It seems to be very important that he should have his supper." "He shall have it," assured Deborah, rather enjoying the way in which Mark was put down; "that is, if he don't get me kicked out of the house." "You had better not make any such threats in the future, Mark," said Frank, significantly.
"Who's to hinder ?" blustered Mark.
"I am," answered Frank, pointedly.
"You are nothing but a boy like me," retorted Mark.
"My mother is mistress here, and I represent her." "Things may change soon," muttered Mark; but Frank had left the room and did not hear him.
Mark did not trouble himself even to inquire for his stepmother, but went out to the stable and lounged about until bedtime.

He seemed very much bored, and so expressed himself.
Frank wished to sit up all night with his mother, but, as she had a professional nurse, it was thought best that he should obtain his regular rest, the nurse promising to call the family if any change should be apparent in her patient's condition.
About half-past four in the morning there was a summons.
"Mrs.Manning is worse," said the nurse.

"I don't think she can last long." One last glance of love--though she could no longer speak--assured Frank that she knew him and loved him to the last.
The memory of that look often came back to him in the years that followed, and he would not have parted with it for anything that earth could give.
Just as the clock struck five, his mother breathed her last.

The boy gazed upon the inanimate form, but he was dazed, and could not realize that his mother had left him, never to return.
"She is gone," said Mr.Manning, softly.
"Dead!" ejaculated Frank.
"Yes, her sufferings are over.

Let us hope she is better off.