y
lunch."

He lifted her from the floor, and kissed her hastily. She raised her arms
as if to wind them about his neck, but his grave face gave her no
encouragement, and turning away she retired to her room, with hot tears
rolling over her cheeks. Russell had scarcely read half a dozen lines after
his cousin's departure when a soft hand swept back the locks of hair on his
forehead, and wiped away the heavy drops that moistened them.

"My son, you promised me you would not sit up late to-night."

"Well, mother, I have almost finished. Remember the nights are very short
now, and twelve o'clock comes early."

"The better reason that you should not be up so late. My son, I am afraid
you will ruin your health by this unremitting application."

"Why--look at me. I am as strong as an athlete of old." He shook his limbs
and smiled, proud of his great physical strength.

"True, Russell; but, robust as you are, you cannot stand such toil without
detriment. Put up your books."

"Not yet; I have more laid out, and you know I invariably finish all I set
apart to do. But, mother, your hand is hot; you are not well." He raised
the thin hand, and pressed it to his lips.

"A mere headache, nothing more. Mr. Clark was here to-day; he is very
impatient about the rent. I told him we were doing all we could, and
thought that by September we should be able to pay the whole." He knew she
watched him, and answered with a forced smile. "Yes, he came to the store
this morning. I told him we had been very unfortunate this year, that
sickness had forced us to incur more expense than usual. However, I drew
fifty dollars, and paid him all I could. True, I anticipated my dues, but
Mr. Watson gave me permission. So for the present you need not worry about
rent."

"What is the amount of that grocery bill you would not let me see last
week?"

"My dear mother, do not trouble yourself with these little matters; the
grocery bill will very soon be paid. I have arranged with Mr. Hill to keep
his books at night, and therefore, you may be easy. Trust all to me,
mother; only take care of your dear self, and I ask no more."

"Oh, Russell! my son, my dear son!"

She had drawn a chair near him, and now laid her head on his shoulder,
while tears dropped on his hand. He had not seen her so unnerved for years,
and as he looked down on her grief-stained, yet resigned face, his
countenance underwent a marvellous change; and, folding his arms about her,
h