The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-10-31
RiQhf80U8 Ov0rrnUGh.
By IAN MACLAREN.
Copyright, 1897, BY Johu Watson }

"They might" said his friend; "but
'Arkwright is tough old gentleman.
Hush! Tootle has finished, and now we
shall have jellies and lemonade"
''You have come quickly, Mr.. Egerton,
md that was well done," said John Ark
wright, looking very white and worn.
propped up with pillows. II have much
to say, and I'll take sup O. brandy;
them that never touches drink when
they're well get the good when they're
ill.
"That gives me the strength I need for
the time, and my work is nearly done.
Don't go away, Laura; l want you to
hear what / say to the pastor.
1.-The doctor says at my days are few
mayhap only tomorrow, and it's best to
peak when a mans head is clear, and
thank God mine is that, though my
body be clemmed by this sickness"
His wife stood ON one side of the bed,
ow and then rearranging the pillows at
his back and bathing his forehead with
vinegar-for scent he would not have
land Egerton stood on the other refusing
to sit down while she stood, and watch
! ing her strong white hands at their
SeTNltt, Uut Ouly OuCt ulu lOOA ASl
straight in the face.
You're young, pastor-30, did We say?
and I'm owd, 70 this month, and
haven't known you long, but there's no
mon I've liked better or could trust
more" And he looked steadily at Eyer
ton with certain softening of express
sion.
| you've been very kind to me and to
the chapel, Mr.. Arkwright, and hope it
may be Gods will to spare you and raise
you up again." and, although the words
were formal, the accent was tender and
moving.
mo, no, lad; our times are in his
hand, and / have received the summons.
and so we ill go to business. And first
about me affairs. l wish We to under
stand everything, that We may be able
| to do your duty by ma widow"
| Egerton was conscious that Mrs. Ark
wright Strengthened herself, and could
feel the silence in the room, but the
dying man was not one to appreciate an
atmosphere.
1T may be that I was too ovid for
marrying, and ma ways too old-fash-
Toned. Ma house has not been very
bright for a young wife, and ma con-
science did not allow me liberty in world
ly amusements. But according to my
nature 1 can say before God that loved
We, Laura, and have tried to do ma part
j by ye."
"You married me poor girl, and have
been most -. kind to me, John. Why
speak Of such thingsT and her voice
was proud and panied.
"You have been a faithful wife to me-"
he went on. as one fulfilling a plan, "and
have put up with my -. peculiarities
for know you do not think wi me in
things, and do not like some of the men
at came to the house. o, 1 said nowt,
but / saw aal."
Mrs. Arkwright laid her hand on her
husbands, and it occurred to Egerton
from a slight flush on his face that she
had never done this before.
MA will has been made for yeIr'-
it was plain that Mr.. Arkwright was 10
90 on to the end, and Egerton could not
/ have lifted his eyes for a ransom-"and
1 / have left all to my wife without any
condition, with just one legacy. 1t is to
you, Egerton. and l hope you'll not re
fuse it-just something to remind you Of
/ me and -. get you books"
! / was very -. good Of you, sir,
and | am most 49,. grateful, but
-. really can't accept your kindness.
1t is not likely that / will ever marry,
and I've got enough for myself"
Il As he spoke, Mrs. Arkwright shook up