Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-16

Madame Van Heemskirk, saying:
Good morning, motherl You loob
well, as you always do. Where is the
Colonel?"
'He has gone to Elder semple's
house. You know"
81 know we'll For a long time
have purposed to call on the old gen
tleman, and what / have neglected /
am now Justly denied, for must leave
for England this afternoon at FIVE
o'clock, and l have more to do than
can well accomplish"
George leaped to his feet at these
words. Sir" he cried, what has hap
pened?"
your uncle is dying-perhaps dead.
I received a letter this morning urging
me to take the first packet Now,
George, you must come with me to
Mr.. Hamilton's ONCE; we have much
business to arrange there"
So far his manner had been peremp-
tory and decided, but, suddenly, a
sweet and marvellous change occurred.
He went close to Madame Van Heems-
kirk, and taking both her hands, said
in a voice full of those tones that
captivate womens hearts:
Mother! mother! / bid you a low
ing, grateful farewell! You have ever
been to me good, and gentle, and wise
the very best of mothers. God bless
you!" Then he kissed her with a
solemn tenderness, and Lysbet under
stood that he believed their parting
to be a final one. She sat down, weep
ing, and Hyde with an authoritative
motion of the head, commanding his
sons attendance, went hastily out. 1t
was then eleven o'clock, and there was
business that kept both men hurrying
here and there until almost the last
hour. At four o'clock Gen. Hyde Joined
his son. He looked weary and sad,
and began Immediately to charge
George concerning his mother.
I'VE parted with kisses and smiles
this morning." he said. 81 leave her
in your charge, George, and when
send her word to come to England,
look well to her comfort. And be
sure to come with her. do you hear
me?"
Eyes, sir"
ION no account-even If she wishes
it-permit her to come alone. Promise
me-"
II promise you, sir. What is there
that l would not do for my mother?
What is there would not do to please
you, sir?"
Il ask you, then, to play with some
moderation. ask you to avoid any
ENHANCEMENT with women. ask you
to withdraw yourself, as soon as pos
sible, from those blusterers for French
liberty-or rather French license, rob
berry, and assassination. Stand by the
President, and every word he says
Every word is sure to be wise and
right" Then, taking out his watch, he
rose, saying, Come, it is time to go
to the ship My dear George!"
George could not speak. He clasped
his fathers hand, and then walked by
his side to Coffee House Slip, where
the North Star was lying. Before
either realized the fact, the General
had crossed the narrow plank; It was
quickly withdrawn, and the North
Star, with wind and tide in her favor,
was facing the great separating ocean.
George turned from the ship in a
maze. He felt as II his life had been
cut sharply asunder, and that his
mothers voice and presence would be
the best Of all comfort at that hour;
SO, late as 1t was, he rode out to Hyde
Manor. His mother opened the door
for him.
Il thought it was thy father, Joris,"
she said; but what? Is there any
thing wrong? Why art thou alone?"
There is nothing wrong, dear moth
err Come, / will tell you what has
happened"
He gave her his fathers letter, and
assumed for her sake the air Of one
who has brought good tidings. She
silently read, and folded 1t.
"Ah, Jorls, your father has always
longed in his heart for England. Like
weaving babe that never could be
weaned was he. And thou, too? Wit
thou become an Engllshman? Woe Is
me! have planted and planned, for
whom know not"
"You have planned and planted for
your JoriB. desire most OF all to
marry the woman love, and live here
in the home that reminds me Of you
wherever turn"
$50 true art thoul So lovingi So
dear to mel Oh, have thought ever
as I worked, / shall leave my memory
here-and here-and here again--foT
never Joris, never, dear Joris, while
thou art in this world, must thou for.
get mel"
"Neverl Never oh never, dear, dear
motherl"
And that night they said no more.
Both felt there would be plenty OF
a q