Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1907-10-14

l Cust nave borne reverSes Of health
and fortune with patience and resig
nation. Ny present sufrerings viii be
lasting Joy 10 nue. IL In the life to
} come can know that my example has
been a 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-
denee even in the bitter houY of our
parting"
Her voice failed. Tears stood in her
eyes. The knowledge came to her
anew. that natural emotions can at
times conquer all restraints. The, ma
ternity strong within her clamored for
The power 30 shield her offspring from
the dangers that would beset him.
There was a maddening pain In the
thought that few brief hours or MIN
utes might unclasp, her arms from him
forever.
It was Phil who first gave utterancs
to the wild protest in their souls.
Mother" he mourned bitterly, II
don't want to live without you. Let us
die together. II you cannot stay with
me, then swear
But q scream Of terror, go shrill and
vehement that 1t seemed to be almost
miraculous from 30 frail form, froze
the vow on his lips.
Phil, what are you saying7 Oh, my
son, my son, do not break my heart
before I die. Kiss me, dearest. am
cold. can scarce see you. Come
nearer. Let me lock once more into
your brave eyes. You will be a great
man, Phil. I know 1t. Who should
know your character like your motherf
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. 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 80 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-
rently:
II have killed my mother. See! She
is dead. 1 killed her. made her cry.
You told me to look after her until you
returned. She cried and screamed be-
cause / spoke so wildly. 1t is all my
fault p
"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, 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
" TIC DLIdlu Va uAS SOTEOW ana the
very force Of his agony had spent it.
self the doctor leaned over the mani
mate form and looked into the eyes.
cit has ended, Phil" he whispered.
your mother is In heavenr'
In heaven! What a tocsin of woe In
a message of faith! The boy suddenly
stood up. Hope was murdered within
aim. His tears ceased, and his labored
breathing came under control with q
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 10 the doe
tors aid. He sharply reprtmanded the |
half historical woman and sent her of |
on an errand to bring those whose duty |
n ia IN randnY Tho lost coru1/aau 20 Fnol1 |