Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1888-01-05

think, why we must do without II, that's
all"
Doctor Blake turned very pale - he
heard these words not intended for his ear
But pulling himself together with IN effort,
he stepped forward
At his unexpected appearances Doris
gave a sudden start and, crimsOning to her
fair temple, threw a cloth over the portrait
But not before Doctor Blake had caught .
glimpse of his nephew's broad white fore
head and expressive eyes
The Doctor. pretending to have heard and
seen nothing, greeted Paul with his usual
easy courtesy. But that usually self-pos-
sessed young man, muttering something
about q previous engagement, made hasty
exit, leaving the Doctor and his ward alone
together.
Silent and distrdit, and utterly unlike the
happy young girl who was accustomed to
greet him with her brightest smile, Doris
stood with downcast eyes seemingly intent
on studying the colors on her palette.
Now his nephew's fragmentary speech
had completely upset Doctor Blake-if
may use the homely simile. He had known
for some time that Paul had persistently
haunted Doris studio to the scandal of Mrs
Mack, and his own secret uneasiness But
that matters had gone so far he never
dreamed
Yet, Being brave man, Dr.. Blake crushed
down his rebellious feelings He had come
on a mission of peace. A little .fnes'e might
be. advisable, for impulsive Doris was not
apt to listen patiently when Mrs Mack,
whom she exceedingly disliked, was the
topic. Perhaps he had better begin by
mentioning the invitation that morning re-
ceived and ted for himself and Doris
to eat their New Years dinner with the
Marstons Thus he could lead up to the
topic desired by slow degrees
Il suppose Doris" said the Doctor, break
ing an awkward silence, ''that-e'r-Mrs
Mack has told you We are engaged"
''She has Just given me to understand SO
yes" coldly interrupted Doris
This was not encouraging. He would beat
about the bush no longer but mention his
errand at once.
@As you know, Doris" again began DR..
Black, nervously clearing his throat, Mrs
Mack is most excellent housekeeper, and
We"
Doris beautiful face, as pale as death, was
suddenly turned toward him, checking his
further explanation.
Il do not care to listen to a recital of Mrs
Mack's accomplishments or virtues" cried
Doris, with a passionate resentment unlike
the Doris he Knew-''she and are thor
oughly antagonistic. 1t does not matter
though" she said. with a sudden half pa
thetic change of voice and manner-''we
shall not trouble each other in the future.
II have accepted IN offer I received to-
day and shall no longer be dependent on
your-bounty."
,,v1, To $ho nr P1nl-
was too proud to make any sign He
waited moment for Doris to explain
further, but Doris was dumb. Could he
have seen her quivering lips he might have
known the reason.
II hope you may be happy in your new
life, Doris" It cost Dr.. Blake a tremen-
dous effort to say this Too well he knew
the weak will and vacllating purpose of
his nephew who would never succeed in
his calling, simply from lack of energy and
application. And this was the man who
had won his pretty ward!
THANK you," said Doris, in low tone
But, as she suddenly lifted her deep, sharp
eyes to his own, what was it that, for one
brief moment, he fancied he saw in their
inscrutable depths?
All the self -repressed passion of his nat
ure rose suddenly to the surface. For the
first time in his years of guardianship, Dr.
Paul Blake forgot to hold himself in check
Crossing the space between them with q
single stride. DR.. Blake seized both Doris
small hands in his own:
Doris. my Darlington it be possible?"
he exclaimed, in half bewilderment
And his voice, as well as the love-light
shining from his eyes, supplied what was
lacking of further speech
A flood of tell-tale crimson suffuseN the
fair girls brow, cheeks and neck
=" How dare you'll hate you, DR.. Blaze"
she impetuously cried. in the same breath
And wrenching herself from his detainidg
grasp. Doris. hiding her hot face in hsr
hands. burst into an agony of weeping
Well would dismayed DR.. Blake have de-
sired to kiss away her tears, as when Doris
WIS tiny maiden. But-she hated him;
that settled it Exhaling sigh. which
seemed to come from his EOot-soles, the
doctor turned, and made his way hastily
downstairs Doris waited till the echo Of
his footsteps had died away; then, drying
her eyes on a diminutive handkerchief, she
stamped her small foot with considerable
energy.
Il am nothing but young tool" she
said, with TN unconscious echo of similar
iullllSS.Ou On III Dldkc IstIt utUlc Nc
fore The adjectives only being changed
Removing the cloth from the partly-com-
pleted portrait, Doris seized her palette
and with the ghost OF tender smile on her
quivering lips fell TO painting with nervous
haste.
Il must finish it before New Years." she
said to herself And resOlutely crowding
down her emotions. Doris worked steadily
till dinner time
To her relief Dr.. Blake was absent max
ing his professional round Mrs Mack
glanced at the traces of recent tears on
Doris pale cheek with ill-concealed tri-
umph as the young girl, bending over her
plate, made a pretense Of eating.
"The Doctor says you're thinking of leav-
ing us, smoothly remarked the widow, after
vaiuly waiting for Doris to break the
silence
sYes.' was the coldly monosyllabic reply.
well may be it's for the best" responded
Mrs Mack, steadily cycling her shrinking
| victim. sfor naturally you don't feel like
being beholden to any one longer'n You can