Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-06-01

don't want to live without you. Let us die together. If you cannot stay with me. then swear"--
 But scream of terror, so shrlll and vehement that 1t seemed to be almost miraculous from so fraii q form, froze the VOW on his lips.
 "Phil, what are you saying7 Oh, my son, my son, do not break my heart before die. Kiss me, dearest. I am cold. can scarce see you. Come nearer. Let me look once more into your brave eyes. You will be great man, Phil. know 1t. Who should know your character like your mother? But you must have faith in God al- ways. I have prayed for you, and my prayers will surely be granted. will watch over you. If you are in danger, my spirit will come back to you across the void. We cannot be parted. Oh. God, 1t is impossible! You are the life of my life. I am not dead while you still live"
 Even as she spoke her left hand and arm, hitherto untouched by the cruel blight which had made her helpless invalid during many weary months, be- came numb and rigid. She was dying now, not with the struggle against the king of terrors which often marks the passing of humanity but with slow torpidity more akin to sleep.
 Her brain was clear, but the stock of nervous force had sunk so low that her few remaining words were spoken with difficulty. They were mostly endearing expressions, appeals to her loved one to hope and pray, to trust steadfastly in the all wise power that would direct his destiny. With the last flicker of existence the maternal instinct became dominant again, and she asked him not to forget her.
 The boy could only murmur agonized appeals to the merciless unseen not to rob him of the only being he held dear on earth, but even in that awful mo- ment he had the strength to cease his frantic protests when they seemed to cause her pain, and he forced himself to join her in prayer.
 When the doctor brought a nurse and some small store of the much needed delicacies Mrs. Anson was al- ready unconscious.
 The boy, aroused from frenzy by the steps on the stairs, shrieked incohe- rently:
 q have killed my mother. See! She Is dead. I killed her. I made her cry. You told me to look after her until you returned. She cried and screamed be- cause I spoke so wildly. It is all my fault. r.
 "Hushl Your mother is not dead, but dying. Not all the skill of man can save her. Let her die in peace"
 No other words could have checked the wild torrent of lament that surged from that wounded heart. So she still lived. There remained a faint flicker of life. Not yet had she passed the dreadful barrier of eternity. Through his binding tears he thought he could discern smile on the worn face. The doctor watched Phil more narrowly than the sunken frame on the bed. It was best that the paroxysm of grief should go untrammeled. The nurse, a young woman unused as yet to the in. evitableness of death, moved timidly toward the windows and adjusted the curtains to admit more light.
 At last when Phil's strength yielded to the strain of his sorrow and the very force of his agony had spent it. self tho doctor leaned over the mani. mate form and looked into the eyes. ! Ut has ended, Phil." he whispered. @Your mother is in heavenr'
 In heaven! What a tocsin of woe in q message of faith! The boy suddenly stood up. Hope was murdered within him. His tears ceased, and his labored breathing came under control with a mighty effort. He stopped and kissed the pale cheeks twice.
 "Goodby. mother" he said, and the dull pain in his voice was SO heart rending that the nurses sympathles mastered her. She burst out crying. Professional instinct came to the doc. tors aid. He sharply reprimanded the half hysterical woman and sent her of on an errand to bring those whose duty 1t is to render the last services to frail mortality. The boy he led downstairs. He was busy man, with many claims on his time, but this strange youngster interested him, and he resolved to turn the boys thoughts forcibly away from the all absorbing horror of his moth CTS death.
 Have you q tumbler or a cupT he said sharply.
 Phil handed him tumbier. Tho doctor poured out some wine taken from the nurses basket, soaked piece of bread in the liquor and gave 1t to the boy with m imperative command to eat 1t instart;y.
 Somewhat 10 his surprise. he was obcyed. While Phil was deTOaring the food of which he stood 90 greatly in need the doctor reviewed the circum. stances of this poverty stricken house hold SO far as they were known to him. MT. and Mrs. Anson had occupied q fairly good position in Dieppe. where Philips father was the agent of an old established London firm of coal ship. pers. About two years earlier both husband and wife were seriously in ,ured in a motor car accident Mir. An son sustained concussIon of the brain and practically never regained hii senses. though he fingered for some weeks and was subjected to two op eratiOns. Mrs. Anson's spine was dam aged. with the result that she changed from q bright and vigorous woman In