I am poor enough but my father and mother are both spared to me." "I would gladly accept poverty if my father could be restored to life, and my mother be spared to me for twenty years to come." "I am sure you would, Frank," said Herbert.

"Money is valuable, but there are some things far more so." They had reached the station by this time, and it was nearly the time for the train to start.

Frank bought his ticket, and the two friends shook hands and bade each other good-bye.
In an hour Frank was walking up the long avenue leading to the front door of the mansion.
The door was opened by his stepfather.
"How is mother ?" asked Frank, anxiously.
"I am grieved to say that she is very sick," said Mr.Manning, in a soft voice.

"She had a copious hemorrhage this morning, which has weakened her very much." "Is she in danger ?" asked Frank, anxiously.
"I fear she is," said Mr.Manning.
"I suppose I can see her ?" "Yes; but it will be better not to make her talk much." "I will be careful, sir." Frank waited no longer, but hurried to his mother's chamber.

As he entered, and his glance fell on the bed and its occupant, he was shocked by the pale and ghastly appearance of the mother whom he so dearly loved.