The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1879-07-03
ELlNoR NORTON.
BY MARY SHANE SMITH
CHAPTER XIX

lovers unhappiness, she would have felt
thankful for the turn of events which
had thus brought her TO friends who
could understand her feelings and sym
pathize with her in her desire TO become
useful and independent.
But she could not soon sleep, for her
mind had been too much excited by the
sudden change in her affairs. When
she at length became unconscious, she
knew no more till late the next morn
ing, when, awaking with a bewildered
sensation, she wondered vaguely for
moment where she was and how she
came there. Presently, like flash of
light, all became clear to her, and in
short time she was ready to join her
kind friends, who gave her a cordial
welcome, and Wed with each other in
making her feel at home in the pleas
ant, comfortable old house. 1t stood on
a retired, quiet street, in a pleasant To-
cality, aud was designed for comfort
and convenience rather than for show.
l1iinor decided at once that it was
homelike and that she should love it.
After plain but excellent breakfast,
Elinor said to Mrs. Duff:
''Now, you must give me something
to do at once, or 1 shall not be salts
fed"
The elder lady explained the manner
in which she spent her time, and, at
Elinor's earnest desire, the work was
divided so that she might perform half
Of it. It was also agreed that she should
accompany Mrs. Duff in her daily
rounds among her husbands poor pa
tients; aud the mOtherly old lady re-
joiced that she had now young helper
vino could go farther and do more than
she herself could.
DR.. Duff was a man Of only moderate
means, and both he and his wife were
blessed with simple tastes. They hired
but little help, and spent the most of
their money in doing good.
Ellnor delighted the old lady by the
manner In which her skillful fingers
disposed Of everything she touched.
When they went out together to visit
the DOCTORS patients, Mrs. Duff was
more than ever pleased to see how well
ElinOr seemed to know how to care for
the sick, and how they were cheered by
Der presence.
As they went home, Elinor thought
she could scarcely have better place
in which to fit herself for what she felt
vas her life-work. Hope and courage
grew strong again in her heart. She
looked forward to a time when she
might be able to relieve the suffering
and afflicted, as we'll as merely to visit
aud comfort them.
When they all gathered about the
table that afternoon for their early din
ner, Elinor felt more cheerful than she
had for many day, and the two old
people looked as happy as they felt.
$50 you've been out to see wife's
pets, have you ?' said the doctor, as
soon as they had fairly attacked the
savory dinner.
"Yes, aud I think she will really
make a good doctor, from the way she
takes hold and works with them, f" spoke
up his wife, with enthusiasm.
81 thought so" he replied. perhaps
she has had practice before"
"Yes," said Elinor; "I have visited
those 1 could, but have not been able to
10 much for them"
ooh, by the time you get your diplo-
ma, aud learn all l can teach you be-
side, / will have to look out for my lau-
rels," said he. "And now, seriously, I
want you to give up all your notions
about waiting till you can earn enough
to take you through college. Let me
pay your way. Enter and get through
as soon as you can, and when you have
earned enough by your practice, you
can repay me, as it is convenient"
Elinor knew not what to say, but she
expressed her gratitude.
The matter was fully discussed in all
its bearings AS Mrs. Duff warmly
supported her husbands proposition,
and Elinor herself could not see any
more feasible plan, she at length agreed
to do as the doctor wished, on condition
that he would take her note and receiv,
interest.
He laughingly consented, and seemed
in great spirits for man loaning money
70 an orphan gil. Flinor thought. Sh,
resolved then that If she lived, the goo,
man and bis kind wife should not lael
in their old age the care and thoughtfu
tenderness Of a daughter. She soon feI
as il she had known and loved then
both always, and perhaps they felt IN
esne toward the gentle, brOwn-eye
girl.
While hey we're sitting about th
cheerful FIRE. that evening. talking owe
plans for the future. the door bell ran
sharply.
Elinor's heart gave a rreat boun'
and then sank down, leaving lips an
cheeks deathly pale.
'It Is somebody after the docto
Poor man He always has 10 20 o
Just as we get coin iortably settled for
quiet evening" ssid Mrs. Duff, sighin,
But ia q few moments Frank Sto,
dard entered the room, just as Elin'
felt that be would, and she mechani,
ally rose, but could not utter a wor
DR. DuG and his wife greeted hil