Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1900-11-01

preston little more marked than on
the preceding day.
On the third day Bobby could endure
II no longer; as the young man crossed
the street some one stepped directly
into the path. He looked down i'm
patiently, but his face changed as he
recognized the boy
What is it," he asked quickly. but
not unkindly.
The lady, sir Bobby said, family.
isn't she coming any more9"
u hope so, said the young man,
graveIy but not just now. She is
sick. YOU see and the doctors say It
will be long time at least before she
can come again"
Bobby turned away; the dread in
his heart had been put into words, ana
the direct knowledge, although he had
loneed for it, was almost more than he
could bear.
Slowly the days passed by. Bobby
did not dare to speak to the young man
again, yet he watched his face eagerly
as he passed, and read no hope.
At last, just week from the mora
ing when he had first heard the sad
news, as Bobby stood nj his post. he
saw the young man coming across the
street with face so white and set and
stamped with terrible sorrow that for
a moment Bobby's heart stood stlll.
Then, as the young man came close to
him he stepped forward involuntarily.
and laid his hand on the brown sleeve.
The young man turned sharply, almost
iiercely. at the touch, but as he looked
down into the little face raised TO his.
his own softeued
The boy spoke no word. but the
other read the question in the eager,
anxious eyes and said in low, choked
voice. She died this morning. am
going back In an hour"
Bobbys hand dropped from the
young mans arm; for moment he
stood still, da2ed by the words he had
just heard Then, regardless of his
unsold papers, he turned and went
slowly back to the old tenement he
had left but half an hour before.
Maggie started with surprise as he
came in, but one glance at his grief
! stricken face told the whole story.
: The lady. Bobby" she gasped. ia
+, She"
. She's dead said Bobby. dropping
into the nearest chair and laying his
head on the old table; the young man
told me I'll never see her again. and
| can't do anything for her" and the
, little figure was shaken by heavy so5s.
Maggie stood silently beside him for
moments; then, suddenly turning, she
. went in to the second of the little
rooms
When she returned she carried the
old can In which they had planted the
carnation. 1t now held a sturdy plant,
d and, bearing itself proudly aloft on its
slender stem was a beautiful blossom.
See, Bobby" she said. laying her
hand on the bowed head, 1--WE been
keeping it for II surprise for you, but
you shall have It for the lady, Per
haps the young man can take It to
y her"
Bobby looked up, motionless he
gazed ut the flower, then sprang quick.
ly to his feet, "fIe said he'd be back
in an hour shall have Just time"
he exclaimed
Carefully and tenderly the carnation
was cut from IT'S stalk and wrapped IN
white paper Then, only stopping 10
kiss Maggie in way that told this
gratitude he could not speak, Bobby
bounded down the stairs aud raced
away toward the station He was
> only just in time, for as he sped
around the last corner he saw the
brown-coated bgure crossing the
street Brcathlcssy he rushed after
b him and accosted him at the gates.
ITS for her, SIR he graspcd hold
ing out the precious white parcel 1T
. grew from The one she gave me that
day IT'S all could get. but I'd Ike it
20 go to her
The young man took the flower
silently; for the first time that day
. tears filled his eyes and he stood
lighting back the emotions that threat
oned TO oyerpower h!n.
Then, looking Gowa into The wlstful,
childish face upturned 20 his. he said,
gently IT shall be pat IN her hand.
Aud Bobby was satisfied. Boston
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