The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1872-06-27

IN vain he tried to shake it off,
"Barry is twice as unstable as water"
ne thought "but still he is not, he
never was, dishonorable. And then, Of
course, he knows that old LeGrand
would see his daughter dead before he
would let her marry man without for-
tune:' The latter reflection was one
Of consolation, but he could not help re-
membering that old LeGrand was some
distance from the scene of action, that
bis daughter was staying with her aunt,
Mrs. Shelton, whose attention was wLol-
ly engrossed by dozep or so of slckly
children, and that she had the cot un-
deserved reputation Of being very fast
and foolish girl. When he reached
bis Office, he found servant waiting
for him.
"Wel], Jcbn," he said, YEARLY, for
be recognized one of tho Shelton
household, "what is tn" matter now ?"
WhereupoD John touched his cap,
and made answer that little Mass Will
lie had the Group, and Mistress wished
the doctor would please come out as
quick as possible; Miss Sarah had a
fever again, and Mass Jack bad twisted
his ankle.
"pn bo out in less than an hour"
said the tired doctor, with a sigh
IL have very sick patient in town to
see first. Tell your mistress to give
Willie some croup-syrup. and not be
uneasy before I come. Are you not
going back now7" He asked this as
the boy mounted and turned his horses
head up the street.
"1n few minutes, sir" was the re-
ply. q. have just got to ride down
here and leave a note for Mr.. Barry.
that Miss Ellen sent I'll be out
home before you, SIR"
Gail right" said the doctor, absently
But, as he walked away again, to
see the patient of whom he had spo-
ken, he could not help dreary con-
viction that somehow or other it was
all wrong.
During the next week Semple saw
very little of Barry, and nothing at al
Of Miss LeGrand. This young lady
had no fancy for him, and never made
her appearance when he paid his pro-
fessional visits at her auut's house.
Once or twice he met Mona Randolph
aud on these occasions her unaffected
good spirits wert great way toward
rcviving his: 1t was certain that no
doubt had ever come to trouble her, or
disturb the sunny calm of he,
love and trust. II judged Barry toe
harshly," semple thought, as he passed
Colonel Randolph's one evening, and
saw the two lovers together on the
lawn, both Of them looking bright, and
{ handsome, and happy. "When I have
chance, I will apologize. No doubt,
the filtration was all on Miss LeGrand's
side. What are such women made for,
I wonder ?"
The next day was dark and stormy
day Of wild winter rain but a coun'
try doctor learns to disregard weather
1nclcment as it was, Semple rode ou
of town that afternoon on his way t
Mrs. Shelton's, for one of the unfor
tunato children had taken bronchitis
aad was in very critical condition.
About half mile from the house, ht
crossed a small river, and noticed
through the gathering dusk how very
much the stream was swollen. The
bridge over which he passed was ole
and rotten, standing disgrace to the
county, and one which many people
had propbesied would be swept away
by the first food and Semple looked
gravely at its time worn supports as h'
crossed it.
II should not be surprised if it wen
down to night" he said to himself, with
a glance at the rising water underneath
and the low grounds on either side
which were already covered.
1t was scene that dwelt On his mem
ory long afterward-the lowering sky
the falling rain, the gathering dask, aue
the sullenly-rising food; but now ht
was only anxious to press on and gain
shelter, AS soon he was safely across
the bridge, he put his horse to cauter
and, before many minutes, had reached
his destination.
He found the household-in something
of q commotion. The bronchitis patient
was not any worse but Miss LeGrand
who lived IN a neighboring county
had Unexpectedly declared her inten
tiou Of going home, and, while balf-s
dozen servants were busy packing bel
trunks and boxes, Mrs. Shelton was
overwhelming her with expostulations
and entreaties.
"Io set out in this frightful storm J"
she was saying. 80, Ellen, if you
would only have a little consideration
for your health, aud wait until to-mor'
row ~
"The bad weather has set in for good
am sure 1t will no better tomorrow" !"
Miss LeGrand replied.
And in this way the discussion was
going Oh when DR.. Semple came in
Immediately, Mrs Shelton called on
him for aid and assistance. His advice