Arthur Hamilton, and His Dog by Anonymous
page 34 of 42 (80%)
page 34 of 42 (80%)
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home-duties to attend school in the summer months, and Arthur saw much
less of him than formerly. They would meet occasionally after tea, and with Rover by their side, stroll down by the stream which wound in fanciful little curves about the lot; or would play at ball, on the green before the house. Arthur seemed less inclined than usual for noisy sports, and Theodore sometimes thought he was a sad, stupid playfellow. One evening about five weeks after Henry's funeral, Mrs. Martin said to her husband,-- "It seems to me, Arthur is not well to-day. He has complained a great deal of his head, and his face looks flushed and feverish." "I haven't noticed him to-day," replied Mr. Martin, "but he certainly is not a healthy boy, and I am afraid never will be." The next morning, Arthur refused to eat; and before night a burning fever had evidently seized upon him. A physician was called, who said at once,-- "He is a very sick child; his head is so hot, I fear a brain fever. You had better send for his mother, for mothers I find are generally the best nurses. He's a fine little fellow, and we must try to save him." Mr. Martin went himself for Mrs. Hamilton the next morning. It was indeed heavy tidings that he bore. Was God about to strip her of all she loved? Her little, tender-hearted Arthur was a precious child, and must he be taken too? But she quietly prepared to go to him. That was manifestly her first duty. There was no time for the indulgence of grief, though heavy forebodings weighed upon her heart. |
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