Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1885-08-21
''No, It is not my place to tell her,

a, W. y 10 Aoe NY place 20 tell h0rs'
was not seeking my advice"
but somebody must say something
they ought to know it," said Mrs.
Msyne, IN u tone of still greater dis
trsss and perplexity. 1--WE seen how
miserable she has looked this long
time, and Two talked to her myself
sometimes. I've said: Mrs. March,
you must take carr of yourself But
she isn't the sort-she never thinks of
herself, she's always doing for''-
The neighborly words broke sudden
ly off, for Bertha had parted tho cur
tains, and stood with a white face be.
fore the two speakers.
"Why, Bertha" said Mrs. Mavne,
looking greatly disconnected, ..you
here childp-Sit down, do
But Bertha gazed in her face like
suddenly aroused from a dream to tho
realization of some waking terror.
us its it my mother you are talk
ing about9" she gasped.
why Bertha, we only meant that
that your mother needs a little care and
change to make her quite well. Yes,
I'm sure she'll get well, Bertha"-Mrs.
Mayne's confused assurances poured
forth rapidly.
Bertha turned a piercing glance
upon Mrs. Groves face, but did not
read much encouragement there. For
a moment it seemed as if she would
have fallen, then with a cry of ''Oh,
mother-mother!!" she darted from
the open window.
Stop her, Helen" said Mrs. Mayne
to Helen, WHOM just coming around
the house with her new book. Helen
threw an arm around the excited girls
waist, and drew her back into the
room.
Don't you know, DEAR" said Mrs.
Grove, using a little gentle force in
compelling her to lie down upon the
sofa,{ 'that it will never do for you to
agltate or alarm your motherp Be
quiet, until you can talk with your
father and your friends about what
ought to be DONE" Her voice had
lost all its tone of sharp criticism, as
she, in answer to Bertha's urgent in
sisting, gave her a clear idea of her
mother real condition.
After an hours earnest talk Bertha
went home, not in a paraxysm of vague
alarm, but with the quiet of a mind
fully awakened to a new sense of du-
ties and responsibilities. In one dread
full moment had opened before her like
q dark chasm a glimpse of what life
would be to her and to the others
without the tender care and lavish af-
lection which she had held of such lit.
tie value.
"Come here. Harry" she said, tax.
ing the fretful child. 'Now, mother,
you must 60 and take a rest until din.
ner time. If Mrs. Grove is right you
must give me plenty to do, you know
she said, anxious to put an appearance
OF testing upon the matter which haC
come with such startling earnest tt
her.
''Why, Bertha, I thought you were
angry about it," said her mother, il
surprise.
"Well, l was at first. But"-bend
} ing down with a kiss and embrace il
which she did not dare to show one
! half of her %repentant yearning aztec
t;on-she whispered: edo believe tina
3 | am your w daughter come back tx
be a comfort to YOU"
Later in the day she said:
MOGueF UedE, i Unlnk III uceucu 81
Mrs. Groves sharp words to give ME
stirring up, but now that l am stirred
you will find me hard to manage, for
am going to have my w way. Nov
you are going to have the new
clothes, and you are going to Mrs DIR
Groves, to stay TIL you are rested ane
strong. If she won't have me tor
patient she must take you"
And Bertha had her way.-Sidme!
Dayrc, IN N. Y. Examiner.