The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-02-28
THE YOUNG WIDOW.
as there any danger?"


ANY danger! Danger of what?"
Mahlon is conscious of breach of
poiteness in repeating her words rather
sharply. This dainty little lady in silks
and furbelows irritated him. To most
men she would be a sunbeam, in that
dingy doorway; to Mahlon she is blot
something against nature.
Danger of contagion," she explains
mot if you keep out of the way.
You are safe here in the fresh air. If
you nursed the patient-but that, pre-
sumo, is not your intention"
Delphine laughs.
Il only came to see what is needed.
You doctors are said to order impossi
bilities for the poor"
Unfortunately, we find cheap diet
seldom nourishing," said Mahlon, dryly.
"Then can help! have some wine
of fabulous age, which l would gladly give
your patients. You must let me know
their needs. And, DR.. Korr Delphine
extends her hand-"if you would
come to my house on Thursday even
ings you would meet some pleasant peo-
pie"
Mahlon shakes hands, thanking her
for her offer, but purposely saying
nothing Of her invitation, which he has
no idea of accepting. He does not
watch her down the alley, but goes up
stairs to his patient, thinking hardly of
the distribution of the good things of
ife-for Delphine shows she gives
merely of her superfiuity.
Delphine has her thoughts, also, as
she slowly picks her way through the
mud.
will he come? It was an inspira-
ton, that offer of wine Will it bring
him? He certainly does not know how
to receive favor, and really / don't
care for his coming. Louis de Lille
limited, when said / intended to have
the new doctor at my house, that there
were things even a pretty woman could
not do. Yet could. If 1 put on an
ugly Sister-of-charity dress, and nursed
patients, he would follow me like dog
But then, L have no desire to catch
fever for mere caprice"
Many Thursday evenings pass.
Where is the new doctor?" asked
Louis de Lille. Delphine only smiles.
He has not needed my wine when
he does, he will come" she tells her
self.
She is right; Just then she sees
Mahlon in the doorway. A faint flush
-overspreads her face.
She advances to welcome her guest.
Have you come for the wine?"
The sight of Delphine's drawing
room makes him 10th to ask for it.
Could he require her to sell all and give
to the poor? But the few bottles of
wine, precious while ago, seem now the
.mockery of All offering.
You must tell me of your PATIENTS
says Delphine, promptly. But first let
me introduce some friends"
Mahlon would have been incredulous
had he been told he could talk so much
common sense amidst the laughter and
music at Mrs. Eliot's, and even find OPP
portunity to give his views on hospital
wards.
Then you put no faith in the beau
tiful, DR.. KERR" says Mrs. Gordon, who
lis interested in the hospital just being
built. Now, if you had Delphines
taste to help you"
Mahlon chances coldly where she
stands, the center of gay young group.
@Delphine is liberal, and holds her
own purse-strlngs. III there Is one po-
sition perfect in this faulty life, it is
hers"
). Yet, to bring about this perfect
state, there was death to be wit
messed be says, gravely.
OF course that was sad; but that
Mr.. Eliot was her fathers friend, the
marriage made when she was very
young. j don't mean there was a
shadow of unhappiness between them;
only il was natural she should bear the
old mans death calmly"
And afterwards enjoy his money"
Why not? He wished it, for he
Eeft her all without one irritating or in
sulting proviso."
IF you allude to n second marriage,
I should think common prudence would
have made him provide against it. I'm
less he wished another man to have
his fortune added Mahlon, with
shrug.
@But he knew Delphine was not a
fool"
"You said she was not in love with
her husband
Mahlon avoids discussing Delphine's
intellectual status.
"A mans fallacy, that need we women
have of being in love. Empty-headed