The Yale expositor., 1898-09-30

bide wi me as long as 20 can. An yo'
nun keep as quiet as a little mouse,
SO as to be strong when he cooms."
Hannah nodded slightly, her Iirs
drawing back for an instants smile
which showed a brief glimpse OF her
white teeth
"Only one thing I've got to ask,
mother" she whispered. "You told
Mr.. Fryston that he was to come on
horseback-on the bay-so that
could hear him first?"
Mrs. Robson leaned over her. "Ay,
ay, told him ALL" she moaned. "Naa,
for yo'r mammy's sake, lie yo' quiet"
81 will, nanny dear if you'll have
the bed pushed up close to the window.
want to know before anybody else.
There, I'll be still now"
After the bed was moved she lay per-
fectly silent. The evening was gloomy,
but the dancing freight showed face
lighted with the happiness OF expecta-
ton. Her mother sat beside her, hold
ing her right hand between her own
palms. The old doctor came at Z o.
to come to the passage with him, she
OWNED his meaning, and cruel pain
woke at her heart.
"Tm afraid-Im afraid that the ends
very near" he said. cts just leap
ing up of the flame. Have everything
in readiness" He turned away. for his
chin was trembling. 81 can't tell you
hnuy I Mrc RnhCnn ~ he
added in a husky voice. ut is very
hard"
Il suppose that God will gi' me
strength to stand It," she replied wear
lily. AN now. doctor, WI yo'r leave,
I'll go back to her."
AS she turned to open the chamber
door she heard Mr.. Fryston speaking
to one OF the women downstairs. She
descended hastily and drew him into
the parlor so that none might hear.
We'll" she stammered, where IS
he?"
Mr.. Fryston shook his head mourn
| fully. 1--WE no good news" he said.
Young Mr.. Amberstone's away in the
south of France with his mother"
Mrs. Robson clutched the bosom OF
her gown so violently that two but
tons flew to the floor.
Thank yo', Mr.. Fryston,'" she said
quietly; "yo've done all man could.
Yo'll pardon me if l go to her-hoo
Gamma aatlas' tn night"
Hannah's questioning gaze met her
as she re-entered the chamber; sharp
cry came from the scarlet lips. "oh,
mother!"
Mrs. Robson tottered toward the bed.
my pretty" she said, "yo've to wait.
He's coomin'-he's coomin'-a-ridin'
on tn galloping bay horse"
The girl laughed with delight. NAM
my don't leave me till he comes; put
your arm under my neck, and your
face against mine. Don't cry-Pm so
happy!"
For the next hour the mother prayed
in silence She had lied for her child's
sake, and she was asking God to ac-
complish miracle. In that hour her
faith was strong enough to move
mountains.
AS the clock on the stairs struck s,
Hannah began to cough again, this
time with a horrid, choking sound. Mrs.
Robson, knowing that the end had
come, gathered her to her breast and
held her tightly.
The color had left both cheeks and
lips. her head swayed slightly on the
slender neck. And in the anguish of
those last moments the mothers heart
began to beat louder and louder. .
Pat-pad pad - pad! - with just
such a sound as a horses hoofs make
when galloping over grass.
Louder and louder with every in
slant. Old Lizbeth, who sat on the
other side of the bed, rose suddenly,
and. drawing the window curtain look
ed out into the misty moonlight The
gardens were deserted-no living thing
moved on the cart track through the
frost bound fields.
Pat-pad-pad-pad and
louder
Hannah stirred and laughed gladly;
she thrust her arms toward the door.
Hes come-let me go, nanny" she
cried; "let me meet him in the or
chard!"
The beating of Mrs. Robson's heart
ceased for awhile.
"Ah, he's here!"
Then Hannah turned her face up
ward as If to receive her boys kiss,
and a murmur like wood pigeons
came-her life passing as this died
away.