Ellsworth American., 1877-07-05

There, darling, take this from mamma.
So now she will sit by you and hold your
hsnd.''
Nearly two weeks have pass>d since
F-ank and Bella parted. She had not seen
HIN since. II cost her many tears at first
but for the last three days she can think
o'nothisg but her soy.
Archie has dirhtheria and i very sick
the doctor says. He has gone away now
for q while and the child lies exhausted on
hispillow. How llvid aud sunken he looks :.
You would scarcely know the blooming
face that lay here lew nights ago.
Poor Uncle Joe He could not keep
still moment. but lowered about the
mother and child in nervous iutter of
fear.
Whose step is that at the door? The old
man looked up, aud a flash Of JOY passed
over his face. Going hastily toward the
conner. he seized both his hands.
Thank God you've come. Frank, The
chid's been very sick, but think he's a
little better" following Frank TO Bella :
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 me
word. Bella?'
'.It's diphtheria; you mustn't stay
bent over the crib.
But am going 70 STAY. Bella" he re-
piled, with SncA lnIld decision that she
felt remonstrance was useless.
Wearily the time passed by. The doctor
carle and went, leaving little consolation
behind him. The old man. worn out with
grief aud anxiety. sumbered 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 sjde,so strong yet
so gentle, quick TO anticipate her slightest
wish, and ministerinG 10 her and Archie
with the tenderness of a woman.
Cant you close your eyes few mom-
ents2" he whispered once. II know just
what TO do now, and you look so eXhast-
ed
No, oh no." said Bella. resolutely; and
he urged her no farther.
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
medicine or the stimulants the ply sician
had ordered. Frank motionless as a statue
watched the little face with her.
At last Bella raised her eyes inquiTing by
to his There was CLEAN OF hope in her
look and 10 the one that answered her.
His breathing seems little easier. y
she whispered. Frank nodded silently
and there was another long pause.
gentle moisture was breaking out
over the child's face and body !; his breath.
Ing seemed easier and his expression more
natural. Frank and Bella hung above 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 nom
ent he saw the child.
Yes, he seems better" said he; but
we mustn't venture to hope yet. Now LEI
US look at the little throat again.
"His throat looks better" said he. as be
rose to go.
Bella followed him to the door. 9TH,
symptoms are favorable" said he, in ans
wer TO her imploring glance. l will cal
in again before noon"
Bella turned to 20 back to her seat. Al
she did so she met Franks anxious, low
ing glance. 1t was almost more than sh'
, could bear.