The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1877-06-21

still a moment, but hovered about the
mother and child in nervous hutter Of
fear.
Whose step is that at the door? The
old man looked up, and flash 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.
She looked up with her white face, and
the fearless anguish in her eyes, "Oh,
Frank" she said family, putting out
her hand.
Clasping it gently, he said in tone of
mild reproach " Why didn't you send
for me, Bella ?"
It's diptheria-yOu 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,
Wcarily the time passed by. The doc
tor came and went, leaving little consol-
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 50 gentle, quick to anticipate
her slightest wish, and ministering to
her and archie with the tenderness Of a
woman.
Cant you close your eyes for a few
moments?" he whispered once, 81
know just what to do now, and you look
so exhausted"
"No, oh no." said Bella resoluteIy ;
and he urged her y, further.
Midnight was approaching, and 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 ply
sician had ordered. Frank, motionlcss
AZ a statue, watched the little face with
her.
At last Bella raised her eyes inQuir-
ingly to his. There was a gleam of hope
in her look and in the one that answered
her.
"IIis 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 seems 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 4" 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 90.
Bella followed him to the door. "The
symptoms are favorable" said he, III
answer to her imploring glance. will
/ call in again before noon"
Bella turned to 90 back to her seat.
As she did so 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 checks. Frank put his
arm gently around her, and she laid her
head upon his shoulders. They felt from
that moment that nothing codld ever
part them more.
Once more let us enter the little cham
ber. The blinds are open now, and the
sunset light is streaming in. Archie
lies in his crib, looking like little spirit,
his mother thinks with half Sob as she
watches his pale, wasted face with its
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 a
chair beside him, and sings in low, gen
tie voice. In a 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, :" received n
letter to day. Guess from whom"
"Pm sure don't know" said Bella.
She was setting the supper table, and
paused with hllf-startled glance.
"Fr0m your mother, Frank ?"
You little coward, how pale you've
turned all of sudden But you've no
reason. was true prophet, tell you" ="
shaking the letter playfully at her. |
have told her the whole story and she is
prepared to love you and receive you as
a daughter. Is that table ready? Then
sit down by me and we'll read the letter
together. You'll find out what n warm,
loving heart my mother has you little
infdel, you :"
"And what shall we call the firm
now ?" asked Uncle Joe, as the happy
little party sat down to the table. lt's
admitted new member, you know" he
went on, roguishly. Come, Pll give
you a name; 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 anC
blushing, while his old wife beamed in
diligently upon him from the arm.chai
where Franks strong arms had PLACED
her.
bella, Baby and Husband! saic
Uncle Joe, rising, with beaming face
though something like tear twinkled II
his eye. "Long life and prosperity t.
the firm, and may Gods blessing be on IL
for evermore ~