Elnathan and she
led him into the house between them. Ready hands lifted Fennell out of
the cart and bore him in, Prudence following. And then Perez went in
and shut the door, and the cart drove off, the people following.
Although the shock which Mrs. Hamlin had received was almost
overwhelming, she had known, after the first moment, how to conceal
it, and no sooner had the invalids been brought within doors and
comfortably placed, than she began without a moment's delay, to bestir
herself to prepare them food and drink, and make provision for their
comfort. Tears of anguish filled her eyes whenever she turned aside,
but they were wiped away, and her face was smiling and cheery when she
looked at Reuben. But being with Perez a moment in a place apart, she
broke down and cried bitterly.
"You have brought him home to die," she said.
But he reassured her.
"I have seen sick men," he said, "and I don't think Reub will die.
He'll pull through, now he has your care. I'm afraid poor George is
too far gone, but Reub will come out all right. Never fear mother."
"Far be it from me to limit the Holy One of Israel by my want of
faith," said Mrs. Hamlin. "If it be the Lord's will that Reuben live,
he will live, and if it be not His will, yet still will I praise His
name for His great goodness in that I am permitted to take care of
him, and do for him to the last.
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