"But you cannot buy his friendship--his salvation; it is 'without money
and without price.' What is it to come to him? Just to take him at his
word, give yourself to him and believe his promise that he will not cast
you out."
There was a tap at the door and Rosie came in, put her arms round Molly,
kissed her and wept with her.
Then young Horace followed and after that his father. Both seemed to feel
very much for Molly and to be anxious to do everything in their power to
help and comfort her.
Mr. Dinsmore was evidently in deep grief and soon withdrew, Elsie going
with him. They stood together for a few minute in the hall.
"My dear father, how I feel for you!" Elsie said, laying her hand on his
arm and looking up at him through gathering tears.
"Thank you, my child; your sympathy is always very sweet to me," he said.
"And you have mine; for I know this trial touches you also though somewhat
less nearly than myself."
"Is grandpa suffering much?" she asked.
"Very much; and at his age--but I will not anticipate sorrow; we know that
the event is in the hands of him who doeth all things well. Ah, if he were
only a Christian! And Enna! poor Enna!"
Sobs and cries coming from the nursery broke in upon the momentary silence
that followed the exclamation.
"Poor little Bob and Betty, I must go to them," Elsie said, gliding away
in the direction of the sounds, while Mr. Dinsmore returned to the room
where his father lay groaning with the pain of his wounds. Mr. Travilla,
Calhoun and the doctor were with him, but he was asking for his son.
"Horace," he said, "can't you stay with me?"
"Yes, father, night and day while you want me."
"That's right! It's a good thing to have a good son. Dr. Barton, where are
you going?"
"To your daughter, sir, Mrs. Johnson."
"Enna! is she much hurt?" asked the old man, starting up, but falling back
instantly with almost a scream of pain.
"You must lie still, sir, indeed you must," said the doctor, coming back
to the bed; "your life depends upon your keeping quiet and exciting
yourself as little as possible."
"Yes, yes; but Enna?"
"Has no bones broken."
"Thank God for that! then she'll do. Go, doctor, but don't leave the house
without seeing me again."
They were glad he was so easily satisfied, but knew he would not be if his
mind were quite clear.
Dick had come home in strong excitement, rumors of the accident having met
him on the way. The horses had taken fright at the sudden shriek of a
locomotive, and the breaking of a defective bit had deprived the old
gentleman of the power to control them. They ran madly down a steep
embankment, wrecking the carriage and throwing both passengers out upon a
bed of stones.
Pale and trembling the lad went straight to his mother's room where he
found her lying moaning on the bed, recognizing no one, unconscious of
anything that was going on about her.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account