"Because I don't want Car'line or any one else peeking and
harking to what I've got to say. She's out milking now, and I
must make the most of the chance. Eunice, I'm going to die,
and..."
"Ma!"
"There now, no taking on! You knew it had to come sometime soon.
I haven't the strength to talk much, so I want you just to be
quiet and listen. I ain't feeling any pain now, so I can think
and talk pretty clear. Are you listening, Eunice?"
"Yes, ma."
"Mind you are. It's about Christopher. It hasn't been out of my
mind since I laid down here. I've fought for a year to live, on
his account, and it ain't any use. I must just die and leave
him, and I don't know what he'll do. It's dreadful to think of."
She paused, and struck her shrunken hand sharply against the
table.
"If he was bigger and could look out for himself it wouldn't be
so bad. But he is only a little fellow, and Car'line hates him.
You'll both have to live with her until you're grown up. She'll
put on him and abuse him. He's like his father in some ways;
he's got a temper and he is stubborn. He'll never get on with
Car'line. Now, Eunice, I'm going to get you to promise to take
my place with Christopher when I'm dead, as far as you can.
You've got to; it's your duty. But I want you to promise."
"I will, ma," whispered the girl solemnly.
"You haven't much force--you never had. If you was smart, you
could do a lot for him.
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