The boys
said nothing, but looked a world of wondering thanks.
Louis made an arrangement for the boys to live with Jane, and to go to
our town school when it began in the fall.
"This summer," he said to their mothers, "they need all the out-door air
and free life they can have to help their pale cheeks grow rosy, and to
give to their weak muscles a little of the strength they require. I
desire no papers to pass between us, for I am not taking your children
from you, only helping you to give them the rest and change they need to
save their lives. They are the weakest boys in the mill and this is why
I chose them first. Every Saturday they shall come home to you, and stay
over the Sabbath if you desire, and they shall also bring to you as much
as they could earn in the mill. Will this be satisfactory?"
Both these mothers bowed their heads in silent appreciation of the real
service he was rendering, and I knew his labor was not lost. I felt like
adding my tribute to his, and said:
"Your boys will be well cared for, and you shall come often to see us.
We expect you to enjoy a little with them."
"Oh! mother, will you come over and bring the children?" said Willie.
"And you, too, mother," echoed Burton.
Weary Mrs. Moore said:
"I would like to breathe again in the woods and on the mountains, but I
have five little ones left here to care for;" and Mrs. Brown added:
"I could only come on Saturday, and the mill lets out an hour earlier,
and your father needs me on that day more than any other.
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