Mrs. Dobbs had arisen from her couch to give the invalid her medicine. When Helen entered, she noticed a slight flush on her patient's countenance, and moved her hand that the young girl had better retire.
"I want her here," said Mrs. Frost, with her sharp ringing tone. "I want to tell her, and to tell you, Miss Dobbs, and you, Jane, that if I am cross and impatient, I do thank you for your kindness and forbearance."
Her voice trembled as she added, "You must forgive an old heart-broken woman for her peevishness and impatience; but never think I don't realize how much you and yours have done to comfort me; no, don't think that."
Mrs. Dobbs gazed in surprise at the sick woman, and then at Helen's flushed cheeks.
"There is something here which I do not understand," she said to herself; "but this is not the time to inquire about it."
In the evening, Jane happened to be sitting with Helen in the parlor, when Mrs. Dobbs entered.
After a moment, Jane said, "Mother, will you please to tell Helen about Jotham? She can't understand, why we have grandma here, and do so much for her."
"With pleasure, my dear; though it is a sad story." She drew her sewing from the basket, and began.
"It was near the commencement of the dreadful war which is now desolating our country, that your father considered it his duty to enlist. He joined a regiment then forming in —; and after arranging his business as speedily as possible, left for the camp. Here he remained for, several weeks, expecting soon to be ordered to Washington, when one evening a messenger came; requesting his immediate presence in the city, on account of trouble in his store. The head clerk had absconded with money and notes to a large amount. Unless some vigorous measures were taken, the labor and savings of a whole life would be sacrificed. I was greatly distressed, and knew not what to do. I went to my chamber, and endeavored to throw my burden upon one who has promised to aid his suffering children. All at once I determined to send to one of our neighbors for a young man, and get him to go to the camp."
"Jotham Frost was the only child of the sick woman up-stairs. At that time she was in good health, earning a comfortable support by her own exertions. Jotham had, from a child, been often employed in our family,—sometimes to pick strawberries, sometimes to run of errands, and of later years as groom. He was extremely fond of horses, and had a peculiar faculty for managing them."