Eugene laughingly repeated her words.
"Get tired of you, indeed--not I, little sister."
"Oh, I forgot to thank you for your book. I like it better than
anything I ever read. Some parts are so beautiful--so very grand. I
keep it in my basket, and read every moment I can spare."
"I knew you would like it, particularly 'Excelsior.' Beulah, I have
written 'excelsior' on my banner, and I intend, like that noble
youth, to press forward over every obstacle, mounting at every step,
until I, too, stand on the highest pinnacle, and plant my banner
where its glorious motto shall float over the world. That poem stirs
my very soul like martial music, and I feel as if I should like to
see Mr. Longfellow, to tell him how I thank him for having written
it. I want you to mark the passages you like best; and, now I think
of it, here is a pencil I cut for you to-day."
He drew it from his pocket and put it into her hand, while his face
glowed with enthusiasm.
"Thank you, thank you." Grateful tears sprang to her eyes; tears
which acute suffering could not wring from her. He saw the gathering
drops, and said gayly: "If that is the way you intend to thank me I shall bring you no more
pencils. But you look very pale, and ought to be asleep, for I have
no doubt to-morrow will be a trying day for you. Do exert yourself
to be brave, and bear it all for a little while; I know it will not
be very long, and I shall come and see you just as often as
possible."
He rose as he spoke.
"Are you obliged to go so soon? Can't you stay with me a little
longer?" pleaded Beulah.
The boy's eyes filled as he looked at the beseeching, haggard face,
and he answered hastily: "Not to-night, Beulah; you must go to sleep--you need it sadly."
"You will be cold walking home. Let me get you a shawl."
"No, I left my overcoat in the hall--here it is."
She followed him out to the door, as he drew it on and put on his
cap. The moonlight shone over the threshold, and he thought she
looked ghostly as it fell upon her face. He took her hand, pressed
it gently, and said: "Good-night, dear Beulah."
"Good-by, Eugene. Do come and see me again, soon."
"Yes, I will. Don't get low-spirited as soon as I am out of sight,
do you hear?"