Alice dying! Life was hard
enough even when he had her to sustain his courage. What would it be
without her?
The typewritten part had fallen on the bed. He pushed it aside.
"Hexter and his Mephisto be d----d!" said Mogley. "I shall stay at home
with you to-night."
"No, no, Tom: your one chance, remember! If you should make a hit before I
die, I could go easier. It would brighten the next world for me until you
come to join me."
Mogley's weaker will succumbed to hers. So, with his right hand around Mrs.
Mogley's wrist, turning his eyes now and then to the clock in the steeple
which was visible through the narrow window, that he might know when to
administer her medicine, he held his "part" in his left hand and refreshed
his recollection of the lines.
At seven o'clock, with a last pressure of her thin fingers, a kiss upon her
cheek where a tear lay, he left her. He had thought she was asleep, but she
murmured:
"May God help you to-night, Tom! My thoughts will be at the theatre with
you. Good-bye."
Mrs. Jones's daughter had promised to look in at Mrs. Mogley now and then
during the evening, and to give her the medicine at the proper intervals.
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