"Mamma, who will take care of them?"
"God," said Herbert, "won't he, papa?"
"But I mean who will nurse them while they are sick," said Elsie.
"My father will take care of grandpa," Mrs. Travilla answered, "Uncle
Horace and papa helping when needed."
"And Aunt Enna, mamma?"
"Well, daughter, who do you think should nurse her? Aunt Louise is away,
Aunt Lora sick herself, grandma at Ashlands with Aunt Sophie and her sick
children."
"Oh, mamma, it won't have to be you, will it?" the child asked almost
imploringly.
"Oh, mamma, no; how could we do without you?" chimed in the others,
Herbert adding tearfully, "Mamma stay wis us; we tan't do wisout you."
They left their father to cluster about and cling to her, with caresses
and entreaties.
"My darlings," she said, returning their endearments, "can you not feel
willing to spare your mother for a little while to poor, suffering Aunt
Enna?"
"Mamma, they have plenty of servants"
"Yes, Vi, but she is so very ill that we cannot hope she will get well
without more careful, tender nursing than any servant would give her."
"Mamma, it will be very hard to do without you.
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