Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1908-10-13

Poor fellow what did you do?" asked
Lucilla. sitting yawn, as she took up
her candle You must keep horse,
then you won't be bothered"
But TO that question, like the other,
Lucilla waited for no answer. She swept
up the stairs and entered her mothers
room. approaching her bed softly: though
she had to do battle with another yawn
while she kissed her.
Better are you, mother that's right
Mind you get a good nights sleep. Yes.
I've enjoyed myself, thank you Kindf
On, yes; they were very kind. do
believe, mother. that my old godfather
really means to leave me rich; he hints
it always. Won't it be nice for US to be
rich3"
For you. dear, and Atboi. 1t is a
happg thought for me that you may be
So
Oh all of US. mean. Una had on
such a lovely silk, mamma, Of the very
palest blue"
That would suit her fair hair and
delicate skin. Lucy, I've been thinking
that that puce silk of mine, with altera-
tons, would make you beautifuf7-
Don't talk any more. mother; you>look
quite faint. Where's AtholF'
Athol entered the room almost as she
spoke I'm going to sit here for an hour
or two" he said. 'If mother does not
sleep, l will mix her draught. You go
to bed, Lucy: you are tired, I'm sure"
VERY. Goodnight"
But before she reached her own room
she turned aside and paid visit to the
old wardrobe, in which lay her mothers
puce silk. She drew it from its hiding
place and examined it critically, then put
it back with a sigh.
1T might do, and look very we'll; but
it would take lot Of money to have it
properly remade and trimmed, and l fear
Athol won't give it me. l must try him"
Sitting before her glass, she studied
her face intently for a time. This was al
ways a custom of hers before she began
to undress, and was performed in much
the same spirit as that in which old Dig
by Searle went through his banking &C
counts in the solitude of his grim old lib
rary or Horton Newley, in his own room
in the west wing at Hohve, sat down
most nights to look his chances in the
face
II don't look twenty-nine," she unused
81 never look my age when I'm properly
dressed. / shouldn't a bit mind ever
doing so if l were married. Why does a
married woman seem 70 young at thirty,
and a single one so old?" she had taken
off the high transparent body, and laid
bare the powder on her neck and arms.
What credit is there in doing nothing to
help your appearance if you are such a
girl as Una Gaveston? What credit for
such as she?"
And in that unanswering question lies
an excuse which is broad and real. how
ever vain and selfish. While Lucilla calm
" slept and dreamed of possible con-
quests, the night light burned dismally
as night lights will, in her mothers room,
trying to stretch it's small pale light to
Athors face. 1t had no need to try to
rouse him; he was alert and watchful
enough, and presently he rose and mixed
the sleeping draught.
1T will be better to take it, mother"
he said, as he brought il to her. "A
nights rest will do you untold good"
Then you will go 20 rest yourself,
dear" she whispered. I'm glad you let
Lucy go to bed; she was tired, and you
are stronger, though younger. Take care
of Lucy always; but you always will, |
know. Let me have another kiss before
l, sleep. l love you so, my child-as no
one else can love you, Athol Tell me
that you are sure of this, and that the
love of no one else will ever be so dear
to you"
The love of no one else will ever be
the same-not ever" he answered; and
the fragile light could not reach his face,
there within the curtains, to show its pal
lor.
mot ever" she echoed, gently satisfied,
though l hope you will marry dear-and
SOON"
Not SOON" he answered, trying to
speak brightly, as he held the glass to
her lips; but / will marry, mother, if
if can"
That's right. Now will drink it,
and Sleep"
And she did sleep, calmly and peaceful
ly; while Athol sat before the fire which
he himself had lighted in her room, hard
ly moving through the night, though at
heart he was restless and i'll at ease.
Mrs. We're never left her bed again,
though she fingered many weeks, and
through this time Athol always found
time to sit with her and cheer her when
she longed for him; and always ready to
sit up with her at night, however busy
his day had been, while he always brought
bright. loving words and smiles to her
bedside, however heavily his heart might
be oppressed, and however wearing his
days work might have been.
Even Lucilla did not go often from
home through that time; and--as Athol
prayed she might be-she was with her
mother at the end.