Aunt Charlotte smiled tenderly at him through her tears; she was going to church, poor soul, to pray for his recovery, though knowing quite well that what she called his recovery was beyond hope.

Austin shot a brilliant smile at her in return, and Aunt Charlotte rushed out of the room choking.
The day drew to its close, the darkness gathered, and Austin, who had been suffering considerably during the afternoon, was now easier.

At about seven o'clock his aunt stole softly in, unable to keep away, and looked at him.

His eyes were closed, and he appeared to be asleep.
"How has he been this afternoon ?" she asked of Lubin in an undertone.
"Seemed to be sufferin' a bit about two hour ago, but nothing more 'n usual," said Lubin.

"Then he got easier and sank asleep, quite quiet-like.