The Cash Boy

``Mother, isn't there something you want me to do?''

``Nothing, I believe, Frank.''

``I thought you looked at me as if you wanted to say something.'' ``There is something I must say to you before I die.''

``Before you die, mother!'' echoed Frank, in a startled voice.

``Yes. Frank, I am beginning to think that this is my last sickness.''

``But, mother, you have been so before, and got up again.''

``There must always be a last time, Frank; and my strength is too far reduced to rally again, I fear.''

``I can't bear the thought of losing you, mother,'' said Frank, deeply moved.

``You will miss me, then, Frank?'' said Mrs. Fowler.

``Shall I not? Grace and I will be alone in the world.''

``Alone in the world!'' repeated the sick woman, sorrowfully, ``with little help to hope for from man, for I shall leave you nothing.