Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-07

she already had. One day. when Berthold
was absent in the forest gathering wood,
he was detained until quite late. He hur-
ried home. and as he approached the cot
tage he saw that there was no light shin
ing from the window.
With an anxious heart he hurried into
the house and called his mother, but re-
ceived no answer. He CROPPED his way
across the room through the darkness. and
stumbled over her, where she lay uncon-
scious on the cold floor.
Very much alarmed, the lad knelt down
and chafed her hands and sprinkled some
water on her face. After while Mrs.
Aurlich opened her eyes. and assisted by
Rerthold managed to reach the bed. and
for several days the lad was her only
nurse.
The poor woman did not seem to I'M
prove; she needed some nourishing food and
medicine, but these cannot be obtained
without money. Berthold begged her to al
low him to go. into the village and borrow
some money from relative residing there
but this she would not consent to; she was
very proud, and the relations between her
self and her relatives had not been very
cordial since she had become poor.
The widow did not realize that she was
very i'll. and she thought that a few days
rest would restore her again; she felt no
severe pain, but was very languid and
weary; breathing was difficult and her head
and hands were hot and feverish, while her
feet were like "blocks of ice"
1t was a very cold day; the sky was dark
and threatening, and Barthold heaped the
little fireplace with wood, but the heat all
went up the chimney and the house was
very cold.
his breakfast; the last of the loaf was near.
ly gone and he had put the last grain of
chicory coffee into the pot to make a cup
for his mother. There was no milk or sugar
for 1t, and when the mixture was hot he
went over to the bed.
Dear mother he whispered softly.
She lay very still, here eyes closed her
hands crossed over her breast She looked
like the picture of q dead saint he had seen
In the art gallery Of the city which he had
once visited long before with his father.
The sick woman opened her eyes. and smil-
ing, began to caress his hand.
"Wil you have some coffee, mother?'
To please him she assented, but when he
brought 1t to her she could not drink it;
her stomach was too weak to retain it.
LET 1t rest here on the table," she whis-
pered; at is too hot. 1 will drink it by
and by"
The tears came to the boys eyes, for he
knew that the mixture was too strong for
her. and she needed some light and nour-
ishing food. He tucked the clothes about
her snugly and smoothed the pillow: His
mother thanked him with smile and kiss
ed him tenderly.
The lad went to replenish the fire and
when this was done he saw that his mother
was asleep. There was deep flush on her
face and her fingers were working nervous
ly. n. t9s
in deep thought for, some time; suddenly
he arose and went over to q little cupboard.
He took from it something covered with an
old coat; this he -unrolled and disclosed
violin. small and yellow with age.
He examined the strings carefully. and
then placed it at hts shoulder and drew
the back Of the bow inoiselessly across the
strings. Suddenly he heard low tap at
the door, and without waiting to lay aside
the instrument he went and opened the
"cood morning. ::Gretchen." he exclaimed:
..come in and Shut the door softly. My
mother is asleep.
Gretchen, the daughter Of their nearest
neighbor entered the Gottags She was
were blue as the skies, and her hair yellow
"a gold. In her hands she carried something
wrapped up in tower.
.sWhat have you there"
"Mother sent over bowl OF rabbit SOUP"
replied the girl, land she said might stay
over here all day and clean up the house."
"She Is very good, said Berthold, CRATE
d sS1'y; 7 am afraid my mother Is going to
Now the lad was manly little fellow, but
he loved his mother very much and he felt
SO miserable that he sat down on the stool
and began to SOB.
Dear Berthold." cried Gretchen, edo not
cry. The good God will spare your mother,
am sure. Do not let her see you grieving,
for that will only distress her."
"You are right" said the lad, rising from
his stool and brushing away the tears from
his face. Nov, Gretchen, am going to
ask a favor of you."
Yes" said the lad; ut Is this. am 20