You must take care of yourself." "But you don't think I'm ill, do you ?" asked the other, anxiously.
"Sit down, and let me look at you," returned Judith.
And the old woman tremblingly obeyed.
"Well, what do you think of me--what's the matter ?" she asked, as her daughter-in-law eyed her for some minutes in silence.

"What's the matter, I say ?" But Judith remained silent.
"I insist upon knowing," continued the old woman.
"Are you able to bear the truth ?" returned her daughter-in-law.
"You need say no more," groaned the old woman.

"I know what the truth must be, and will try to bear it.

I will get home as fast as I can, and put my few affairs in order, so that if I am carried off, I may not go unprepared." "You had better do so," replied her daughter-in-law.
"You will take care of my poor son, Judith," rejoined the old woman, shedding a flood of tears.

"I would stay with him, if I thought I could do him any good; but if I really am infected, I might only be in the way.