The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-05-04

theirs, my darling; we will care for them
together"
"Frank, Frank, that generous heart
of yours is always getting the better OF
your head. If my conscience would let
me bring such burden on you, do you
suppose Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy
would be willing to give up their little
home and live dependent on another p
"Then they needn't leave their home,
Bella" persisted Frank. 81 will find
some one to take your place in the store,
though that shan't hinder your being
with them as much as you please. We
will both help them in every way"
"Frank, 1 tell You it is impossible.
If we are to be friends you must never
mention the subject again. And now,
in softer tone, 81 really cannot stay
any longer. Goodnight, Frank shall
always wish you we'll"
There was slight break in her voice,
and, turning, she went quickly out of
the room. Frank looked after her a
moment, then, with white, set face,
he picked up his hat and walked off.
Heartless little thing p he muttered,
as he strobe fercely homeward through
the rain. "I'Il never give her another
thought. All, well can't help loving
her ; she's the only woman in the world
to me. Poor Arno hadn't it in him to
love her as do. Oh, my darling, how
can you be so hard to me ?"
Gould he but have seen Bella half an
hour later, as she sat crying in her own
little room
81 do love him-I do p she sobbed
ont. "The dear, generous-hearted,
noble fellow Oh, I wish he hads't
gone away so angry with me !"
"There, darling, take th sfrom nam
ma. So, now; she will sit by you and
hold your hand"
Nearly two weeks have passed since
Frank and Bella parted. She has not
seen him since. It cost her many tears
at first, but for the last three days she
can think of nothing but her boy.
Archie has diphtheria and is very sick,
the doctor says. He has gone away
| now for a while, and the child lies ex-
hausted ON his pillow. How ivid and
sunken he looks You would scarcely
know the blooming face that lay here a
few nights ago.
Poor Uncle Joe He could not keep
| BULL u luOihCnt, Oub uONCICo
mother and child in a nervous futter of
fear.
Whose step is that at the door? The
old man looked up, and fash of Joy
passed over his face. Going hastily to-
ward the newcomer, he seized both his
hands.
"Thank God you've come, Frank !
The child's been very sick, but / think
he's little better" following Frank to
Bella's side.
She looked up, with her white face
and the fearless anguish in her eyes.
"Oh, Frank p she said, family, putting
out her hand.
Clasping it gently, he said, in a tone of
mild reproach, "Why didn't you send
me word, Bella?"
" It's diphtheria you mustn't stay, /"
whispered Bella, motioning him off as
he bent over the crib.
But l am going to stay, Bella" he
replied, with such mild decision that
she felt remonstrance was useless.
YEARLY the time passed by. The
doctor came and went, leaving little con-
ISOLATION behind him. The old man,
worn out with grief and anxiety, slum-
bered 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, 80
strong, yet 30 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 a few
moments?" he whispered once. ct
know just what to do now, and you look
80 exhausted"
"No, oh no." said Bella, resolutely /;
and he urged her no farther.
Midnight was approaching, and a
great hush fell upon them both, for the
doctor had said there might be change
at that hour. Bella sat, her eyes fixed
on the child, never stirring except to
give him his medicine or the stimulants
the physician had ordered Frank, mo-
tionless as statue, watched the little
face with her.
At last Bella raised her eyes inquir-
ingly to his. There was CLEAN of hope
in her look and in the one that answered
her.
&C His breathing seems little easier. 4"
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
breathing seemed easier and his express
sion more natural. Frank and Bella
hung above him, scarcely daring to in
dulge the sweet hope that had sprung up
in their hearts.
About 3 o'clock the doctor came in.
His tired, jaded face frightened the mo-
ment 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, as
he rose to go.
Bella followed him to the door. "The
symptoms are favorable" said he, in an
swer to her imploring glance. 81 will
call in again before noon"
Bella turned to go back TO her seat
AS she did so she met Franks anxious,
loving glance. 1t was almost more than
she could bear.
Z" Oh, Frank" she said, eff God will
only let him live - and for the first time
| the tears fell over her cheeka Frank