Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1884-06-05

softly entered the darkened room The |
mother, with the marks of WEAKNESS
about her eyes, came from the window
where she had been standing, and led
the way to the bed.
"He was takenill last night on his way
home from the theatre" she Whispered, in
a hoarse, strained tone. 81 thought it was
nothing but a headache, and didn't call
in doctor. But he grew so much worse
in the night that 1 had to send for one,
and he says it's scarlet fever in its most
malignant form. He has been delirious
nearly all the time. The doctor did not
tell me so, and yet-pm sure he'll never
get well again" She gave bitter sob,
exhausted long ago. "Oh, Whydoesn't
he come, why doesn't he come, why
doesn't he CONNER
She resumed her place by the window,
looking vacantly out at the wild. black
night. Raymond remained by the bed
side and gazed compassionately down
upon the small face marked with livid
spots. Near him stood a stand upon
which his fragrant offering and several
walls of medicine were placed. u
Suddenly the little sufferer opened his
eyes with faint moan. For a moment
they rested upon Raymond and then
YEARLY closed again.
"Dadp the parched lips formed.
His mother approached the bed noise
lessly and bent anxiOusly over him.
eyes, Dot" she said soothingly, che
will soon be here-soon be here. You
will not have long to wait now, darling;"
and looking up at Raymond, she contin-
ued, in a choking voice, she wants to. see
his father. have sent for him, but
but don't know whether he will come.
He drank and-and we parted. God for,
give me, have been to blame, too. Oh,
do you think that he will come ?"
Raymond looked at his watch. The
time lacked few minutes of eleven.
Eyes, am sure he will he said pity
ingly. "He is at the Globe, I think. The
performance is scarcely over. No matter
how heavy an actors grief may be, he is
obliged to disguise it sometimes and play
his part. Yes, he. will come without
doubt"
Slowly the minutes dragged by. Fl
nally faint knock was heard at the
door. She went and softly opened it. A
man entered on tiptOe.
"Thank heaven, you are here at lastw
she said.
al could not come before" he uttered,
hoarsely. How is he-betterW
She mournfully shook her head. He
went and looked down at the child. His
haggard face told of the violent grief
that was raging in his breast.
Raymond turned to 60. He deemed
the scene too sacred for his presence.
But the mother grasped him by the arm,
giving him wild, imploring look.
Stay" she said. "He liked you"
While the father stood there the
child opened his eyes and recognized
him
"Dad," he cried, stretching forth his
little, hot hand, affectionately.
His father caught it and held it in his
cool palm. ..-...-
Eyes, my boy" he said, his strong
voice trembling.
"Give me a drink, dad" he whis-
pered with difficulty. ooh, dad," with
pathetic moan. "Pm all burning up"
His father moistened his lips with
water.
"There, Dot" he said, with forced
cheerfulness. 'You feel better now,
don't you? And you're going to get we'll
soon. Such good times well have to-
gether when you do. Well"
The child interrupted him with a faint
shake of his head.
"No. dad" he said, fixing his big
eyes solemnly upon him, u won't get
well; and 1 want you to promise me
promise me-"
eyes, Dot" he said, with a groan.
"That you won't -get-that way!"
He looked steadily up. His father
bowed his head, too full OF anguish to
"That's a good dad" said the child,
fondly. 81 knew you would; you couldn't
help it, could you dad?"
Every word was stab at the mans
heart. He turned to Raymond: For
Gods sake get a doctor!" he said, brok-
emily. "He is dying"
''No, no." interposed the child. hastily.
cts too late-too late. Where's mann
ma? I can't see her. want her hand"
His mother came and held out her
trembling hand to him. His father
gently endeavored to draw his away.
mo, no." said Dot, the words coming
in gasps. 81 want both-both."
He strove with his remaining strength
to join them together. They saw what
he wished to do, and clasped hands.
A peaceful smile lit up his wan face.
He said no more, and yet they under