Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-03-26

doctor made his appearance in high spirits
Il come early because | have something
important to say to you," he explained.
what is it?'' said Miss Morette, with {
sudden presentment of evil.
'sIt is this: Ihave thought of it for some
time, and this morning Jeanette and
came to an understanding. | have great
favor to ask of you. [ hope you will not
refuseit win you let me have Pauline
for little while?''
let you have Pauline? Of course not
Sir.n
Wait-wait till [ tell you ALL I would
like to have her with me for two or three
months. We would drive over every after
noon to see you. Jeanette is fond Of chill
dren she would take good care of her,
and you would have little rest. What dc
you think of my plan now?"
Il do not need rest, sir. l could not
part from Pauline her mother gave her to
me on her death bed, and ! cannot let her
go.'
Don't be obstinate and sentimental -
MY dear doctor, it is such a strange
idea. What would you do with her? She
would be great trouble to you.''
'She would be d great comfort. / am
attached to her. [ have neither kith nor
kin, and [ can be good friend to her If
you only have the sense to see it.'
''But you are her friend now; you can-:'
evil you let her come? Yes or no?','
mo Sir; 1 cannot do that"
ut is Your last word?"
ut is, Sir"
every well.' And the doctor left the
house, slammng the doors severely.
The next day came and went. Several
ther days followed but no doctor came
with them. Three weeks had passed, and
he doctor had made no sign.
''Never mind, +" whispered Miss Morette.
IS she kissed her little Pauline.
But she minded very much she minded
10 much that she wondered at herself. No
real change had come over her life, yet
everything was changed, and had become
stale, fat and Improbable
1t was Christmas week. A light snow
vas softly falling, Pauline was taking her
sfternoon nap. and Miss Morette sat alone
" the fire, sewing and thinking. Sudden
y she hearda Well-known and longed for
'tep. Her heart beat fast and faster, but
he neither moved nor looked.
''Good afternoon said Dr.. Lambert.
"Good afternoon, Sir''
The doctor sat down in his accustomed
rm chair, and began to poke the fire.
care you all well ?'7
every well, thank you. Pauline is sleep
ng in the other room'
sit is pretty cold day ; winter is COM
ng upon us in earnest"
''But Miss Morette was too glad to think
# the weather, and she forgot to an
,Wer.
Perhaps the doctor was glad too, Or per-
laps it was the light of the fire, but his
yes shone very brightly, and his face had
! peaceful, pleasant expression. Hav-
ng enjoyed the silence long enough, he
lsked:
Didn't you wonder where I was all this
5ime?''
''We supposed that you had gone out of
Gown"
''Or out of the world, for all you cared,
no doubt"
eve might have gone out of the world
too, you know.''
eyes, so might l. Did you miss
me?''
"We did. Pauline was quite anxious
lbout you"
II said nothing about Pauline. II said
lid you miss me? Can you make direct
answer to direct question:"
ooh yes, indeed.''
ooh yes indeed, wbat?''
elbow cross you are,'' said Miss Morette
ieli erately.
"Cross, aim Il I suppose you missed
at?"
eyes, sir.7'
Then you must be quite sorry came
0ack?''
The flannel garment upon which Miss
,lorette was engaged became refractory,
nd required all her attention, 50 she lost
etldU ldSO ISIIldih-
The doctor reIapsed into silence. Yet
ometing must have tickled him, for he
smiled at the poker. At last he said
Il came to ask your opinion on a serious
ubject. Do you think am too old to
narry?"
'.That would depend on the age of your
wife sir.''
Exactly. How very wise you are. Per-
laps you think I am too cross to be a good
lusband?''
''That would depend on your wife too.
Perhaps she might like it,
s'And why should she like it,
''She would if she liked you, T sup
pose.7'
Like! like Who cares for the liking
That leaves a man out in the cold and the
woman too. BY the way, why did you not
mawy"'
''Oh, for several good reasons. y
estate your reasons, if you please.''
Sin the first place, / never mad an offer,
In the second place. :.
''That will dc" said the doctor. "That
suits me perfectly, | make you an offer
now"
Miss Morette blushed a little, but she
did not speak.
why do you not answer me?''
"You have not said anythng.''
Then say something, Madam will yon
be nay wife?'
because you want Pauline2''
No, because / want you. Look at
me.'
MISS Morette looked at the doctor. She
mad always thought that his eyes were
beautiful, and the present Investigation
confirmed that opinion.
'Well?" asked Dr.. Lambert.
:. Nv ell ?. aIlS1Ellad II -. :