The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-10-20
A FACE AT THE WINDOW.

to start, and tile platform was in the
state OF confusion usual at such times
Douglas Charlton, who had come 10
the train TO say good-by to departing
friends, stood Watching the train as Il
passed him.
In one Of the end carriages sat O
young girl Of about seventeen, and as
she went by young Charlton she turned
toward him, so that for IN instant he
saw her face clearly. 1t was only ior
I,ah instant, for the train had uuickened
its speed by that time, but It was one
of those instants that alter the whole
Of man'slile and feelings. The. face
was very lovely ono 1t seemed 10
him like m angels, aud IL threw spell
oyerhim from which he felt, even in that
brief space Of time, that he would never
again DO free. 1t was q bright face, Of
which lie had caught that momentary
glimpse, with q fresh color and dark
eyes, but there was rather timid, half.
frightened look about IL, which, per.
haps, gave 1t such q strange interest
for him.
When the train hal left the station
Douglas still stood where no had been
allalong, rooted to tile spot, with his
eyes fixed in the direction Of the de.
parting carriage, and then he started
and walked home. Forweeks that sweet
face haunted him, but the stern duties
OF life called him, and except at occa-
sional intervals the vision faded away.
Years passed quickly by. Douglas
Charlton was no longer tho unknown
medical student. From the first he had
shown great talent, and soon made way
in his profession. One or two fortunate
cures he had effected, soon after taking
his degree, had given him good posi-.
tion almost at starting, and DR.. Charl.
ton was now living in o nice house in
ono Of the fashionable parts Of Lon
don, with o practice which many an
older physician much envied. His
name was down among the officers at
several Of the London hospitals, for
thougiyheiwas we'll enough known 10
have enabled him TO dispense with most
ofthem, lie had no idea Of giving up in
his prosperity what had been q step.
ping.stone to 1t. He had nearly con.
cluded his visits one day, and had only
one patient left to see. When she came
near him and he saw her clearly, he
gave q great start, in spite Of his habit.
ual self.control. There was the face
that had been for years part Of his
life. But how much alteredl Pale,
sad, with oil the bright, girlish look
gone, lie wondered that he recognized
II, and yet he never for one moment
doubted that it was the same. II had
lost mono Of its beauty, to his mind, at
least, but seemed, il possible, more
lovely now than il had in his dreams.
II required some mastery OF himself TO
be able quietly and calmly TO examine
and prescribe for the patient, but he
did Il.
AS he drove away from the hospital
ecould not help thinking TINT this
meeting was not chance, but prear-
ranged opportunity for him TO be Of use
to this poor girl, who looked as If she
had had 80 much sorrow. He learned
that her name was Rhoda Dunmore.
Afew,days after, when inquiring, DR..
Charlton found to his surprise that his
patient had left the hospital, but her
address was given him.
1t was some days before DR.. Charlton
could find time to pay the visit to which
he looked forward with so much inter
est and pleasure; but at last slight
lull in the pressure OF his engagements
enabled him to carry out his wish.
He drove TO the address given, and
found himself at the door OF o respecta-
blehonse in o quiet street in the mid
die ofLondon. Having asked II Miss
Dunmore was at home, and having re-
ceiyed an answer in the affirmative, he
gave his card TO the servant, and was
tshered by her into Rhoda's presence.
She rose To meet him with m air Of
some surprise, but with great courtesy.
"iiss Dunmore," u" DR.. Carlton began,
with the utmost Difference, 81 hope you
will excuse the liberty ! have taken in
calling to see you.p
Rhoda smiled very sweetly, as she
bowed and placed a chair for her yisi-
tor.
lyon may remember me, he con-
tinued, sitting down. ~ saw you enc
dayin DR.. Blount's place."
BiIcould hardly fail TO remember any
one whose manner to me had been 20
kind, = said Rhoda, and hery yoicesound.
ed to Douglas Charlton as the sweetest
music he had ever heard. =,
-.T was much interested in your case, !.
he resumed, ''and upon hearing, q few
days ago, much to my astonishment,
that you, had left the hospital, 1 took
the liberty Of finding out where you
were and calling TO see you" :.
''Pleaae do not speak OF u as hber-
", Dr. Charlton. ! can only feel deep
" the honor you have done me by this
kind visit" M
f"I was glad to hear you were bene.
fltcd by your stay at Victoria Park. ]
hope you have not done unwisely BY
coming away so soon"
a0h, / think not; / am wonderfully
better; / could hardly fail 10 be so after
the care and Intention / received there.
Ireallywas ashamed TO stay longer and
keep out others who had more need oi
Il than !. T"
s.Thopc you will be very careful Of
yourself now; yon look far from
strong
~ am very careful, assure you"
DR.. Charlton stayed talking q few
moments more, and then taking hiE