It was impossible for Mrs. Morgan longer to repress her feelings.
As the softly breathed strain died away, her sobs broke forth, and
for a time she wept violently.

"There," said the child,--"I didn't mean to tell you. I only told
father, because--because he promised not to go to the tavern any
more until I got well; and I'm not going to get well. So, you see,
mother, he'll never go again--never--never--never. Oh, dear! how
my head pains. Mr. Slade threw it so hard. But it didn't strike
father; and I'm so glad. How it would have hurt him--poor father!
But he'll never go there any more; and that will be so good, won't
it, mother?"

A light broke over her face; but seeing that her mother still
wept, she said:

"Don't cry. Maybe I'll be better."

And then her eyes closed heavily, and she slept again.

"Joe," said Mrs. Morgan, after she had in a measure recovered
herself--she spoke firmly--"Joe, did you hear what she said?"

Morgan only answered with a groan.

"Her mind wanders; and yet she may have spoken only the truth."

He groaned again.

"If she should die, Joe--"