The Lady of the Shroud

e, when the fact took hold of him that there was no immediate heir to his grea

fruit of his father's second marriage-had been like a little sister to him too. She had, in the twenty years which had elapsed, grown to be a sweet and beautiful young woman. In all the past years, with the constant opportunity w

category of those he sought. His usual decision ran its course. Semi-brotherly feeling gave place to a stronger

ind. Margaret had always liked him and trusted him; he was the big brother who had no duty in the way of scolding to do. His presence had always b

a hope. She saw how bitterly he would be disappointed in case it should prove to be a girl. He was, however, so fixed on the point that she determined to say no more. After all, it might be a boy; the chances were equal. The Squire would not listen to any one else at all; so as the time we

y for his wife his belief in the son became passive rather than active. Indeed, the idea of a son was s

or a little the knowledge of the sex. Dame Norman was so weak that the Doctor feared lest anxiety as to how her husband would bear

Norman was of course struck with the use of the word 'child'; b

mportance! The Doctor breathed more freely; the question had lightened hi

le, but I am greatly anxious yet. She is very

voice came qu

me about my son?' He spoke the last

uire Norman sat quite still; his right hand resting on the writing-table before him became clen

ll?' The Doctor answered

my life. She will be a comfort and an

think? I suppose she

a girl. I thought it better not to

hy

w it would grieve that sweet young wife and mother to feel your disappointment. I want your lips to be th

id it on the other's shoulder. There was

my true friend, for your th

views, she may fret herself till she kn

task. As he leant over and kissed his young wife

t that her hopes had been so far disappointed; but then came the reaction of her joy that her husband, her baby's fat

leased!' The nurse took the mother's hand gently and h

's hand as he kiss

and beckoned him away. He went with car

the Doctor on various matt

rt of rule that the first child

iend,' he went on, 'you must not build hopes so far away. I have to tell you that your wife is far from strong. Even now she

done? Let us have the best help, the best ad

done as yet. I

es a mounted messenger was galloping to Norcester, the nearest telegraph centre. The messenger was to arrange for a special train if necessary. Shortly afterwards the Docto

pass away before the morning!' The Squire's strong

I see

. She may wake strengthened; in whic

voice was no

igil. The Squire, left alone, sank on his knees, his face in his

fore he heard hurried ste

el

better

he be

f, my dear old friend! God will help you in this bitter ho

ered in a voice so calm t

soon changed to one of pain. She motioned to him to bend down. He knelt and put his head beside her on the pillow; his arms went tenderly round her as though by hi

e, dear, for the pain I know you will suffer when I am gone! And oh, Stephen, I know you will cherish our l

e, my darling, as I hold you!' He could

o carry on your name?' And then a sudden light came into her

all her the name we both love!' For answer he rose and l

be my son; the only son I shall ever have. All my life long I shall, pleas

her child. Then she raised the other weak arm, and placed it round