THE NESTLING PREPARING FOR FLIGHT
Well, Steve thought these things all tended to realise his dream of
becoming a Transvaaler.
One thing only troubled him; would it be right for him to desert his
mother and sisters? After long thinking, he decided to leave it to his
mother to decide for him, so he went to her and said,--
‘Mother, you know I have always wished to go to the Transvaal; you
know what my father said on his death-bed; that I must do all I can
to make our people one strong nation, and I can do more for them in a
country where they are free and independent. From there I can work as
if entrenched in a castle, and who knows, some time we might be able to
_free_ our people in this country too? But on the other hand, father
also said I must look after you and my sisters; do you think I ought to
stay here? do you think I can do more for you staying at home, or can I
do as much or more by going to the Transvaal, and work and try and make
enough money to be able to help you and my sisters in time of need?’
‘My son, the thought of losing you is dreadful, and that alone could
induce me to keep you here; but my love for you is above being selfish;
I can only wish for what is best for you, and if you think you can do
better in the Transvaal, let not the thought of me or your sisters,
keep you back. We can get on, and we shall write to you every week, and
if we need you, or aid from you, we shall not fail to let you know. I
would not thus give you up so easily, but I know your heart is set upon
going; I have expected it for a long time. I believe I can trust you
to keep your name and heart pure even thus far away from me; and God
will watch over you.’ She wept. Even though she appeared to give him
up so easily, to go far away from her, not to see him again, perhaps
for years, perhaps never again on earth, her heart was torn to the very
roots. But she was an unselfish mother, and would not sacrifice her
son’s well-being and future prospects to her love.
‘But, mother, will father be as good to you and sisters when I am away
as when I am here, for, without vanity, I may say I think he fears me
just enough to forbear from ill-treating my sisters, and when I am away
he may feel no such restraint.’
‘Better, I think,’ replied his mother, ‘for I really believe it is the
antagonism he feels for you that makes him bad-tempered and cruel
sometimes. I think if you are away, and ceased to irritate him, he will
be a better stepfather and wife to us.’
‘Mother, you have decided for me. I go as soon as I can hear of an
opening!’