"I have been on that battlefield. It is to be
won only by silence and tireless waiting. Your very effort to help would
make the matter worse."
The woman and the tall boy, suddenly become a man, stood in thought. She
was thinking of the end toward which her life was drifting. How
differently she had planned it. She thought of the college in
Massachusetts and of the men and women walking under the elm trees there.
"But I have got me a son and I am going to keep him," she said aloud,
putting her hand on Sam's arm.
Very serious and troubled, Sam went down the gravel path toward the road.
He felt there was something cowardly in the part she had given him to
play, but he could see no alternative.
"After all," he reflected, "it is sensible--it is a woman's battle."
Half way to the road he stopped and, running back, caught her in his arms
and gave her a great hug.
"Good-bye, little Mother," he cried and kissed her upon the lips.
And she, watching him as he went again down the gravel path, was overcome
with tenderness. She went to the back of the porch and leaning against the
house put her head upon her arm. Then turning and smiling through her
tears she called after him.
Pages:
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163