Uncle
Charlie she scarcely knew, so her main anxiety was for her mother,
of whose devotion to this only brother she was well aware. "Is he
going to die, mamma?" she asked slowly.
The tears were falling on the toilet-case in Mrs. Adams's hand,
but she answered steadily,--
"I hope not, dear; but they are very anxious about him. I am sorry
to leave you all alone here with papa, and he is away so much of
the time, too."
"Don't you worry about me, Jerusalem," answered Polly
courageously, though her heart sank, a little, as she thought of
the lonely evenings.
"I presume I shan't be gone long," said Mrs. Adams thoughtfully;
"but it is so uncertain. If only Aunt Jane could be here, it would
be a comfort to you."
But Polly shook her head violently.
"I'd rather be alone, mamma. I shall get along beautifully, and
you've no idea what good care I'll take of papa."
Mrs. Adams was crossing the room to get her slippers. As she
passed Polly, she stooped to kiss her.
"And you have no idea," she said, "what a comfort it is to me that
you take it so bravely. I know it will be forlorn for you, but
there isn't any help for it. Papa is getting ready, now, to drive
us to the station, for it is almost time for the train.
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