Don't give way to sich
grief till we hear what the docthor will say, at all events. How did she
complain or get ill; for I think she wasn't worse when I left home?"
"It's all in her stomach," replied his father. "She was seized wid
cramps in her stomach, an' she complains very much of her head; but her
whole strength is gone, she can hardly spake, and she has death in her
face."
At this moment his brother Michael came to them, and
said--"Bryan--Bryan"--but he could proceed no farther.
"Whisht, Michael," said the other; "this is a shame; instead of
supportin' and cheer-in' my father, you're only doing him harm. I tell
you all that you'll find there's no raison for this great grief. Be a
man, Michael--"
"She has heard your voice," proceeded his brother, "and wishes to see
you."
This proof of her affection for him, at the very moment when he was
attempting to console others, was almost more than he could bear.
Bryan knew that he himself had been her favorite son, so far as a heart
overflowing with kindness and all the tender emotions that consecrate
domestic life and make up its happiness, could be said to have a
favorite. There was, however, that almost imperceptible partiality,
which rarely made its appearance unless in some slight and
inconsiderable circumstances, but which, for that very reason, was
valuable in proportion to its delicacy and the caution with which it
was guarded.
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