The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-11-06
CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.
The astute physician comprehended
the situation at glance. "There is
little more need of my medical skill, -
he said, aside to Henry, while his merry
black eyes were lighted up with laugh
ing twinkle. "The presence of Miss
Lees lover is a better specific than all
the nostrums Of the combined n1ateria
nedica."
81 thought that affair had blown over
years ago, but l am very glad to find
myself mistaken" was the quiet re-
sponse.
a. real love affair never does blow
over" said uncle John.
"Our maternal relative speaks from
the depths of profound experience"
commented saucy Sue, as she glanced
furtively at Alice, whose bushes re-
vealed the old, old story.
Melvin Hastings was lost TO all else
except the presence of his betrothed.
And, as he sat upon the edge of the
couch, holding her tightly in his
trembling arms, the full tide of grief and
indignation swept over him. 40, my
darling" he walled in a cooing, tender
voice, ." I little thought to find you
thus -
Annie did not open her eyes, but a smile
Of ineffable happiness played over her
wasted features, as she nestled in his
bosom and toyed nervously with his
chain and seals.
my dearest, can you not even look at
me ?" he whispered, bending low over
her pallid face and twining one of her
disordered curls in his trembling fin
gers.
'Pm too happy p' was the still, small
answer, as her thin hand stole timidly
upto his fair, broad forehead, and caress-
ingiy stroked his waving hair, while
the blue eyes looked down upon her
with unutterable tenderness.
"You must not prolong this interview
at present." said the physician, firmly.
1.-THE patient is too weak to endure it,"
''Then let every ybody go but me-" said
Melvin sternly. 81 claim the right to
protect my future wife, and shall stay
with her till she is out of danger"
Another radiant smile from the in
valid's pallid features rewarded the
speaker, but the physician reiterated
his command to terminate the inter-
view, for the present, at least"
EfNrrn - I'll -, -
presence was better than all the nos
trums in your calendar" said Sue.
"Tell them to leave US alone" whis-
pered Annie.
Thecommand was given peremptorily
by the afianced husband, and all felt
constrained TO obey.
For two hours the lovers held sweet,
solitary communion. Thanks to the cor
respondenee that had passed between
them during the years Of their separa-
tion, each knew so well about the affairs
Of the other that there was little of CON-
mon matters to talk about and the
Doctors admonition not to weary the
patient with unnecessary conversation
was altogether superfuous.
"Can't you open your eyes and lool
at me just once, my sweet ?'' said Mel
win, otter a long silence, in a tone o
pathetic entreaty.
'Tm so happy, I'm afraid to trust my
eyes for fear I'll find that Tve been only
dreaming" she replied, caressing his
face, as an infant might.
'pve'brOught you something beauti-
ful, and you can't guess what it is" be
said, assuming a playful tone.
"What is it, the ? Tell me-" with 6
faint show Of curiosity.
@Guess."
'sYou said couldn't"
"See - he exclaimed, holding before
her a beautiful miniature painting
which, ere she was aware, she had openeC
her eyes and gazed upon.
The scene was a well-remembered one
A little cottage in a rude clearing, I
high rail fence, a row of fire-blackeneC
trees and radiant young girl, in ravel
curls and country garb, engaged in turn
lug CdlNSS iuAO a iob nhSlC ~ ASAN
COWS were standing.
"The picture isn't perfect" was tn
only comment.
Melvin was disappointed. "Why !?
he asked, with a shade of regret in hi
tone.
"The young man with the gun an
pheasants is nowhere visible. don
want the picture till you put him there.
"But he is here in person. Won
that do as well? Look up and see."
80, Melvin! How you have improved
I'll never dare to marry you now," an
she closed her eyes again.
''Why, darling?"
because Of my disgrace and th
fever and this wasted form. I've los
all my beauty and you've gained hun
dred fold"
MY pet, you are far more beautiful.
possible, than ever and if you will per
NIT me, | will summon a magistrat
and witnesses and have the marriap
performed right here"
"What In prison ?"
frYes.''
''Then you don't know Annie Lee.u
"What objection can you offer, dea
est? As your husband, 1 can prote,
you, daring the law to do its worst.u