Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-08-09
LII (llS the Horrors
of War
y@~o1>f 900
D$ONx SII BY WEL~SH..
CHAPTER II.


When Margaret entered the little
sitting-room, allotted to her by her
landlady in Spottiswoode street, it APP
peared to her as if she were in a new
world, breathing a new air.
How dull and dingy that sitting
room had looked to her formerly, with
its dreary neutral-tinted paper, its
faded carpet, its shabby haircloth sofa
and chairs! Now it might almost have
been paradise, so bright and joyous
were the eyes that looked round on it.
Margaret sat down by the little
round table and covered her eyes with
her hand.
81 thank Thee, o God!" The whis
per came from the very depth of her
SOUL and Margaret Crawford believed
in God with all her soul. Thou has
been gooG-good to me. Thou has
given me the best of all earthly gifts. !"
The door behind her opened abrupt
ly, and Margaret looked up with a
start as her landlady, somewhat
vinegary spinster, entered.
You're in, Miss Crawford? l
didn't know what to do about that
telegram; it came just after you left
at o'clock"
"A telegram? l have not seen any
telegram" exclaimed Margaret, a
thrill of fear passing quickly through
her. and dispelling the joy and hope
that had been thrilling her whole be-
ing. Where is it, Miss Tait?"
There it is on the mantelpiece.
thought you couldn't fail to see 1t
there the instant you came in" re-
torted Miss TAFT, with some reproach
in her tone. The yellow envelope was
indeed in a prominent position; but
Margaret's eyes had been too full Of
bright visions to notice it.
She seized it and hastily tore it
open. 1t was brief: but each word
sank into Margaret's head like a drop
CT cold, heavy lead:
Your father very ill. Come at
once. No time to be lost.-Adamson."
Margaret's first feeling was one Of
sharp, intolerable anguished regret for
the thoughts that had been occupying
her mind only few minutes ago, at
the very moment, perhaps, when her
father was struggling with his last
breath; her second, feverish desire
to rush to hin, or to what remained
of him. at once. She raised her face,
and even Miss TAFT was struck by the
expression of white, stricken anguish
upon it.
1T is my father; he is very i'll. l
must go at once said she, her lips
set together in line of pale resolu-
ton. Miss TAFT, can you help me?
Tell me when l can get train to Boil
ton"
Il fear not until night now, Miss
Crawford" said the landlady. She
hurried away and came back to say
there was one at o'clock, not sooner.
1t was not vet 5.
Margaret rushed out to send a tele-
gram, then came back to put a few
brought in her tea. and she tried to
swallow a little. feeling that she must
keep up her strength at any cost.
How those slow hours of intoleraple
waiting passed Margaret never after
wards knew; nor how she got through
the dismal night journey, with the ter
riblo fears, regrets, and overwhelming
sense of sorrow that were pressing so
hard upon her. But,
BE the day short. or be the day long,
At last it ringeth to evensong."
And at last Margaret found herself,
in the middle of the night, at her des-
tination. She took cab and drove
straight to the house, situated in one
of the pleasantest parts of the smoky
Lancashire town, in which her father
lived.
1t was a small house, presided over
by middle-aged housekeeper. James
Crawford was by no means in the In
fiuential position Miss Minnie Whyte
had assigned to him. He was merely
the teller in bank there. and his in
come was small.
AS soon as Margaret rang the bell
there was the sound of hasty footsteps
within, and the round, comely face of
Jane Adamson appeared in the door
way as the door opened.
"Oh, Miss Margaret, I'm glad to see
you'll"
my father, how is he?" exclaimed
Margaret. Her voice sounded low and
hoarse; her throat was parched with
the long journey and her own feverish
anxiety.
Still living, thank God. and still
able to speak: but he's been calling
oil hn
Miss Margaret, and l haven't known
what to do with him." answered the
good woman. Its like as II he'd a
something preying on his mind, Miss
Margaret.
What is wrong with him? Has the
doctor said?"
HE says it's his heart. It's quite
worn out, and won't do its work, he
says. He had terrible attack today
when / sent the telegram, and we
thought he was gone; but he got over
that, and he has had one or two since.
He's getting weaker by degrees, the
doctor says"
'T'll 60 in at once" said Margaret
Ringing off her hat and cloak. "No
Jane, nothing to eat just now. I will
have something presently"
She opened her fathers door noise
lessly and entered.
''Is that you, Jane" asked a feeble
voice. Has my daughter not come
vet? Oh. God grant she may come be-
fore I die!"
Crossing the room quickly. Margaret
was at his side, and. bending down
kissed the grey, chilly lips.
1T is I. dear father" she said
gently. 81 came as soon as l could
4 haI hnra haf0ra XXI