctor, as he
gave the child some medicine he had pre-
pared
Fred, meanwhile stood silent and awe
struck. Could it be possible that their
only child was dangerously i'll? His heart
seemed to stand still as he thought over
the words and their meaning.
Meanwhile, the doctor had prepared
more medicine for tho baby and was about
to leave.
ST will come over again before bed
time,' he said, as he left them.
Fred followed him out.
evil you do me a favor, doctor?' he
asked.
ssCertainly, Mr.. Wllmot; anything in
my power, he replied.
ss,Yould you mind stopping at the tele-
graph office, and sending word to Etha's
parents?'
Fred's VOICE trembled slightly as he said
this,
"Not in the least" said the doctor,
"What message shall send?"
'sSimply say that Lula is very sick; that
will he all that is necessary" replied Fred:
and, bidding the doctor good night, he
turned and entered the house.
ashanti take Lula, Etha?" he asked.
ssYou must be very tired if you have taken
care OF nar all day."
mo, no, Fred No one shall take care
of her but myself" returned the STRICKEN
mother.
Finding that Etha preferred to keep the
child, he turned away and went slowly
from the room:
J At ten O'Clock that evening the doctor