The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-18

cooking a. il the dsath-aasel had already
:laim ed him. Then the 10 uscles relax I'd. and
be moaned piteously-
20 mother mother Why did you 20
way? What shall dor"
This was the frst time that Anna had
beard the word mother pronounced by any
Of the members OF this family when IL had
not filed her hears with agony.
Paul, what does mamma do for you?"
she inquired, bending over the sufferer.
You here" whispered Paul, so surprieed
that even in the midst OF his pain, ne could
not help expressing il. and then, trying 70
smile
Don't be frightened, Anna it will be
Yes Paul" said Anna, with an earnest
ness which surprised even herself; but what
does mamma DOR
Everything everything" replied Paul.
struggling msnfully with another spasm;
Anna, with her heart full Of pity and SYM
patty Tor the poor sufferer sat to work. Her
efforts were so successful that after = few
moments Paul was able to speak again.
What made you do so much for me when
you don't like me?' was his first question.
why. Paul, | would have done es much
for sick dog" replied Anna. with rising
color.
Thank you" said Paul, whimsically.
"Oh. l didn't mean il quite that way"
still more confused But do you often suf-
fer like this2'
"very-very often" was the shuddering
reply. And you relieved me almost a.
quickly as-as your mother"
why didn't you say mother, ss you
started tor inquired Anna
II try not to say il, because think 1t
hurts you" Paul ans severed, kindly: but she
lie so good TO me, that sometimes I really
can't nelpit"
Perhaps you'd better not talk any
more" suggested Auna, sill bathing MS
head.
lust this, please" replied Paul. II am
30 weak and Ill that il is not unlikely
shall"-
Yes, yes, Paul; know" interrupted
Anna, with q shiyer.
And il / knew when 'twould be-" con-
tinued Paul, there is one thing that would
trouble me very, very much"
II know what that is Paul" said Anna.
~ know very we'll"
And Anna" Paul went on. sometimes l
think may get over these spasms. They
are not half 90 bad as they were before Jour
mother came"
Drop the your, please. Say mother"
Thank you, Anna Mother. And if do,
it will be because of the care | have had;
and if don't-O Anna. shall go so much
easier for having had her!"
Anna drew the heavy dark hair away from
the invalid's .empies. but spoke no word
There was Frank" continued Paul. get
ting 30 wild and Careless bound for the bad,
1 am afraid. al fast rs = boy could so. and
now look at him. And then poor Lulu, with
nobody to teach her and keep
Of fsshsrs never saw saoha happy
man as father is now! And all this change
has been brought about by our mother"
Yes, and haven't helped her one Bit"
Al
to her companion. Paul took no notice.
And yet" Paul was determined TO say IL
all now III wish from the bottom OF my
heart she had never come. She can never
be happy, with her own child-wbom of
course she loves better than all the rest OF us
put together-so miserable. As father said
last night, all the sacrifice is hers. all the
pleasure and benefit ours"
II hear mammals voice" said Anna, and
she will be here in Q moment. / will surely
think of what you have said. and hope you
wont feel any worse for having talked to
me-"
Paul held out his hand, and Anna took IL
for o moment in both of hers. No other
words were spoken. Paul's face showed his
happiness as the girl passed out Of the room.
A thear had fallen on his wrist.
That evening the Invalid was we'll enough
to oe wheeled into the dining-room. aud
when the family entered, strange light met
their eyes. Anna was standing by PauPs
chair. and he was smiling mp into her face.
Why why why" exclaimed Mr.. De-
mer.
Paul shook his head for his father 10 stop,
and Anna began, Il want 10 take back, II
you will let me, all mamma said this morn
ing as coming from me. l am quite willing
yes, more than willing, | shall be Il sd 10
accept Chr istm as presents, and hope lt isn't
too late for me to II axe some. Ii seems TO
me iBust have been crszy TIL this MORN
ing, and then PaQf'-leanIng over and kiss
ing his forehead brought me to my senses.
didn't want to share my mother with any
body else, bat l an willing now, and more
than that, am berry much ashamed oi my
self"
BIZ lingo. Anna that's just lovelyl' said
Franz, waking up to the girl and giving her
Q rousing kiss
"a merry Christmas and q happy New
Yearl" said Mr.. Demer, following his sons
example. Now. Anna, We shall sac what
this repentance is good for" contin ued she
gentleman, laughing. Il shall insist upon
your calling me father, this minste.".
Father said Anna as she ran into her
mothers arms. aud mid her fearful face in
the old.tme refuge Then mother and
daughter laughed and cried together till Mr..
Demer declared ne was too hungry to wait
another minute.
And the reader may imagine that Chr st
mas WAS enjoyed by the family as few such
days are enjoyed.