The Strength of Gideon and Other Stories by Paul Laurence Dunbar
page 80 of 240 (33%)
page 80 of 240 (33%)
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"But I can't lay hyeah long, doctah, case I ain't got nuffin' to go
on." "Well, take your choice: the bed or the boneyard." Eliza began to cry. "You needn't sniffle," said the doctor; "I don't see what you people want to come up here for anyhow. Why don't you stay down South where you belong? You come up here and you're just a burden and a trouble to the city. The South deals with all of you better, both in poverty and crime." He knew that these people did not understand him, but he wanted an outlet for the heat within him. There was another angry being in the room, and that was Patsy. His eyes were full of tears that scorched him and would not fall. The memory of many beautiful and appropriate oaths came to him; but he dared not let his mother hear him swear. Oh! to have a stone--to be across the street from that man! When the physician walked out, Patsy went to the bed, took his mother's hand, and bent over shamefacedly to kiss her. He did not know that with that act the Recording Angel blotted out many a curious damn of his. The little mark of affection comforted Eliza unspeakably. The mother-feeling overwhelmed her in one burst of tears. Then she dried her eyes and smiled at him. "Honey," she said; "mammy ain' gwine lay hyeah long. She be all right |
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