The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-06-14
DIR. WHITMARTH'S CRIME.

Young DR.. Whitmarth, although
equally devoid of impudence and money,
was greatly liked by ell the ladies in his
native town of Purview. Scarcely any
OF his fair acquaintance had ever
thought of him as a possible husband,
for great many city families lived at
Purview during part of the year, and
they had set the tone of the place with
the effect that all the young women, in.
Guiding, of course, their own, were fully
convinced that to marry poor man
was about as reprehensible an indiscre-
ton as a girl could commit. Occasion
ally one Of the Doctors young admirers
would venture the opinion that Mr..
Whitmarth would make a very affection
ate and careful husband, but on such
occasions the damsels mother, or some
girls mother, might be depended upon
to explain that affection and care were
not all that women needed of their hus-
bands, and that physicians could never
find time - Gi. heir wives full advan-
tages 20 &.without which, of
course, 1l.-s SSo,.- not be worth the
living.
But most of the warnings of which the
Doctor was the subject were entirely un-
necessary, for the young msn had not
the slightest intention or thought of
marrying, or even making love, within q
few years. He had mother and sister
dependent on his income for support, and
as his patients came to him mostly by
the accident Of older and more expert
enced physicians being otherwise en-
gagged when wanted, DR.. Whitmarth
could not think of adding wife to his
financial responsibilities. His charming
manner and many courtesies to women
were not prompted by the thoughts of
love to which all mems hearts are sup.
posed to turn constantly, but by the
knowledge of womanly traits which he
acquired under the influence of his
mother and sister. who we're pronounced
by all their acquaintance to be quite IS
delightful as the Doctor himself. Astuts
young women at Purview were some
times heard to reAark that men brought
their business ways into society, and
that. no matter how gracefully they
masked them, there were generally pur-
poses of personal gain behind their at.
tentions; if pretty girl received an ex-
pensive bouquet or quite too lovely
box Of bon .bons from % gentleman, she
might expect the giver to monopolize
her, in spite Of herself, at the next dance
or garden party at which they both ap-
peared, the results often being more
provoking than the presents justified.
But DR.. Whitmarth seemed to offer
courtesies solely that the ladies' them
selves might be pleased; whatever he re-
ceived in return was the result of the
principle that it is more blessed to give
than to receive. Although it meant
nothing to men, "Dr. Whitmarth's way"
came to be an expression that all women
at Purview translated with entire ease
and accuracy.
But the Doctors fate in feminine form
finally appeared. and he recognized it at
first sight. The Marvells, delightful
couple OF middle-aged people, who had
lived in the town only few months.
were known to have daughter who had
been for several years Mt famous school
for young women. When Miss Alice
graduated and came home, her parents
gave party in honor Of the event. and
every one who Was any one in Purview
admitted, ct least to themselves, that
Alice Maxwell would be the belle Of Pur-
view unless she herself forbade it. A
few stupid people who thought woman
Attractiveness consisted only OF face and
ngure, attempted to combat the general
impression. but their efforts were fruit
lsss, for although there were maidens in
Purview whose features we're moro regu-
lar than Alice Marvell's, and who we're
somewhat more shapely whom dressed to
advantage. mono Of them could match the
cir Of refinement that their new rival
had Inherited from long line Of honor
ablo ancestors and had made moro
charming BY carefully trained mind.
Tho OooAor. like every othor younR