The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1903-04-03

Madame Van Heemskirk, saying:
Good morning, mother, You look
well, as you always do. Where is the
Colonel?"
HE has gone to Elder Samples
house. You know"
Il know well. For a long time |
have purposed to call on the old gen
tleman, and what | have neglected |
am now justly denied, for l must leave
for England this afternoon at five
o'clock, and l have more to do than
l car 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
George, you must come with me to
Mr.. Hamilton's Office; we have much
business to arrange there"
So far his tanner 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 women's hearts:
Mother! mother! l 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.
1--WE parted with kisses and smiles
this morning" he said. Il leave her
in your charge, George, and when l
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"
"On no account-even if she wishes
it-permit her to come alone. Promise
me-"
Il promise you, sir. What is there
that l would not do for my mother?
What is there l would not do to please
you, SIR"
Il ask you, then, to play with some
moderation. l ask you to avoid any
ENHANCEMENT with women. l 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 if 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 it was, he rode out to Hyde
Manor. His mother opened the door
for him.
81 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
er. Come, 1 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 it.
"Ah, Joris, your father has always
Ionged in his heart for England. Like
a weaving babe that never could be
weaned was he. And thou, too? Wilt
thou become an Englishman? Woe is
me! l have planted and planned, for
whom 1 know not"
you have planned and planted for
your Joris. l desire most of all to
marry the oma l love, and live here
in the home that reminds me of you
wherever 1 turn"
80 true art thou. So loving! So
dear to me, Oh, l have thought yer
as worked, l shall leave my memory
here-and here-and here again-for
never. Joris, never, dear Joris, while
thou art in this world, must thou for
get mel"
Never, Never, oh never, dear, dear
mother!I"
And that night they said no more.