'
The boys' scoring of 'E. & G. K.,' was visible there.
'Papa has taken all be could of Edmund's,' said Gilbert, 'but he
could not take that! No, I would not have any other room if you were
to give me the best in the house.'
'I am sure not! But, my dear, considering what Edmund was, surely
they should be gentle, happy thoughts that the room should give you.'
He shuddered, and presently said, 'Do you know what?' and paused;
then continued, with an effort, getting tight hold of her hand, 'Just
before Edmund died--he lay out there--I lay here--he sat up all white
in bed, and he called out, clear and loud, "Mamma, Gilbert"--I saw
him--and then--he was dead! And you know mamma did die--and I'm sure
I shall!' He had worked himself into a trembling fit, hid his face
and sobbed.
'But you have not died of the fever.'
'Yes--but I know it means that I shall die young! I am sure it does!
It was a call! I heard Nurse say it was a call!'
What was to be done with such a superstition? Albinia did not think
it would be right to argue it away. It might be in truth a warning
to him to guard his ways--a voice from the twin-brother, to be with
him through life. She knelt down by him, and kissed his forehead.
'Dear Gilbert,' she said, 'we all shall die.'
'Yes, but I shall die young.'
'And if you should. Those are happy who die young. How much pain
your baby-brother and sisters have missed! How happy Edmund is now!'
'Then you really think it meant that I shall'' he cried, tremblingly.
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