The Somerset reporter., 1898-10-06

cd the emaeiation of her figure to some
extent, but one would surely have be-
lieved that as much as could be distin
guished was that of a slender boy.
rs he comingY' she said. "Oh,
mother, to think of It'll That | should
{. - hin IA t. Il he only
kiss. d lie onee ana never speke word
that you ni2htn't have heard"
Then she began coughing again and
the blood specked the cotton wool that
Mrs. Robson held to her lips. When the
paroxysm was over, she lay back speech
less, but her eyes were full of question
ing.
AYE, my deary," said the mother.
Mr. Fryston's gone for him, an he'll
be here anon.
The girl tried to speak again, but the
mother held up a warning hand
Hannah, Hannah" she faltered,
do lie still. Yo're not thinkin th..t
yo're all the kin l have, an that | want
yo' to bide wi me as you can. An yo'
nun keep as quiet as little mouse, SO
as to be strong when he cooms y
Hannah nodded slightly, her lips
drawing back for an instant's smile,
which showed 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. AYE,
81 al ~ oh
"Naa, for yo'r msmmy's sake, lie 20
quiet.
Il will, nanny dear, if you'll have
the bed pushed up close to the window.
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, holding
her right hand between her own palms
The old doctor came at o'clock. When
he desired Mrs. Robson to come to
the passage with him, she OWNED his
meaning, and cruel pain woke at her
heart.
I'm afraid-I'm afraid that the
end s very near" he said. lit is just a
leaping up of the fame. Have every
thing in readiness. He turned away,
for his chin was trembling. ~ can t tell
you how feel for you, Mrs Robson, y
he added in husky voice cit is very
hard. "
~ suppose that God will gi' mo
strength to stand it," she replied wea-
rily. IAN now, doctor, wi your 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 down stairs. She de-
scended hastily and drew him into the
parlor, so that none might hear.
well. " she stammered, where is
hep
Mr.. Fryston shook his head mourn
fully. 1--WE no good news, )" he said
Young Mr.. Amberstone's away in the
south of France wi tn his mother"
Mrs. Robson clutched the bosom of
her gown so violently that two buttons
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 aatlast tn night.
Hannah's questioning gaze met hers
as she re entered the chamber. A 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
NANNY, don't leave me till he comes
Put your arms under my neck and your
face against mine. Don't cry-I'm SO
happyP'
For the next hour the mother prayed
in silence. She had lied for her child's
sake, and she was asking God to accom-
plish 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 mother's heart
began to beat louder and louder Pad
pad-pad-pad-wit just such sound
as horses hoofs make when galloping
over grass.
Louder and louder with every instant.
Old Lizbeth, who sat on the other side
of the bed, rose suddenly, and, drawing
the window curtain, looked out into the
misty moonlight. The gardens were de-
serted-no living thing moved on the
cart track through the frost bound fields
pad-pad - pad - louder and
louder
Hannah stirred and laughed gladly
She thrust her arms toward the door.
Hes come-let me go, mammyp' she
cried. Let me meet him in the or
chard"
The beating of Mrs. Robson's heart
ceased for awhile.
"Ah, he's herel"
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 London Sketch.
Fine Behavior of the Rough Riders.
The prophets of evil of the Tampa
Bay hotel had foretold that the cowboys
xypnl6 shoot az tbpV chose aud in fine