Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-03-10

Whisper. IL was name, Mrs. Grove
secohd-hand woman" That was the reason
III, MIS-. Srowe's presence at the hospital
mar an hour later Wooden as ever
she stalked up to the cot and seated her.
80. me doctor and nurse were too
nhuch startled by her ineNplicable height
~, ~ men she sat down to notice any change
"a her lace. The patient was uncon-
sclousi ne had not spoken since he pro-
nCunced her name. Mrs Grove. in her
en- siilotlonless voice. told them to send for
ms, VIE ana children; in a carriage. IN
pay, she said She indicated Gus " nh her
in to die?" "
~ A voice from the bed answered her:
1es, Mrs. Grove"
Il didn't ask you" said Mrs. Grove;
you don't know nothing about it,"
but am I've been mistaken both
tunes 1 eontradtcted you before he tried
10 sihlle with his bruised, stiff lips-'but
Wife"
Give him some brandy" said Mrs.
He gulped the brandy eagerly His eyes
implored her before he had strength enough
10 say: Ihey won't have nothing. VIII
you-give me-enough money TO pay the
NE INSURANCE! It's due tomorrow-Ill give
you l5o5 Mrs. Grove was sitting bolt up
right, as one would expSct of Mrs Grove,
hand spread on eitha- knee. She lifted
these hands to pull her hat down over her
eyes, and she frowned Then she pushed
back her hat. revealing a face like a blank
wall. " 'Gustus Plaintiff" said she, II KEEP
company with your father fore / married
Grove. He was fool jes' like you. But
he was clever. 1 liked him berter'n he
liked me. IN give you 500 for 1893; SO
you kin set your mind to rest bout the in
surance. What We goin' to die fur9"
My neck's broke. God bless your muir
INJURED Gus. somewhat irrelevantly but with
deep feelings.
mo faint. Couldn't swallow so slick's
you did II your neck was broke. You amt
going to die. That's another mistake Of
yours. Young woman. lend me your hand
kerchief. My old dog died this mornin',
an feel sorter upset"
With the most entire elaboration MIRA
Grove wiped two tears away and returned
the handkerchief. nor did the doctor and
nurse ever witness any other token of
emotion, though she attended Gus with
great devotion during his illness. 1t was
tedious, and for a while critical, but he
recovered eventually. lie grew to feel q
queer kind Of attachment for Mrs. Grove
Lizzie made a clean breast of secret help
| received from the woman Of wood. And
| she grew kinder and kinder Gus. She
brought every one of those things you sold
back, saying she only bought them be-
cause she knew you'd sell tAem 10 some
body else And / thing, Gus, do think
the poor soul was fond Of your father ard
he didn't treat her just right. and i: soured
her. Money and smartness won't make up
for some things TO a woman"
No.. said Gus. musinGly, and We owe
a great deal to her."
They have owed much more since;
among other things, the furnishing of the
parlor. 1t is even whispered that Mrs.
/ Grove intends leaving her savings 10 the
Plaintiff boys. One thing she certainly will
not leave them, town lot 1903. They. too.
are aware of this; because On a certain
evening, when, as happens often now. they
We're all together. Gus took his courage IN
| both hands and asked: Mother Grove
what have you done with 1:pa3?'
| The family interest had for so long cluster
ed tenderly about that garden Of piaintai1
| OF shock when she replied: "Oh, ] bun-
| died the deed right back 70 them agents.
| 'Twa'n't wuth the taxes"