Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1898-10-21

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mum keep as quiet as a little mouse. 30
as to be strong when no cooms. "
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 flrst?"
Mrs. Robson leaned over her. AYE,
aye. told him ALL" she moaned.
"Naa, for yo'r mammy's sake. lie yo'
quiet"
81 will, nanny dear, II you II 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,
hut the dancing freight showed u faco
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
tho passage with him, she OWNED his
meaning, and cruel pain woke at her
heart.
''I'm afraid--I'm afraid that the
end 4 very near he said. 1T il Just a
leaping up of tho flame. Have every.
thing in readiness. He turned away,
for his chin was trembling. ~ can Z tell
you how feel for you, Mrs. Robson, "
he added In n husky voice. at Is very
hard ="
~ suppose that God will gi' mo
strength to stand it, she replied wea-
rily. can now, doctor. wi your leave.
ri go back to her.
As she turned to open tho chamber
door she heard Mr.. Fryston speaking to
ono Of the women down stairs. Sho do
scended hastily and drew him into tho
parlor, no that none might hear.
"Well. she stammered, "where is
her"
Mr. Fryston shook his head mourn
fully eve no good news. I" no said.
Young Mr. Amborstones away In the
south Of France with his mother"
Mrs. Robson clutched the bosom of
her gown ~ violently that two buttons
flew to the floor
"Thank yo', Mr.. Fryston, " she said
quietly. "Yo'Vo dono all man could.
Yo'll pardon me II | go TO her--hoo
Gamma aatlast tn night. "
Hannah's questioning gaze met hers
as she re-ontered the chamber. A sharp
cry came from the scarlet lips "Oh,
motheri"
Mrs. Robson tottered toward the bed
MY pretty" she said "Yo've to wait
He's coomin-he's ooomin- -ridin ON
tn galloping bay horse.
The girl laughed with delight
NANNY, don't leave me till no comes
Put your arms under my neck and your
face against mine. Don't cry-I'm so
happyP'
For the next hour tho mother prayed
in silence. She had liod for her child's
sake, and she was asking God 10 accom-
plish a miracle. In that hour her faith
was strong enough to move mountains.
As the clock ON the stairs struck 8
Hannah began to cough again, this time
with q horrid, choking sound. Mrs.
Robson. knowing that the end had
come, gathered her to hor breast and
held her tightly
The color had left both checks and
lips, her head swayed slightly On tho
slender neck and In the anguish Of
those last moments tho mothers heart
began to beat louder and louder Pad
pad-pad--w with just such sound
AZ a horses hoofs make when gnlloping
over grass
Louder and louder with every instant.
Old LiZbeth, who sat on tho other sido
Of the bed, rose suddenly, and drawing
the window curtain. looked out into tho
misty moonlight Tho gardens were do.
serted-nO living thing moved on tho
cart track through tho frost bound fields
Pad-pad-pad - pad - louder and
louder.
Hannah stirred aud laughed gladly
She thrust her arms toward tho door.
He's oomo--let mo go, nanny" she
cried. "Let me meet him in tho or
chardP'
Tho beating Of Mrs. Robson's heart
ceased for awhile.
"Ah, hos herol"
Then Hannah turned hor face up
ward. IN II TO receive her boys kiss,
and murmur like IA wood pigeons
life passing AZ this died
away. London Sketch.