National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1873-10-17
A FACE AT THE WINDOW.

4 FACE AT THE WINDOW.
The great bell ~ the North western
Terminus was ringing to collect the
passengers for the train that was about
to start, and the platform was in the
state of confusion usual at such times
Douglas Charlton, who had come to
the train to say good-by to departing
friends, stood watching the train as it
passed him.
In one of the end carriages sat n
Young giRl of about seventeen, and as
she went by young Charlton she turned
toward him, so that for an instant he
saw her face clearly. 1t was only for
an instant, for the train had quickened
its speed by that time, but it was one
of those instants that alter the whole
OF mans lie and feelings. The face
was very lovely one; it seemed to
him like an angels, and it threw a spell
over him from which he felt, even in that
brief space Of time, that he would never
again he free. 1t was n bright face, of
which he had caught that momentary
glimpse, with fresh color and dark
eyes, but there was rather timid, half
frightened look about it, which, per-
haps, gave it such n strange interest
fer him.
When the train had left the station
Douglas still stood where he had been
all along. rooted to the spot, with his
eyes fixed in the direction of the de-
parting carriage, and then he started
and walked home. For weeks that sweet
face haunted him, bat the stern duties
Of life called him. and except Mt occa-
sional intervals the vision faded away.
Years passed quickly by. Douglas
Charlton was no longer the 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 gi7en him good posi-
ton almost at starting, and DR.. Charl-
ton was now living in nice house in
one of the fashionable parts of Lon
don with a practice which many an
Older physician much envied. His
name was down among the officers at
several of the London hospitals, for.
though he was well enough known to
have enabled him to dispense with most
Of them, he had no idea of giving up in
his prosperity what had been a step
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 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 altered ! Pale,
sad, with all the bright, girlish look
gone, he wondered that he recognized
it, and yet he never for one moment
doubted that it was the same. 1t had
lost none of its beauty, to his mind, at
least, but seemed, if possible, more
lovely now than it had in his dreams.
1t required some mastery of himself to
be able quietly and calmly to examine
and prescribe for the patient, but he
did it.
As he drove away rom the hospital
he could not help linking that this
meeting was not chance, but a prear
ranged opportunity for him to be ot Sc
TO this poor girl, who looked as i ne
had had so much sorrow. He leaned |
that her name was Rhoda Dunmore.
A few days after, when inquiring, DR..
Charlton found to his surprise that his
patient had left the hospital, but her |
""uteSs was given MN.
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 a slight |
lull in the pressure of his engagements
enabled him to carry out his wish.
lie drove to the address given, and |
found himself at the door of a respecta-
6le house in quiet street in the mid
die OF London. Having asked if Miss
Dunmore was at home, and having re-
celved an answer in the affirmative, he
gave his card to the servant, and was
ushered by hersinto Rhoda's presence.
She rose to meet him with an air of
some surprise, but with great courtesy.
Miss Dunmore," DR.. Carlton began,
with the utmost Difference, 81 hope you
VIII excuse the liberty | have taken in
calling to see YOU"
Rhoda smiled very sweetly as she
bowed and placed a chair for her visi-
tor.
"You may remember me" he con-
unued, sitting down. 81 saw you one
uay in DR.. Blount's place"
II could hardly fail to remember any
one whose manner to me had been 80
KIND, said Rhoda, and her voice sound
Ell to Douglas Charlton as the sweetest
mt sic he had ever heard.
II was much interested in your case,
ne resumed, "and upon hearing, few
Gays ago, much to my astonishment,
mat you had left the hospital, took
lhe liberty of finding out where you
were and calling to see you"
Please do not speak of it as liber-
~, DIR. Charlton. 1 can only feel deep
y the no nor you have done me by this
kind visit"
O. i was glad to hear you were bene-
n'cd by your stay at Victoria Park. L
nope You have not done unwisely by
coming away so soon"
Oh, i think not; / am wonderfully I
.DSetter; could hardly fail ID be so after
Ihe care and attention 1 received there.
I ! really was ashamed to stay longer and
1t than l."
I hope yen will be very careful OF
s,uurseif s,. now; you look far from
1 am very careful, / assure you.
Dr. Charlton stayed talking few
lonaents more, and then taking his :