The Lincoln County herald., 1872-06-12


have doomed him to misery oil the days
Of his life, we're unspoken.
How wonderfully and providentially
little things sometimes appear to save from
desolation and death The hand with
which she had striven to hide the par
TALLY concealed volume had, strangely
enough, lif'ed the frill Of the pillow and
disclosed both title and author-one Of
the most mischievous and recklsssly
written books ever translated into tho
English language.
For q moment tho doctor sat silent
with horror and astonishmant. Not 80
much that the young woman before him
had developed taste for such literature,
but that she could so unblushingly lie to
him.
II do not think" said he at last "that
you need any medicine. So you have
my permission to study the cook book
under your pillow rs diligently as you
may feel disposed. 1t Is pleasant TO
know that fashionable young ladies are
possessed Of such domestic and literary
tastes. Good morning Miss Waters
Dr.. john passed out Of that abode
sick at heart.
II came very ne,r losing myself in
that trap. What confoundod fools men
are !"
The thought was rather humiliating,
and DR.. John was unable to shake it off
during the day, and when he turned his
horses head homeward. it was with q
feeling Of disgust aud loneliness never
before experienced.
Pretty much all alike, I'm afraid"
he continued, softly, to himself.
just then u little figure in the middle
of the street attracted his attention. A
child, to all appearance not day over
five years, with uplifted arms, stood,
needless Of danger, looking straight into
his face. Quicker than l can tell. Dr..
John had jumped from his carriage,
seized the little creature and placed her
on the scat beside him.
You we're in great danger, my dear"
said the doctor, looking down upon the
singularly sweet and intelligent face.
What made you stand in the middle Of
the crowded strcet?"
"Are you a doctor?" was tho only
reply vouchsafed.
"By profession, yes, little miss, and by
name John Hessman. Have you any
commands for his highness ?"
"lf you are doctor I want you to 60
home with me, and if you are not, please
tell me whsre can find one. My sister
Kate is sick-awful sick-nnd she talks
aud sings all the time and haven't got
any money-neither has she but she
will die if somebody don't come"
81 am doctor, and will go home with
you, little da,l n.y." said the friend, invol.
UNFAIRLY drawing the sobbing child to,
W I'd him. Don't cry; can help her
it anybody can"
Before they arrived at the residence Of
the sick girl, DR.. John had discovered,
BY skilltu questioning, that the child's
name was Florence Britton- the sisters
Kate Britton; that Kate wrote two
stories, and made reports, and sometimes
had to be out late at nights taking notes
aad preparing articles for the press that
she had not been we'll during the winter,
and for tho last three weeks had been
unable to attend to her literary duties,
and was now suffering from brain fever.
The room which the doc,or entered was
plainly and neatly furnished, and bore
unmistakable marks Of reiLsment aud
{ ste.
Kate" said the little girl, climbing
into the bed where her sister lay moan
ing with pain; "sistsr Kate" | have
brougt q doctor to zee you. found
him in the street, and he says he can
make you we'll. Look at him, Kate-hs
is very kind"
"Cuddls right down beside me, Flora,
darling. There, that's q good little girl.
Go to sleep; don't mind sister Kate /;
she's only got a headache. Say your
prayers. Flora. say your prayers mur.
INJURED tho girl, even in delirium thought
full Of her precious charge.
Here was case to rouse Dr.. John =
eusrgiss-a case which appealed to his
sympathy and respect-a case, 80 far as he
was able to judge. Of utter loneliness and
dsstitution. So like the good man he
was he set himself to work in good
earnest. A good nurse was procured ;
necessary articles we're brought into the
house, and over all he watched as ten
derly as if the sufferer had been his own
sister. The fourth day the invalid woke
to consciousness, and looked at DR., John
straight in the face.
"Where am ?" she asked attempting
to rise.
"At home," be replied "Plcase be
very quiet"
"Where 10 Flora ?"
"Alesp by your side. Don't ask any
more questions.
"Who are you ?" she continued, ap
parently oblivious to the command.
John flsssman, at your service, ant
at present your self constituted physi
clan, who will be obeyed Now drinI
this beef tea--taks little Flora's hand ia
yours, and 20 to sleep"
With . sigh of rolisf, . smile, q mo
mentary attempt to keep her eyes open ,
little longer, and the invalid was sisepin.