The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1907-08-02

I trust have borne reverses OF health
and fortune with patience and resig-
nation. My present sufferings Will be
lasting Joy to me If in the life to
come can know that my example has
been stimulus to you amid the
chances and changes of your career.
Promise me, darling, that you will re-
sign yourself to the DEGREES Of Provi-
dence even in the bitter hour of our
parting"
Her voice failed. Tears stood In her
eyes. The knowledge came to her
anew that natural emotions can Mt
times conquer all restraints. The ma
ternity strong within her clamOred for
the power to shield her offspring from
the dangers that would beset him.
There was maddening pain in the
thought that few brief hours or min
utes might unclasp her arms from him
forever.
1t was Phil who first gave utterance
30 the wild protest in their souls.
Mother" he mourned bitterly, II
don't want to live without you. Let us
die together. If you cannot stay with
me, then / swear
But q scream Of terror, so shrill and
vehement that it seemed to be almost
miraculous from so frail form, froze
the VOW on his lips.
"Phil, what are you saying? Oh, my
son, my son, do not break my heart
Il IL tcc
cold l can scarce see you. Come
nearer. Let me look once more into
your brave eyes. You will be a great
man, Phil. l know it. Who should
know your character like your mother?
But you must have faith in God al
ways. l have prayed for you, and my
prayers will surely be granted. l 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, ii Is impossible! You are the life
of my life. l 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 a 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 a 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. Arson was al
ready unconscious.
The boy, aroused from frenzy by the
steps on the stairs, shrieked incohe-
rcntly:
81 have killed my mother. See! She
Is dead l killed her. l made her cry.
You told me to look after her until you
returned. She cried and screamed be-
cause l spoke so wildly. 1t is all my
fault. T.
Hush! 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 q smile on the worn face. The
doctor watched Phil more narrowly
was best that the paroxysm of grief
should 60 untrammeled. The nurse, q
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 Pills strength yielded
to the strain Of his sorrow and the
very force of his agony had spent it.
self the doctor leaned over the mani
mate form and looked into the eyes.
1T has ended, Phil" he whispered
."Your mother is In heaven!'
In heaven! What tocsin of woe in
a message of faith! The boy suddenly
stood up. Hope was murdered within
him. His tears ceased, and his labored
breathing came under control with
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 sympathies
mastered her. She burst out crying.
Professional instinct came to the doc
tors aid. He sharply reprimanded the
half historical woman and sent her off
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