The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1883-01-27
DR.. LANES DILEMMA.

Overton, wealthy Liverpool merchant.
This gentleman, who was wldower 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
reconciliation, unless his daughter chose
to apologize for certain ebullitions of
temper which she had exhibited.
DR.. Lane was rather amused by this
recital, which revealed that a 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
fayorably impressed by her. She seemed
o very commonplace young lady, with
awkward manners and afflicted with pain
full shyness. She answered his ques-
tions 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; sthere appears to
be nothing the matter with her."
''All temper, suppose, Them said
her father, evidently relieved in his
mind.
mot much else, as far as can Judge, "
said the doctor, feeling 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 I
care, said Mr.. Overton, with the air of q
Brutus.
DIR. ane 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 peo
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 a lady with
whom he was talking to remarkably
pretty girl, who had just entered.
t'Is 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 ap.
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 sister, surely?"
II 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 hel
with his dim recollection of the sulky
young lady who had given him so cool 9
reception. He was in the habit of seeing
SO many different faces day after day
that there was nothing singular in his
failing to recognize q new patient; ye
there were certain unmistakable signs o
character in Miss Overton's features
resolute chin, firm mouth, and
defiant expression in the large dark eye
which he could not understand having
overlooked at their first meeting. Later
in the evening the young lady who ap
peared to recognize him as little as he
near to him, and he could not resist go
ing up to her.
You do not recollect me, Miss Over
ton" he said, making bis best bow.
y am afraid not" replied she, look
ing up at him without the least EN-
barrassment.
Her voice and manner seemed entirely
unfamiliar, and for moment theslocto
felt little disconnected. ST fear mus
have mistaken you for your sister,
hazarded 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
palpable start, while q crimson flush sui
fused her face and neck. She cast
frighted glance at him, and scenes
speechless with confusion. To her evi
dent relief her partner for the next dane
came up at that moment, and with
slight bow to the doctor she rose at ono
from her seat and disappeared in th
crowd.
DR.. Lane felt little offended at thi
treatment, but the young lady's behavio
set his mind at rest concerning he
identity. She evidently remembere
him the instant he mentioned his name
and her agitation was no doubt due t
the sudden recollection of the circum
stances attending their last interview
Having satisfied his curiosity, the docto
became conscious that it was getting late
and went home to bed, but he could no
help marveling at his own dullness q
not having recognized so pretty a pa
Gient.
A day or two afterward he was consid
erably surprised at receiving visit fror
Miss Overton, who called at his hom
one morning while he was at breakfast
She looked pale and agitated and re
turned his greeting with visible EN-
barrassment.
Il mnst apologize, DR.. Lane, she be
gan. nervously, for my rudenes
t,you at Lady Swansdowne's the othe
nirht. The truth is that really did nc
recognize you. and when you mentione
your name II