Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-07-24

but the mothers heart understood him
too well to be deceived. a thin hand
caught his wrist and feebly drew him
nearer. = ~
.You say you We're rude to him, Phil?
How can thai be possible: What did
you say or do to warrant such de-
scription?"
He hesitated for moment. With
rare self control in one SO young he
tielcely determined not to communi
cate his own despair to his mother. So
he laughed gently.
I'VE are SO jolly hard up, you know.
and it sounded strange i'll my ears to
talk about expensive luXuries which
could not buy He has often told us.
dear, thai you would be better cared
for in the intirmary. / am afraid now
he was right, only we couldn't bear
to be parted. Could we, mother7''
Not all his valor could control his
tiemulous lips. A beautiful smile illu-
mined the face OF the invalid.
80 you are trying to hoodwink me,
Phil, for the first time. l know what
the doctor said. He told you that I
could not recover and that had not
long to live; in word, that am dy-
ing"
Then the boy gave way utterly. He
flung himself down by the side of the
bed and buried his face in the cover
let.
"Oh, mother, mother!' he walled,
and his passionate sobs burst forth
with alarming vehemence. The poor
woman vainly strove to soothe him.
She could not move, being paralyzed,
but her fingers twined gently in his
hair, and she gasped brolenly:
phil, darling, don't make it harder
for me. Oh, calm yourself, my dear
one, if only for my sake. l have so
much to say to you and perhaps SO lit
tie time! BE strong, Philip. Be strong
and brave, and all will be- well with
you. know you will miss me. We
have been all in all to each other since
your fathers death. But my memory
must be sweet not bitter to you.
When you think of me want the rec
objection to inspire you to do that
which is right regardless of conse-
quences, to strive always for honor
and for the appreciation of your own
conscience. My own dear boy, we
must bow to the will of God. We have
indeed been sorely tried. you far more
than I, for can look back on years Of
perfect happiness with Il loving hus-
band and n delightful child, whereas
you have been plunged into poverty
and misery at an age when life should
be opening before you with every
promise of successful career. Per-
haps, Phil, your trials have come to
you early, as mine have found me late.
! trust l have borne reverses of health
and fortune with patience and resig-
nation. My present sufferings will be
a lasting joy to me if 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-
dence even in the bitter hour of our
parting"
Her voice failed. Tears stood in hel
eyes. The knowledge came to her
anew that natural emotions can at
times conquer all restraints. The ma.
ternity strong within her cIamored fo,
the power to shield her offspring from
the dangers that would beset him
| There was n 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 utteranc,
to the wild protest in their souls.
Mother" he movrnel bitterly, 81
don't want to live without you. Let lis
die together. If you cannot stay Will
me. then swear
But scream Of terror, so shrill and
vehement that 1t seemed to be almos;
miraculous from SO frail n form, frozc
the VOW on his lips.
phil, what are you saying? Oh, my
son, my son, do not break my heart
before l die. Kiss me, dearest. l am
cold. l 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. 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, 1t is impossible! You are the life
of my life. l am not dead while yo,
still live"
Even as she spoke her left hand and
arm. hitherto untouched by the cruc
blight which had made her n helpless
invalid during many weary months, he
came numb and rigid. She was dyin:
now, not with the struggle against thu
king of terrors which often marks thu
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 hcl
Few remaining words were spoken will
difficulty. They were mostly cndearin.
expressions, appeals to her loved on,
to hope and pray, to trust steadfustl,
IN the all wise power that would direc,
his destiny. With the last flicker OF
existence the maternal instinct becam,
dominant again, and she asked him MOI
to forget her.
The boy could only murmur agonizet
appeals to the merciless unseen not Il
rob him of the only being he held deal
on earth, but even in that awful mo
ment he had the strength to cease hi.
frantic protests when they seemed Il
cause her pain, and he forced himself
To join her in prayer.
When the doctor brought a nurse
and some small store Of the mucl
needed delicacies Mrs. Arson was al
ready unconscious.
The boy, aroused from frenzy by tn,
steps on the stairs. shrieked incohe
renty:
Il have killed my mother. See! She
- dead. killed her. made her cry
You so.a me 10 look after her until Vol