The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1885-07-02
MIR. MEREDlTH'S NURSE.

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MIR. MEREDlTH'SNURSE.
A beautiful, faxen-haired boy, in q
suit of brown velvet, with collar and cuffs
Of fine Irish point, stood by the window
Of large hotel in Detroit, ruefully
watching the weather.
Cant I 60 out at all, Uncle Hugh ?"
he said, plaintively. 1--WE been in the
house ever since Saturday."
"Not to-day, Molly" replied hand
some young fellow, who was stand
ing with his back to the fire and won.
dering what his sister Helen did when
the youngsters were all sick. "You
know the doctor said you'd have to stay
in; and if you got sick this time your
mamma would never let you come away
with me again."
"Well," sighed the boy. resting his
chin on one delicate little hand, II
shouldn't mind it if only had some
thing to play with. Oh. Uncle Hugh!
there's such a lovely express wagon
around the corner, with boxes and bags,
and barrels, and-everything! There
are four white horses, and a driver with
whip. and hat that comes off and
on, and"
Wonderful! said Uncle Hugh smil-
ing. SWELL, I'll go around and look at
it, Molly; and, If it isn't too DEAR" he
added, putting on his hat and coat, "1'll
buy it for You"
"The child must have something to
amuse him. >" he said, as he stepped out
into the hall.
He started off briskly; but there was
a turn in the corridor, and as he hurried
along, whistling under his breath, he
ran right into young girl who was
coming the other way with trayful of
dishes.
A little startled cry and then rash
. ensued.
II beg your pardon!" Hugh ex-
claimed, going down on his knees to
gather up the broken china. II am
very sorry"
"Be careful, sir!" she said, quietly
for her momentary vexation had passed
away. "Your coat is dragging in the
soup"
Never mind the coat!" Hugh an
swered impulsively.
''Wait moment" she said; II will
get towel"
She entered, as she spoke, o room
nearly oppo site the scene of the catas'
trophe.
Chow 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.. Meredit1's room," Hugh
observed-"the railroad man-been
sick for some time. His nurse, sup
pose."
"You needn't mind," said the girl, 60.
ing down on her knees in business
like wav. II will clean up this muss
II am sorry to put you to so much
trouble" murmured Hugh, putting his
hand in his pocket and drawing out a
ten-dollar bill. "Let me make some
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 world" she ex
claimed, picking up the money, which
had slipped through her fingers to the
floor.
A irown and smile seemed to strng
gle for the mastery of her face; but
presently she broke into a soft laugh
and tucking the bill away into her peck
ct, she began to clear away the re-
mainder of the debris.
"A sweet-faced girl, that nurse,
Hugh unused, when he was once more
installed in his room by the fire, and
Molly was happy with his new express
wagon. 1T must be nice to have 6
woman like that about when ones sick
His thoughts wandered off then, and
he lost himself in bachelors reverie
till Molly came and leaned against hi.
chair.
"Uncle Hugh" the boy said, languid'
!y, my head aches"
Hugh looked up in alarm, and tool
the child on his lap. His face was no
and flushed, his lips dry.
IF he gets sick, he thought, anxious
~, "Helen will be frantic"
And he rocked the child into q rest
less slumber.
The doctor came and went, but tha
night Molly grew suddenly worse, anG
Hugh was distracted.
It was II o'clock when waiter brought
him some cracked ice, and, as Hugh op
ened the door, he saw someone emerge
from Mr. Meredith's room-a slight
woman]y figure, neatly clad in black
wearing fresh apron and very Gun
ming little cap.
"Nurse!" he called. "One moment
please"
She stopped and waited till he cam'
to her.
"You are professional nurse, sup
rose?" he asked, abruptly.
"Yes," she replied, dropping he1
eyes. I'm, q graduate of the New
York TRIMMING School,"
II am glad of that" Hugh exclaimed
my nephew is very sick, and I dom
know what to do. If you have time
would you come IN ana LOOK AT MIN {!
She hesitated moment.
II don't think Mr. Meredith vii
care" he urged. II will make it al
right with him."
1T isn't that" she began.
''But my nephew is SO sick!" Hugl
pleaded. my sister would never for
give me, if any thing happened to him.
"Well, I will go.' she said, MOVING
across the hall. ''Mr. Meredith doe
not need me tonight. He is bette
and has gone to sleep"
Hugh led her into the room yher
Molly lay his fair hair tumbling over tn II