Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1898-12-17

buOuiQ care lot Utm IN THIS way
when be only kissed me once and
never spoke a word that sou
mightn't have heard!"
Then she began coughing again
and the blood specked the cotton
wool that Mrs. Robson held to hel
lips. When the paroxysm was over
she lay back speechless, but her eyes
were full of questioning.
"Aye, my deary.' said the moth
er. "Mr. Fryston's gone for him
an he'll be here anon.'
The girl tried to speak again, but
the mother held up warning hand.
"Hannah, Hannah" she faltered
"do lie still. Yo're not thinkin
that yo're all the kin ! have, an
that l want yo' to bide VII me as
you can. An yo' mum keep as quiet
as little mouse, so as to be strong
when he comes"
Hannah nodded slightly, her lips
drawing back for aa instant's smile,
which showed.a brief glimpse Of her
white teeth.
"Only one thing Ive got to ask
mother she whispered. "You told
Mr.. Fryston that be was to come on
horseback-on the bay--so that !
could hear him firsl!"
Mrs. Robson leaned over her.
"Aye, aye, told him ALL" she
moaned, "Naa. for yo'r nanny
sake, lie yo' quiet.'
81 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
perfectly silent. The evening was
gloomy, bu. the dancing freight
showed a face lighted with the hap.
| piness of expectation. Her mother
sat beside her, holding her right
hand between her own palms. The
old doctor came at I o'clock. When
be desired Mrs. Robson to come to
the passage with him, she OWNED
his meaning, and cruel pain woke
at her heart.
aim afraid-I'm afraid that the
ends very near,' he said. 1T is
just a leaping up of the flame. Have
everything in readiness" He turn.
ed away, fer his chin was trembling.
Il can't tell you howl feel for you
Mrs. Robson" he added in husky
voice. at is very hard"
81 suppose that God will gil me
strength to stand it," she replied
YEARLY. can now, doctor wi your
leave, / II go back to her."
As she turned to open the cham
Der door she heard Mr.. Fryston
speaking to one of the women down
stairs. She descended hastily and
drew him into the parlor, so that no
one might hear.
"Well,' she stammered, "where is
be?"
Mr.. Fryston shook his head
mournfully. "I've no good news
he said. "Young Mr.. Amberstone'a
away in the south of France with
his mother"
Mrs. Robson clutched the bosom
of her gown so violently that two
buttons fell to the floor.
"Thank yo' Mr.. Fryston," she
said quietly. "Yo've done all that
man could YoIl pardon me if l
GO to her-hoo Gamma atlast the
nigh"
"Hannah' questioning gaze met
/ hers as she re-entered the chamber
A sharp cry came from the scarlet
| lips. "Oh, mo,her'
Mrs. Robson totte.ed toward the
bed. "My pretty" she said, "yo've
to wait. He's comin-he's comm
a ridin on ih' galloping bay horse
The girl laughted with delight
"Mammy don't leave me till ht
comes. Put your arms under ms
neck and your face against mine
Don't cry-I'm so happyl"
For the next hour the mother
prayed in silence. She had lied fol
her child's sake, and she was asking
God to accomplish a miracle. II
that hour her faith was strong
enough to move mountains.
As the clock on the stairs STRUCK
8 Hannah began to cough again, thii
time with horrid, choking sound
Mrs. Robson, knowing that the enc
had come. gathered her to hel
breast and held her tightly.
The color had left both cheek,
and lips, her head swayed slightly
on the slender neck, and in the an
guish of those last moments th,
mothers heart began to beat loudel
and louder. Psd-pad-pad-pa
with just such sound as a horse
hoofs makes when galloping owe
grass.
| Louder and louder with every in
slant. Old Lizabeth, who sat OF
the other side OF the bed, rose sud-
denly and, drawing the window cur
tain, looked out into the misty
moonlight. The gardens we're de
serted-no living thing moved OIL
the cart track through the fros
bound fields.
Pad-nad-nafl- mad loufiar an.