Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1878-12-17

JEANNE was usually a brave girl, and
| bore whatever came with considerable
calmness, having within her so many re-
| sources that many are not blest with; but
tonight the longing to see some dear,
familiar face had grown to be a pain. To
go home, where she could only spend so
few days, would be a luxury she could
not afford; it was simply not to be thought
of. At this juncture the janitress, armed
with broom and kerosene lamp, opened
the door and looked in.
Miss Hulett, reused by the intrusion,
and conjecturing that the room was
wanted by that worthy person. rose
wearily and prepared to go. Within the
street car she sat down in the farthest
corner and gave herself up once more to
her thoughts. There were only four other
occupants beside herself. Two men,
evidently mechanics, by their blackened
faces, talked earnestly together; an elderly
man ON the other side peruseds news
paper, and a handsome man, not elderly,
with light brown mustache and per
feet nose, took advantage of Jeannie's
abstraction and studied her. He noted a
pair of soft gray eyes, shaded with long
lashes, thoughtful brow, indifferent
nose, small mouth with rather full lips
taken collectively a decidedly refined
and intellectual face, not beautiful nay,
hardly pretty, but possessing charm
that to some mind is more than either
Dr. Thorndyke was much given to
studying people, and as he had seen
something Of the world, his deductions
were often exceedingly truthful. The
young lady rose to pull the bell strap, but
as her hands were incumbered, the doctor
had anticipated her. He instinctively
watched her leaving the car. Some one
wished to get on and there was halt of a
minute, during which interval DIR. Thorn
dyke had made desperate rush from the
car, and been the first to assistto her feet
woman who had fallen on the crossing;
that woman was Miss Hulett
The wind had risen to the fury of
young tornado, and the rain came in
binding gusts. On leaving the car,
Jeannie had attempted to raise her um-
brella. The wind playfully completed
the operation, and then, as if delighted
with its new toy, inflated it like q balloon
and pulled with the strength of young
giant. JEANNE attempted to turn it
around sufficiently to close it, but while
sight and strength were directed toward
the subsection of the enemy, one of those
social outcasts known as butcher boys, in
command of horse and cart, dashed
wildly around the corner. The wheel
caught the umbrella, and, wrenching it
from her grasp, threw her to the pave
ment. In an instant two strong arms had
lifted her up and a very kind voice was
asking her if she was hurt. But the
words sounded to her inflistinct and far
away. She was partially stunned and
her ears were filled with rushing sound
A deadly faintness was coming over her,
but she battled with it fiercely and turned
her face so that the rain might beat upon
it. The doctor gathered up her belongings
and assisted her to the sidewalk. As soon
as she could speak she gasped out her
thanks and put out her hand for the
things he had been carrying, saying, II
shall be able to go on now, and will not
trouble you further.
They were now under the full glare of
gas light, and the doctors professional
eyes were not long in discovering that she
war suffering intensely. He did not heed
her words: ''You must let me take you
into this store until can call a hack .
he said.
In the midst of her pain and distress
she remembered her straItened purse and
exclaimed "Oh, mol please don't. 1
shall be able to go on in minute; it is
only three blocks from here
"Well, then, you will allow me to
shelter you with my umbrella, will you
not? You know yours was completely
wrecked"
THANK you," she said; "but do not
care for the rain, like it in my face"
The doctor was in dilemma. A less
daring young man would have retreated
in good order, but Ralph Thorndyke was
as bold as a lion when human suffering
demanded his help. The pity and ten
derness of his heart were as great flood
which completely drowned small scruples
and conventlonalities.
'If you would rather wait in this store
until can bring some friend to you, give
me the address, and will be gone but a
short time; but you must not be left alone
in this storm. You are liable to faint at
any minute
ut is my wrist" she said. II must
have twisted it in falling.''
"Will you let me look at it, please? The
healing art is my business
The wrist was much discolored, and
was rapidly assuming puffy dimensions;
it was very bad sprain. He gently
Strengthened the fingers and moved the
arm. "No bones are broken; it is a
sprain, but should have attention as soon
as possible, 7 he said, hastily improvising
a sling out of his ample handkerchief.
1--WE will go on, then, since you are SO
kind. | have no friends-at least rela-
tives-here in the city. live in board
ing house"
On reaching the place, which was a
very unpretending structure in very un-
pretending street. the doctor presented his
card, rang the door bell, and after seeing
her safely inside, turned and walked
rapidly away. ..
JEANNE found the little room up stairs
dreary enough; it was damp, and chilly,
and there was no fire. The faintness
came over her again, and she sank down
on the bed, where she was found an hour
later by Mrs. Cribbins, the mistress of the
house. After the wrist had been cared
for, Mrs. Cribbins said in a playful man..
ner and grimace which was intended to
ha