The Cook County herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Minn.) 1893-1909, 1899-02-18

care for him in this way when he only
kissed me once, and never spoke q
word that you mightn't have heard"
Then she began coughing again, and
the blood speckled the cottonwood
that Mrs Robson held to her lips.
When the paroxysm was over, she lay
back speechless, but her eyes were full
of questioning. f.,
"Ay, 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, E*do
lie still. Yo're not thinkin' that yo're
all the kin I have, an that I want yo'
bide wi me as long as yo' can. An yo'
mum keep as quiet as little mouse,
so as to be strong when he cooms."
Hannah nodded slightly, her lips
drawing back for an instant's smile,
which showed a brief glimpse Of her
white teeth. ="
"Only one thing I've got to ask.
mother she whispered. "You told
A'AA' JoIoA IAAoL 4S " 0Io w SoAAAS OAA
horseback-on the bay-so that I
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. y
81 will, nanny dear, if you'll have
the bed pushed up close to the window.
I 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 o.
clock. When he desired Mrs. Robson
to come to the passage with him, she
OWNED his meaning, and a cruel pain
woke at her heart.
I'm afraid-I'm afraid that the ends
very near" he said. cts just leap
in readiness" He turned away, for his
chin was trembling. II can't tell you
how. I feel for you, Mrs. Robson" he
added in a husky voice. 1T is very
hard"
II 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
Well, - she stammered, *swhere is
he?" @,'.5sSs y. ..-~ <--~
Mr.. Fryston shook his head mourn
fully. "I've 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.
Yo1l pardon me if I go to, her-hoo
Gamma aatlas' tn night
Hannah's questioning gaze met her
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. "Mam-
my, don't leave me till he comes: put
your arm under my neck, and your
face against mine. Don't cry-I'm 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 8,
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. Il
Pat-pad pad y pad! with just
such sound as horses hoofs make
when galloping over grass.
Louder and louder with every in
stant. 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!- d!-louder and
| louder.
Hannah stirred and laughed gladly:
she thrust her arms toward the door.
"He's come-let me go, mammy!" 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 a wood pigeons
came-her life passing as this died
| away. ..s