The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-02-08
DR.. LANES DILEMMA.

DR.. Lane, of Bruton street, was one
day requested to call at mansion in
one of the neighboring squares which
had been let for the season to Mr..
Overton, wealthy Liverpool merchant.
This gentleman, who was widower with
an only daughter, explained to the doc
tor then that, having had occasion to
speak sharply to the young lady, she had
barricaded herself in her room, and he
had seen nothing of her for two days.
Her conduct caused him some little un-
easiness, as he was haunted with the
idea that she might be i'll, and he had
therefore sent for doctor in order to as
certain whether there was anything the
matter with her. He was careful to add
that he had not the slightest desire for a
reconciliation, unless his daughter chose
to apologize for certain ebullitions of
temper which she had exhibited.
DIR. Lane was rather amused by this
recital, which revealed that trial of
temper and obstinacy was in progress
between father and daughter, in which
the latter seemed likely to come off VIC
torious. He paid visit to the rebel in
her stronghold, and was by no means
favorably impressed by her. She seemed
q very commonplace young lady, with
awkward manners and afflicted with pain
full shyness. She answered his ques-
tons as briefly as possible, in decidedly
sulky tone, and showed so plainly that
she regarded his visit as an intrusion
that he bowed himself out with as little
delay as possible.
"You need not be alarmed about your
daughter he said, when he rejoined Mr..
Overton down stairs; "there appears to
be nothing the matter with her"
Gail temper, I suppose, then" said
her father, evidently relieved in his
mind.
'Not much else. as far as I can Judge
said the doctor, feeling a little spiteful
toward the young lady. There are
symptoms of nervous excitement, but
she will no doubt be all right in day or
two"
'She can take her own time and keep
to her room as long as she likes, for all L
care" said Mr.. Overton, with the air of a
Brusus.
DIR. Lane did not feel called upon to
reply to this observation, and at once
took his departure. Being busy man
not given to think much of other PEG
pies affairs, he soon dismissed the Over
tons from his mind, and neither saw nor
heard anything more of them for some
time. But toward the close of the sea-
son he happened to have looked in for an
hour at crowded reception, when his
attention was directed by lady with
whom lie was talking to a remarkably
pretty girl, who had just entered.
lis she not charming?" said his COM
panion. ''She is Miss Overton. Her
father is millionaire, they say, and she,
being his only child, will therefore be
enormously rich
When the doctor heard the name, he
naturally looked at the young lady with
interest, the more especially as her APP
pearance was rather striking. He easily
recognized her as her fathers child from
the likeness. but after brief scrutiny
he said to his neighbor:
"She has a sister, surely
Il believe not in fact | may say / am
certain, was the reply. What makes
you think so?"
The doctor returned cautious answer
and gazed at Miss Overton with increased
attention, striving in vain to identify her
with his dim recollection of the sulky
young lady who had given him so cool a
reception. He was in the habit Of seeing
80 many different faces day after day
that there was nothing singular in his
failing to recognize q new patient; yet
there were certain unmistakable signs of
character in Miss Overton's features-a
resolute chin, o firm mouth, and q
defiant expression in the large dark eyes
which be could not understand having
overlooked at their first meeting. Later
in the evening the young lady who APP
peared to recognize him as little as he
did her, happened to take seat quite
near to him, and he could not resist go.
ing mp to her.
"You do not recollect me, Miss Over
ton, he said, making his best bow.
II am afraid not" replied she, look
ing up ct him without the least en-
barrassment.
Her voice and manner seemed entirely
unfamiliar, and for . moment theDdoctor
felt . little Disconnected. 81 fear must
have mistaken you for your sister,
haxarded he.
II have no sister," she answered, rails
ing her pretty eyebrows.
my name is DIR. Lane" he said, get
ting desperate.
Whereupon Miss Overton gave
pa1pable start, while crimson hush suf-
ussd her face and neck. She cast q