Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1885-07-02
MR.. MEREDITH'S NURSE.

~ fine Irish point, stood by the window
y large hotel in Detroit, ruefully |
catching the weather.
aCsn't go out at all. Uncle Hugh?"
he said, plaintively. I've been in the
house ever since Saturday"
mot to-day, Molly" replied hand
some young fellow, who was stand
!, with his back to the fire and won
,ar;n0 what his sister Helen did when
.he youngsters were oil sick. "fou
know the doctor said you'd have to stay
II and if You got sick this time your
mamma would never let you come away
with me again"
aWell,n sighed the boy, resting his
chin on one delicate little hand, II
.houldnr mind il if only had some
thing to play with. Oh, Uncle Hugh
,bare's such lovely express wagon
aroupl the corner, with boxes and bags,
and barrels, and everything There
owe four white horses, and driver with
4 whip, and hat that comes off and
on, and"
aWonderfull" said Uncle Hugh smil
mo well I'll go around and look at
Il Molly; and, if it isn't too dear" he
added, putting on his hat and coat, an
buy it for you" -. 49,,
aThe child must have something to
amuse him, " he said, as he stepped ont
into the hall.
He started off briskly; but there was
atnrn in the corridor, and as he hurried
along, whistling under his breath, he
ran right into a young girl who was
coming the other way with trayful OF
dishes.
A little startled cry and then crash
ensued.
Il beg your pardon!" Hugh ex-
claimed, going down on his knees to
gather up the broken china. Il am
very sorry"
@Be careful, sirl" she said, quietly;
for her nomentary vexation had passed
away. "Your coat is dragging in the
soup"
swered impulsiyely.
await moment, she said Il will
get towel"
She ntered, as she spoke, room
nearly oppo site the scene of the catas-
trophe.
"How did you happen to let them
fall, Nancy" said the fretful voice of
sick man, from within.
Hugh could not catch her low toned
reply, but she came out in moment,
demure and practical.
"That is Mr.. Merediths room," Hugh
observed the railroad man-been
sick for some time. His nurse, sup
pose"
"You needn't mind" said the girl, go
ing down on her knees in business
like way. II will clean up this muss."
Il am sorry 10 put you to so much
trouble" murmured Hugh, putting his
hand in his pocket and drawing out q
ten-dollar bill. LET me make some
amends for my awkwardness."
He put the money in her hands, but
she was so much surprised that she
could not speak, and when she recover
ed herself Hugh had walked away, be-
ing anxious, no doubt TO escape from
the scene of his undoing
well, upon my wordi' she ex-
claimed, picking up the money, which
bad slipped through her fingers to the
door. ..
A frown and smile seemed TO strug-
gle for the mastery OF her face: but
presently she broke into soft laugh,
and tucking the bill away into her peck
ct, she began to clear away the re.
mainder Of the debris. ~ Assn.
"A sweet-faced girl, that nurse"
Hugh unused, when he was once more
installed in his room by the fire, aud
Molly ~as happy with his new express
wagon. ut must be nice to have
woman like that about when ones sick. !"
His thoughts wandered off then, and
he lost himself in bachelors reyerie,
ill Molly came and leaned against his
,hair.
Uncle Hugh" the boy said, languid.
ly, my head aches.
Hugh looked up in alarm, and took
The child on his lap. His face was hot
and flushed. his lips dry.
IF he gets sick" he thought, anxious
~, "Helen will be frantic"
And he rocked the child into rest
less slumber.
The doctor came and went, but that
night Molly grew suddenly worse, and
Hugh was distracted.
TWAS II o'clock when waiter brought
him some cracked ice, and, as Hugh OPP
ened the door, he saw someone emerge
from Mr.. Meredith's room--a slight,
womanly figure, neatly clad in black,
wearing q fresh apron and very cum
ming little cap.
FNurse!" no called. "One moment.
pleased"
She stopped and waited till he came
TO her.
You are professional nurse, l sup
rose?' he asked, abruptly.
Yes she replied, dropping her
eyes. "fm graduate OF the New
York Training School,
II am glad of thatp Hugh exclaimed.
My nephew is very sick, and j don't
know what TO do. III you have time,
would you come in and look at him"
She hesitated q moment.
don't think Mr.. Meredith will
care, he urged. II will make it all
right with him."
IL isn't that" she began.
But my nephew Is 80 sickp Hugh
pleaded. My sister would never for
give me, il any thing happened to him.
well, will CO. she said, moving
across tie hall. ''Mr. Meredith does
not need me tonight. he is better
and has igoae to Sleep III
Hugh led her into the room where
Molly lay his fair hair tumbling over the
pillows. and his cheeks burning with
the flame Of a fierce fever.
aHew long has he been in this wayF
she asked, bending over him, and TAX
ing one little hot hand in her own cool
hngers,
Only tonight. Do You think ne Is
very sick ?"
"U-'' "s-a,a 80 y .ha .nswarad as she
"A. .......s. ~, 1880
swept the faxen curls tenderly away
irom the child's forehead. Poor little
fellowl"
What can I do?n asked Hugh, ms