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 same time trying to laugh away her confusion, "you know that we always like to hear you talk; but now we think that you are very low, and wish to spare you the least worriment."

"I am not aware that I am any weaker than I have been before," she answered; "though I may be deceived in regard to myself. It is possible that I may even drop away soon; if I thought that, I should wish to see all my family together once more, before I left them. Your father is, I suppose, two hundred miles away; but he could soon reach home. All the children, save Robert, are near at hand. I don't know why he ever went to that distant wilderness in the Indian country. I fear that I shall never see him again."

"Mother, the doctor assured us that he does not consider you in imminent danger, or we should have sent for father, and brother's family ere this," responded Susan; "still, if you feel a strong desire for their presence, I will tell Austin, and he shall send for them without more delay."