` She will be here directly , and I dread her coming , for I 'm afraid the poor lad who has just gone is her boy . I 'd rather face a cannon than these brave women , with their hope and courage and great sorrow , ' says the surgeon . ` Ah , these poor mothers break my heart ! ' adds the nurse , wiping her eyes on her big apron ; and with the words Mrs Meg came in . There was the same dress , the basket and umbrella , the rustic speech , the simple manners ; but all were made pathetic by the terrible experience which had changed the tranquil old woman to that haggard figure with wild eyes , dusty feet , trembling hands , and an expression of mingled anguish , resolution , and despair which gave the homely figure a tragic dignity and power that touched all hearts . A few broken words told the story of her vain search , and then the sad quest began again . People held their breath as , led by the nurse , she went from bed to bed , showing in her face the alternations of hope , dread , and bitter disappointment as each was passed . On a narrow cot was a long figure covered with a sheet , and here she paused to lay one hand on her heart and one on her eyes , as if to gather courage to look at the nameless dead . Then she drew down the sheet , gave a long shivering sigh of relief , saying softly : ` Not my son , thank God ! but some mother 's boy . ' And stooping down , she kissed the cold forehead tenderly . Somebody sobbed there , and Miss Cameron shook two tears out of her eyes , anxious to lose no look or gesture as the poor soul , nearly spent with the long strain , struggled on down the long line . But her search was happily ended for , as if her voice had roused him from his feverish sleep , a gaunt , wild-eyed man sat up in his bed , and stretching his arms to her , cried in a voice that echoed through the room : ` Mother , mother ! I knew you 'd come to me ! ' She did go to him , with a cry of love and joy that thrilled every listener , as she gathered him in her arms with the tears and prayers and blessing such as only a fond and faithful old mother could give . The last scene was a cheerful contrast to this ; for the country kitchen was bright with Christmas cheer , the wounded hero , with black patch and crutches well displayed , sat by the fire in the old chair whose familiar creak was soothing to his ear ; pretty Dolly was stirring about , gaily trimming dresser , settle , high chimney-piece , and old-fashioned cradle with mistletoe and holly ; while the mother rested beside her son , with that blessed baby on her knee . Refreshed by a nap and nourishment , this young actor now covered himself with glory by his ecstatic prancings , incoherent remarks to the audience , and vain attempts to get to the footlights , as he blinked approvingly at these brilliant toys . It was good to see Mrs Meg pat him on the back , cuddle the fat legs out of sight , and appease his vain longings with a lump of sugar , till Baby embraced her with a grateful ardour that brought him a round of applause all for his little self . A sound of singing outside disturbs the happy family , and , after a carol in the snowy moonlight , a flock of neighbours troop in with Christmas gifts and greetings . Much by-play made this a lively picture ; for Sam 's sweetheart hovered round him with a tenderness the Marquise did not show the Baron ; and Dolly had a pretty bit under the mistletoe with her rustic adorer , who looked so like Ham Peggotty in his cowhide boots , rough jacket , and dark beard and wig , that no one would have recognized Ted but for the long legs , which no extent of leather could disguise .
It ended with a homely feast , brought by the guests ; and as they sat round the table covered with doughnuts and cheese , pumpkin-pie , and other delicacies , XXXXX rises on his crutches to propose the first toast , and holding up his mug of cider , says , with a salute , and a choke in his voice : ` Mother , God bless her ! '
Baron Cameron Dolly Mother Sam Ted ardour footlights holly prancings