The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1877-05-05

love her as do. oh, my darling. how
can you be so hard to mt"
Could he but have seen Bella half an
hour later, as she sat crying in her own
little rooml
81 do love him-I do'' she sobbrd
out. "rhe dear, generous hearted,
noble fellow Oh, wish he hadn't
gone away so angry with mel"
"There, darling, take this from man.
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 1t 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 while, and the child lies ex-
hausted on his pillow. How livd and
sunken he looksl You would scarcely
know the blooming face that lay here
few nights ago.
Poor Uncle joel He could not keep
still moment, but lowered about the
mother and child in nervous flutter of
fear.
Whose step is that at the door? The
old man looked up, and flash of joy
passed over his face. Going hastily to.
wards the new conner, he seized both
his hands.
"Thank God you've come, Fraukl
The child's been very sick, but l think
he's little better" following Frank to
Belia's side
She looked up with her white face
and the fearless anguish in her eyes.
"Oh, Frank" she said, family, putting
out he- hand.
Clasping it gently, he said, in tone
of mild reproach, "Why didn't You send
me word, Bella?"
"lt's diphtheria; you mustn't stay"
whispered Bella, motioning him off as
he bent over the crib.
"But am going to stay Bella he re-
piled, with such mild decision that she
felt remonstrance was useless.
YEARLY the time passed by. The
doctor came and went, leaving little
consolation 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, so
strong, yet so gentle, quick to antici-
pate her slightest wish, ministerng to
her and Archie with the tenderness of
a woman.
"Can't you close your eyes few mo-
ments?" he whispered once. 81 know
lust wi at to do now, and you look so
exhausted"
"No, oh no." said Bella, resolutely;
and he urged her no further.
Midnight was approaching, and n
hush fell upon them both, for the doc
tor had said that there might be a
change at that hour. Bel la sat, her
eyes fixed on the child, never stirring
except to give him his medicine or the
stimulents the physician had ordered.
Frank, mOtionless as statue, watched
the little face with her.
At last Bella raised her eyes inquir-
ingly to his. There was a CLEAN of
hope in her look and in the one that
answered her.
His breathing seems 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
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 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, as
he rose to go.
Bella followed him to the door. "The
symptoms are favorable" said he, in
answer to her imploring glance. 81
will call in again before uoon."
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,
"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 round her, and she
laid her head on his shoulder. They
felt from that moment that nothing
could ever part them more.
Once more let us enter the little
chamber. The blinds are open now,
and the sunset light is streaming in.