The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1877-09-11


and everything in order for instant use.
In case of accident, life may hang on one
second of promptness or delay. Papa
has taught me how to act in emergencies
before physicians or surgeons can be
summoned
"A female DOCTOR" said Craig, with a
suppressed sneer in his tone
mo, Cousin Craig, but, l hope. an
efficient nurse. | have no desire to step
out of woman's true sphere, or usurp
any of the duties and privileges of man.
But try to do faithfully such duty Us
lies under my hand. We are rich, as you
know, and papa is training me to fill a
noble, useful place in the world, as far as
can"
Forgive me- said Craig, frankly, l,
was rude
Helen bowed gravely and walked ou
of tho room, to eigit ono t,va of thu
village patients her father had left under
her care. And Craig, half pettishly, won
dered why her words had left such sting
He was rich, too, but what human being
wac the better for any ingnoblc use ol
his wealth? His home was luxurious
and the most elo borate Of invalid devices
were arranged in his bedroom and sitting
room, but he could find no comfort tina,
morning. His easy.chair might have
been full of thorns, for any ease he fount
there; his novel had lost its interest, ane
his nap was an impossiblity.
d" Craig his aunt cried, aghast, hal
an hour later, "you surely are not going
out in this broiling sun p
"Only for walk to the village
But you can send tor any thing yol
want"
will not walk far"
The sun was hot, and Craig was no
strong, in spite OF his tall figure ant
broad chest. Very soon he felt that h
must either sit down or fall down, an(
very pale, he entered little porch. an(
sank upon seat there. When the frs
dizzy sensation was over, he fancied he
heard familiar voice on the other sidt
of the window beside which he sat,
Remember said the voiee--ant
Craig wondered at its low sweet tone
"you are to make no exertlon for thu
present. have engaged Mrs. Ridley tt
come here and do the work, and care fol
you When you are quite strong again
will see that you have little light sew
ing to do
"God bless you, miss. Your fathe
and yourself are true Christians"
A rustic at the door, and Craig saw
Nellie looking at him with such ute
amazement that her face was actually lu
dicrous.
81 came to escort you home,' he said
and the heat was too much for me-"
| He was still dcathly pale; but Nellie
stepping back to the house, returned will
her handkerchief dripping with cold wa
ter, to lay it upon his head.
You had better postpone your mex
walk till after sunset" she said, dryly
meantime, wait here, and will go TO
| the chaise."
"No, will walk back"
Nellie's ample sun umbrella was hell
on the return walk but Craig fully jus
titled his aunts fears by the condition il
which he entered the house. Nell pelt
ed him with sarcastic inquiries, all TIN
time keeping cold water on his head
and otherwise taking such precautions
as seemed best, against injurious effects
You see what useless animal am,
he said to her.
II soc that you chose a wrong time t.
walk, after living in this cell all the sum
mer," was the reply. "This room i
like a vault ! should die here"
But you arc strong"
every true. And keep strong b.
activity and plenty of fresh air
If took drug shop every day, an
not sure should live week. 'Thre
times day." she said, taking up on
bottle CATER each meal" was another
/" at bedtime" third directed. "D
you know, Craig, my laboratory woul
not puzzle me so much as keeping tract
of all those bottles"
But cannot sleep or cat withou
medicine"
"Poor fellow"
Craig WINGED Nell had an infection
for those two worps that cut him to th'
quick. He saw very little OF her durius
tee next week.
DIR. Warrenton, rightly judging tina
work was the best cure for loneliness
had hunted up q few cases during hi
weeks stay in the village, where Ne
could minister to the sulrerings caused b
oyerwork and poverty, and Nell entere'
heart and soul into the new field of duty
The first cases led to others, and som
hours were taken up with sewing TO
some Of the poorer of the children
But in the intervals of work, Nell too
mischieyous delight in upsetting Craig
nervous system. She sang only he
most dashng bravuras at the hours @
noon day repose. She stole bottles o
tonic, and filed them with water. Sh
made bread pills, and put them upon tn
tray of dainty food especially prepares
for the invalid's delicate appetite. Sh
occasionally put red pepper in the ea'
de cologne. Sec reused Craig to energ
if only to protest that she was the plagu
OF his life.
Letters from Nice Informed Nellie tina
her aunt was far too i'll to return home
and after two months, death released her
and DIR. Warrenton being homo one
more, sent for his daughter.
A sudden dismay seized Craig. Fo
the first time he realized how much o
sunshine Nell would carry away with her
He studied it well, and, to his cousin
unbounded amazement, made her an otfe
of marriage.