“It all goes to sugar,” said the woman enigmatically. “I ought to know for I’ve had them. Yes . . . I’ve had them. But while there’s life there’s hope. That’s what I always say. And a boy’s best friend is his mother. You must never forget her.”
“I couldn’t forget her. Oh, I wish you’d never told me,” said Edwin, sobbing once more.
“Now, dearie, don’t take on so. You mustn’t take on so. You must take what God gives you. I always tell them that.”
“I won’t take what God gives me,” he cried. “I won’t. I can’t bear to lose her.”
“Ssh. . . . You mustn’t say that. It’s wicked to say that; I should be frightened to be struck dead myself if I said a thing like that in God’s hearing.”
She looked nervously at the luggage rack above her head as if she expected to find the Almighty in hiding there. Edwin followed the direction of her glance and read: “This rack is provided for light articles only it must not be used for heavy luggage.” He wondered inconsequently, whether the stop, which was missing, should come before or after the word “only.”
“You must cheer up, dearie,” said the black woman soothingly. “While there’s life . . .”
Edwin wished she would shut up. He was sorry that she had ever spoken, and yet he couldn’t quite suppress a desire to be further informed on certain technical details which this authority had at her finger-tips. “Is it a painful death?” he asked slowly, wiping away the last of his tears.
“Painful? . . . Well . . . not to say painful. Not as painful as some. Most of mine passed away in their sleep like. And they look so peaceful and happy. It’s a great consolation to their friends. Just like a doll, they look. That’s better. You mustn’t cry. That’s a brave boy. Upon my word, even though I’m used to it, it’s quite upset me talking to you.” She gave a little laugh and dived once more for the bottle of spirits. “This wouldn’t be no use to you,” she said, as she took a swig. Edwin shook his head.
“Every woman has a mother’s feelings. And I know what they go through. I understand. I do. Now, that’s right. Cheer up and be a good lad. Hope for the best. That’s what I tell them. . . .”