The stage reached Hampton at the usual time. The passengers had ridden all night, and now descended glum and stiff to stretch their limbs for breakfast. A nice double wagon stood waiting. It was driven by the younger brother.
'How are you, Ned?' said the Doctor, first getting out. 'How is mother?'
'Oh, very bad, Frank; very bad. Past all hope, the doctors say.'
'What is it?'
'Paralysis.'
'Good God! you don't tell me so?'
The other nodded.
All this time Hiram stood calmly listening, but not saying a word. He was greatly relieved. He felt sure that he could not return to New York for two or three weeks, and—he was to be married in three weeks.
Dr. Frank was the first to enter the sick room. Though a physician, accustomed to every form of disease, he was appalled at the change in his mother's appearance. On this, however, we will not dwell. Mrs. Meeker had been gradually sinking since the first attack. She was quite sensible, however. Dr. Frank approached the bed and kneeled down and addressed his mother tenderly.
The poor woman tried to articulate, and after many efforts, she gasped—'Hiram.'