The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1872-09-19

ly enough, lifted the frill of the pillow
and disclosed both title and author-one
of the most mischievous and recklessly
written books ever translated into the
English language.
For moment the doctor sat silent
with horror and astonishment. Not SO
much that the woman before him had
developed taste for such literature, but
that she could so unblushingly lie to
him.
al 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 as 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 of
luxury sick at heart.
"I came very near losing myself in
that trap. What confounded fools men
are p
The thought was rather humiliating,
and DR.. John was unable to shake it of
during the day; and when he turned
his horses head homeward it was with a
feeling of disgust and loneliness never
before experienced.
"Pretty much all alike, I'm afraid,
he continued softly to himself.
Just then 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 in
his face. Quicker than 1 can tell, DR..
John had jumped from his carriage,
seized the little creature and placed her
on the seat beside him.
"You were in great danger, my deal" "
said the DOCTOR" locking down into the
singularly sweet and intelligent young
face. "What made you stand in the
middle of the crowded streetP
care you doctor Z" was the only re-
ply vouchsafed.
"By profession, yes, little miss, and
by name John Hessman. Have you any
commands for his highnessY"
eff you are doctor, want you to
go home with me, and if you are not,
please tell me where 1 can find one. Ny
sister Kate is sick-awful sick-and she
talks and sings all the time; and 1
haven't got any money-neither has
she; but she will die if somebody don't
come"
"I am doctor, and will go home
with you, little darling" said our friend,
involuntarily drawing the sobbing child
toward him. "Don't cry; can help
her if anybody can."
Before they arrived at the residence
of the sick girl, DIR. John had discovered,
by skillful questioning, that the child's
name was Florence Britton-the sisters
Kate Britton that Kate wrote stories,
and made reports, and sometimes was
out late at night taking notes and pre-
pairing articles for the press, that she
had not been we'll during the winter,
and for the last three weeks had been
unable to attend to her literary duties,
and was now suffering from brain fever
The room which the doctor entered was
plainly and neatly furnished, and bore
unmistakable marks Of refinement and
womanly taste.
"Kate," said the little girl, climbing
into the bed where her sister lay moan
ing with pain" sister Kate, I have
brought doctor to see you. I found
him in the street, and he says he can
make you well. Look at him, Katie
he is very kind"
"Cuddle right down beside me, Flory
darling; There, that's q good little girl.
Go to sleep, don't mind sister Kate
she's only got headache. Say your
prayers" murmurod the girl, even in
delirium, thoughtful of her precious
charge.
Here was case to rouse DR.. Johns
energies-a case which appealed to his
sympathy and respect-a case, so far as
he was able to Judge, of utter loneliness
and destitution. So, like the good man
he was, he set himself to work in good
earnest. A good nurse was procured,
necessary articles were brought into the
house, and over all he watched as if the
sufferer had been his own sister. The
fourth day the invalid awoke to con-
sciousness, and looked at DR.. John straight
in the face.
"Where am ?" said she, attempting
to rise.
"At home," he replied. "Please be
very quiet"
"Where is Flora z"
ASLEEP by your side. Don't ask any
more questions"
"Who are you?" she continued, ap-
parently oblivious to the command.
"John Hessman at your service, and
at present your self-constituted physi-
clan, who will be oboyed! Now drink
this beef-tea-take Flory's little hand
in yours and go straight to sleep"
With sigh of relief, a smile, a mo-
mentary attempt to keep her eyes open
little longer, and the invalid was
sleeping as quietly as an infant.
Four weeks from that day, Miss Kate
Britton rode out in the doctors carriage,
almost as well as ever.
DR.. John looked unatterable things,
as he jumped into his gig and took his
seat beside her. Very like the day q
month ago when he had something par
ticular to say to himself-only now he
evidently had communication to make
to another.
at will be safe for me to resume my
writing tomorrow; will it not, doctor I"
inquired Kate, the first to break the 81
lence. 81 feel better and stronger to-
day than have for year."
"No, little girl" replied the doctor.
I" It will not be safe for you to resume
your writing in six monthsl"
"Oh, doctor, you are only joking now /;
know you are" said Kate, noting the
look of amusement in his expressive
eyes.
"No, Kate, indeed 1 am not joking.
You shall never go back to that drudgery
again, if can help it."
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