Page:Pratt portraits - sketched in a New England suburb (IA prattportraitssk00full).pdf/184

 "Dr. Ellery," said Bennett slowly. "Don't you worry because you've lost a patient. You've done your part magnificently. Didn't you hear Dr. Morse say so? Magnificently! And he's a good judge—I tell you—he's—a—good—judge."

His voice wavered a little on these last words, as though the thought were eluding him. His mind had evidently wandered.

And Jane Bennett, whose self-assertion had never before failed her, only sat there, with a piteous, drawn look about her lips, her eyes fixed upon the tranquil face which did not turn toward hers. Dr. Morse had grasped the patient's hand, and bent down to hear what he might say. The sick man's eyes were open, and there was a strange, remote look inthem. Suddenly a change came, his face lighted up, and he whispered eagerly:

"See! See! Apple-blossoms!" And with their fragrance on his spirit, Anson Bennett died.

Then, too late to reach his ears, a voice sharp with agony cried:

"Anson! O Anson! You forgot your mother!"