The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-07-13
Continued from page 81
THE LIFTING OF THE BURDEN

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tom of the list her daughter-in-law had
furnished her. Why, it was small
fortune! Had she any right? No!
she thought decidedly. She would
live within her income from the rocky,
wornout old farm. And, too, If she
got all those fine things, she would
have no excuse to offer Grace for not
appearing whenever Robbie's friends
asked for her, which they often did.
She knew her limitations even better
than Grace did, and realized that fine
raiment would only accentuate her
lack of manners and education. No,
she must efface herself as much as
possible till-"Oh, Lord" she whis-
pered, mot for long!"
It seemed that it was to be mot for
long, when, a few days later, they
found her lying, cold and still, in front
of her bed; but the wonderful vitality,
engendered by years of plain living
triumphed, and she reluctantly came
back to life-though not to strength
fore that she was a burden. They
had been very tender-somewhat re-
morseful, she manufacturing those
first days of her illness; but that had
passed, and with a shrinking dread
she saw the anxious frown reappear
on her daughter-in-law's forehead
she ushered in a mildly interested
or possibly curious guest. Even that
haven of refuge, the attic, was denied
her now, she thought with whims-
ical smile, though there was some
compensation in the thought that
there could be no possibility OF her
sitting awkwardly on the edge of her
chair and playing nervously with her
apron; but all these were mere vexa-
tons compared with a very real
trouble that began to obtrude itself.
It was bad enough in all conscience,
she thought grimly, to be the cause
of embarrassment to her loved ones;
but to become an object of great ex-
pense as we'll was uncomfortable. OF
late Robbie-the dear, patient boy
had looked worried and anxious, and
by careful questioning she had
learned from him that times were
very hard. Then he had pinched her
cheek and had asked her sternly what
possible concern she could have with
the money market. He told her she
was misery old woman and that
when she got around again, which
| hn or
her or she'd be dabbling in Wall
Street.
His teasing did not fool her. Oh,
why couldn't she be sick here in the
good old-fashioned, economical way!
But, no! she must have an elegant
whitecapped lady to wait on her night
and day that they paid-it made her
sick to think what Robbie had to
pay her each week! Poor Robbie!
Poor Grace, If that snippy hired
girl had only talked to Tompkins a
little longer the morning she was
taken sick, instead of coming nosing
around and finding her unconscious
on the floor, she would be safely al
home with Silas today, instead Of
being a burden. Of course, if she
had found things here at Robbie's as
she had expected to, she wouldn't
want to go-no-sir-ree! She liked life
as we'll as the next one and had al
ways got sight of enjoyment out o.
everything; but this being burden
and having them ashamed of her
How long do you think I'll last?
she asked the doctor bluntly one day
Not very long, if you don't give
me more help than you are doing,
he answered with equal candor.
But, doctor, I'm such care ant
expense!" she complained. II nurset
Robbies pa for year, and buriet
him, and got MOURN for myself, OF
what it's costin' him a month for me
amt worth it, DOCTOR
You'd be worth it to me, Mothe
Sinclair he said soberly; and stoop
ing, kissed her on the forehead.
you are a real nice boy to say sc
she returned, patting his arm affec
tionately. But, don't you see, tn
way things are goin' with them, the.
can't anOrQ II.
They shouldn't have told you that!
he muttered angrily, cork between
his teeth. I've suspected all the tim
it was worry over their affairs tina
was keeping you down."
, She turned wide, startled eye
toward him, but he was busy countin
drops into a glass, the cork still
l gripped between his teeth.
you mean" she began craftily.
"Bob's failure" he answere
promptly. ''Of course it's seriou
thing to be wiped out slick and clea.
at his age; but he'll get onto his fee
again, never fear. Now, take this
, he raised the spoon to her lips-"an
3 then, at least, try to feel little BET