Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-04-15
Mrs. Wilson came, for though rough


her eyes rested on the little sufferer.
Bring me some water. quick I" she
called, ''and help TO get of his clothes"
Stella obeyed.
Hold him so," was her command,
putting him into the bath. ~ will run
home and get some medicine. Such
women as you amt fit for mothers" she
continued, returning with her hands
full of bottles.
"Oh, Freddy" cried Stella, dropping
on her knees, If you'll only get well, i
will try so hard TO bear everything.
"And what trials have you to bear ?"
asked Mrs. Wilson. "You have a
pretty home," looking about the room,
+" ii twas put in order"
ut isn't like the house I'm used to-"
Young people don't expect to begin
where the old ones left off. They must
make their own homes"
- never understood it so. Sister
Belle is the only mother | ever knew,
and her advice was never to marry n
poor man.
so you keep finding fault and COM
planning when your husband is trying
in every possible way TO make an honest
living. 1t is wonder that you haven't
driven him TO drink long ago."
but my husband is n good man." re-
piled Stella, warmly, resenting the last
part of the speech
:" He has shown himself TO be good
man."
The woman said il in good faith.
wrapping Freddy in soft flannels, and
administering a quieting potion. She
had been watching the movements OF
this couple ever since they came to live
in the house.
My baby will get well, won't hep"
was said, pleadingly, and the poor thing
sobbed again as IL her heart would
break.
YES, indeed"
And you stay with me through the
night?" forgetting she. was one of "those
people"
I'D stay with you a whole blessed
week." replied tIue-hearted Mrs. Will
son, "if could make you n wife worthy
of your husband"
Tell me what shall do and I'll do
it faithfully and willingly, and without
complaining.
All through the long night hours,
while Freddy lay between life and
death, Mrs. Wilson worked over him
bravely, and told to the girl-mother
chapters of her own life. experience.
There were passages over which Stella
wept bitterly, and when morning
dawned, giving back the child from
danger, in place Of the tickle, unreasona-
BILE woman, there was one ready to
meet lite's work with firm purpose and
strong heart.
She tidied up each apartment, and in
stead OF going about in n dowdy wrap
,NfYN "A be-
hair becomingly. and changed the
pucker about her mouth for her own
rosy lips.
YOU'RE a pretty little thing" Mrs.
Wilson told her. when she had fastened
knot of blue ribbon in her blonde
hair. See after baby now. I'll look
in every now and then through the day,
and tonight will come back to you.
You're husband will be here tomorrow
morningP"
Yes" replied Stella, with bright
look in her eyes. " He will be here by
ten O'Clock"
After all it was long time 10 wait,
she thought. She was so impatient 10
tell him and she would kiss him as
many times rs he wished.
"Yes. indeed" she exclaimed, Joy
fully, bending over Frcddie's crib. well
kiss papa n hundred thousand times,
won't we, dear9"
Il do wish Clarence would come"
she kept saying next morning. what
detains him?" she continued, " hen the
clock was on the stroke of twelve.
What if" and her heart was like
lead in her bosom as she recalled the
look she last saw on his face. "What
if he never comes back 7" she murmured.
going into her own room.
Mrs. Wilson" she called. where is
my husbandr
In an instant the dear. good soul was
beside her, resting hand tenderly on
the aching head.
True-hearted womanl She shrank
from saying it had been dreadful night
on the sound, and that steamer had
collided with the New York boat. Her
husband travels by boat" had been her
conclusion.
Stella caught at her arm. the sound:of
her voice answering Freddy, and with
cry she fell.
Poor, tired, inexperienced wife and
mother Was the ordeal so ordered
With the help of a neighbor Mrs. Will
son laid her on the bed.
Run for the DOCTOR" she said to
Miss Williams.
but you don't know
II do" she interrupted. Mrs. Hen
shaw will have a run of nervous fever,
and whether her husband Is dead or
alive, I can't say.
When Stella opened her eyes again Il
was nearly night. She knew no one
about the bed, but talked TO Clarence
and Freddy and sister Belle.
She was going to help her husband,
now. She could earn money by teach
ing music, or painting, OF /" might have
few pupils in dancing" she added.
d" But forgive me for striking" and
her arms were put up as If 10 clasp
something. when she dczed again.
Late that evening Clarence came in
sight of home. Contrary TO Mrs. Will
sons conjecture, he came by different
route.
He had thought to telegraph, " But
Stella won't worry" he said, :" If I am
late"
The light faded from his eyes and his