It was so new to him, so terrible in its novelty, he could hardly understand it. He threw his arms around her, and clasped her closely to his breast.
“My dearest mother,” he cried, “you know I would die for you if dying would benefit you. Why do you doubt my willingness to obey your wishes, whatever they may be? Whatever I can do to comfort you I will surely do it, mother.”
“Heaven bless you, Rex!” she cried, feebly caressing his face and his bands. “You make death a thousand-fold more easy to bear, my darling, only son!”
“My dear sir,” said the doctor, bending over him gently, “I must remind you your mother’s life hangs on a thread. The least excitement, the least agitation, and she will be dead before you can call for help. No matter what she may say to you, listen and accede.”
Rex bent down and kissed the pale, agitated face on the pillow.
“I will be careful of my dearest mother. Surely you may trust me,” he said.
“I do,” replied the doctor, gravely. “Your mother’s life, for the present, lies in your hands.”
“Is it true, Rex, that I must die?” she gasped. The look of anguish on his face answered her. “Rex,” she whispered, clinging like a child to his strong white hands, “my hope and trust are in you, my only son. I am going to put your love to the test, my boy. I beseech you to say ‘Yes’ to the last request I shall ever make of you. Heaven knows, Rex, I would not mention it now, but I am dying––yes, dying, Rex.”
“You need not doubt it, mother,” he replied, earnestly, “I can not refuse anything you may ask! Why should I?”
But, as he spoke, he had not the faintest idea of what he would be asked to do. As he spoke his eyes caught the gleam of the moonlight through the window, and his thoughts traveled 100 for one moment to the beloved face he had seen in the moonlight––how fair and innocent the face was as they parted on the night they were wed! The picture of that lonely young girl-wife, going home by herself, brought tears to his eyes.