stifling the sobs that rose in her throat, until he reached the period
of his marvellous rescue, when she bent her head upon his arm and wept
aloud.

"That's all, mother!" he said at the close; "it's hard to bear, but I'm
more troubled on your account than on my own."

"Oh, I feared we were over-sure!" she cried. "I claimed payment before
it was ready. The Lord chooses His own time, and punishes them that
can't wait for His ways to be manifest! It's terribly hard; and yet,
while His left hand smites, His right hand gives mercy! He might ha'
taken you, my boy, but He makes a miracle to save you for me!"

When she had outwept her passionate tumult of feeling, she grew composed
and serene. "Haven't I yet learned to be patient, in all these years?"
she said. "Haven't I sworn to work out with open eyes the work I took in
blindness? And after waiting twenty-five years, am I to murmur at
another year or two? No, Gilbert! It's to be done; I _will_ deserve my
justice! Keep your courage, my boy; be brave and patient, and the sight
of you will hold me from breaking down!"

She arose, felt his hands and feet, set his pillow aright, and then
stooped and kissed him. His chills had ceased; a feeling of heavy,
helpless languor crept over him.

"Let Sam see to Roger, mother!" he murmured. "Tell him not to spare the
oats."

"I'd feed him with my own hands, Gilbert, if I could leave you. I'd put
fine wheat-bread into his manger, and wrap him in blankets off my own