Royston's first effort
was to ameliorate the old woman's condition, to take her at once to their
home to be cherished there forever. When the ancient sibyl, affrighted at
the idea of removal and change, positively refused, the mother tenderly
begged that she would tell then what could be done for her.
"Polly Hopkins" asked but one boon: the boy. That was the limit of her
demand.
Lillian was fain to solace her earnest desire to bestow rich reward by
settling a comfortable annuity on her and contracting for a snug, stanch
house to be built here, with every appliance that could add to her
comfort, and for this "Polly Hopkins" cared not at all; for her poor home
had been full of joy with "Alchie Loyston."
"I am glad I can afford it," said Lillian, with a gush of tears--how long
it had been since she could say she was glad of aught! "Though she will
not come with me, I shall have the best specialist in the United States
to leave everything and come here and take the cataracts from her eyes.
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