Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1876-04-27

was awful sick, but didn't 60 to bed" said
he
Il fear she is very ill; and l don't know
what to do for her.
"Why don't you send for the doctor, them"
he asked, suddenly frightening up. ''Ill 60"
doctors do not like to attend poor folks as
a general thing, and he might not como if
were to send," said Mrs. NJ. a touch of bitter
ness in her tone.
Oh. l know doctor that II come: he's Just
as good as can be, and Il tend people as sends
for HIM whether they've got money to pay or
not" said Jimmie, eagerly; and seeing her hesi-
tate, Better let me go?'
Il don't know just yet, jimmie. I'll see
what Gertie says first So you can run heme
for half hour now; then, perhaps, you may
60"
Jimmie went rather reluctantly, fer the little
fellow was very fond of Gertie. But the half
hour was scarce up ere he was back again wait
ing for the desired permission, and having re-
ceived it started off without second bidding.
II wonder who Jimmie's good Samaritan
is" thought the lady, busying herself about the
already neat room. 81 never thought of in
qu;ring his name"
About an hour had elapsed when there was
quick rap on the outer door, and going to
answer the summons Mrs. Marchmont stood
face to face with the man of all others she
least expected to See.
''Harold Eversly!" she exclaimed, in her
surprise.
Mrs. Marchmont! Is it possible" said the
newcomer extending his hand, look of
mingled surprise and pleasure lighting up the
handsome face.
The lady gave her hand with about as much
warmth as we might expect to encounter in
the frigid zone.
doctor, sent for you to see Gertie, or
rather sent for physician, on Jimmie Mas
sons recommendation, not having the most
remote idea he would prove to be yourself"
said the lady, grimly. 81 will tell her you are
here" and she left the room, leaving the doctor
looking troubled and perplexed. But there
had been sudden lighting of the eyes, q
quick flushing of the brow at the mention of
Gertie's name which to an observer, would
have told its own story.
He walked about the room restlessly, noting
all The surroundings, occasionally pausing to
look at picture or turn over book when
''Doctor, will you walk up now?" and pair
of masculine feet assembled the staircase, &C
complishing the feat in an incredibly short
space of time.
Gertie heard his approach and tried to still
the loud throbbing of her heart; tried to gain
control of her quivering nerves, for she must
meet him indifferently. "What was he to her
now? Nothing more than the veriest stranger.
And beside, was he not the promised husband
of another?' But she WINGED as from blow
as this thought crossed her mind, only for a
second, and then the door opened, and the
next instant the face she knew so well bent
over her. ''Gertie, darling, have found you
at last" he exclaimed; catching her up in his
arms so close as to almost take her breath away.
And a-pair of moustached lips were suspici-
ously close to certain little red mouth despite
her feeble effort to prevent it. doctor Ev-
ersly. how dare you," she flashed, almost
wrenching herself from the encircling arms
He started back as though an adder haa
stung him.
''Gertie, is this the greeting you give me
after three years absence and silence?"
"Have you any right TO expect any other,
Doctor Eversly?"
''Then you consider the right you gave me
long ago, mine no longer?" He demanded
sternly
'By your own actions, Yes" she answered.
81 do not understand you, when you speak
of my own actions"
''Do you think, because no longer mingle
in the circle in which you move, do not hear?
You say you do not understand me when
speak of J our own actions. Have you for
gotten Cora Percival? Have you forgotten
that you have been in the city six months and
have made no effort to see or even hear from
me?" She spoke excitedly, with dark flashing
eyes and burning cheeks.
And he, while she spoke, betrayed his feel
ings in his face. From the look of stern
hauteur at the first republse, it gradually
changed to one of astonishment.
''Gertie, is it possible you could for one
entertain such an opinion of me?
have searched for you far and near, and did
not despair when told you had gone to dis
tant State, but followed you there only to be
But 1 had well nigh given up
all hope of finding you, when an all wise Provi-
dence has given you to me again. And bend
ing closer to the now blushing face, ''Gertie is
it to be fer nothing but few bitter words?"
"But-but-you forget Miss Percival," she
said, hesitatingly.
''Miss Percival! what of herr" puzzled
look coming into his face.
''Are you not engaged to herr"
'.No, nor ever thought of such thing But
who in all the name of wonders told you
that?'
''Some of my fashinable patrons. The
Tracys and Edgecombs, if remember Alright"
The look of dismay on the doctors face was
almost ludicrous to see. ''Gertie, are you not
They are the friends who told me {
you had left New York"
81 am not mistaken. But am inclined to :
.hink they were wilfully SO" said Gertie smil-
ng.
81 understand you. But little girl this is
not answering my question" c
!'What question:" a
''How obtuse we have suddenly become L
aid he, laughing; ''are you going to keep the
promise you gave me once?"
''Do you really wish it?" c
'Can you ask me that?" "
"Yes, then" >
But we must leave them now, for it is often b
aid a third party is sometimes in the way, e