Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1889-08-08
The Doctors TemptatiOnl

an lnVallQ; tnls sweet June air is prov
ing itself beneficial.
As Dl. Godfrey spoke he drew
chair before the great willow settee,
where among the cushions the slender
form of Elsie Benedict reclined.
She looked up with languid smile,
and then her face took on that weary,
pathetic expression that told of bur-
dened heart and troubled mind.
Once those pale cheeks had worn
the rosy hue of health, those sad eyes
had been aglow with careless pleasure,
and dropping lips had curved out in
laughter; now all was changed, and
the doctors heart throbbed sympa-
thetically as he looked upon her-a
girl in years with the weight of sad
experience upon her.
He knew her history; how she had
loved handsome, debonair young
man, who had won her heart but to
break it upon the flint of his own self
ish nature; how, impressed by her
delicate beauty he had drifted into a
relationship that led her to believe
that ultimately their lives would
unite; then without any pretext, any
warning, he left her with only this
cruel message to explain his act:
"Elsie: 1t would be folly to indulge longer
in our pleasant little romance; nothing can
come of it but misery, for we are both too
poor to link our lives together. We love each
other but we must be reasonable. Your
beauty will win wealthier, perhaps nobler
man, and I-well, will not be a bad husband
to some heiress who may be foolish enough
to make me her beau ideal. It may seem
hard now, but by and by we will laugh over
the affair together. LEROY"
Oh, what cruel blow to the sensi.
tive, loving girl! She could not real
ize at first that it was not all a jest,
that Lery would come and laugh at
her agitation and beg her forgiveness;
but as the truth dawned upon her,
grief and desoalr took possession of
her heart.
She told her story to her mother,
who could say nothing to sooth her.
Let US go away she cried feverish
ly, and strange strength upheld her
till they had left the city and found q
quiet retreat in distant village; then
she fell victim to brain fever, and
for days she lowered between life and
death.
1t was then DR.. Godfrey met her
and now she was out of danger, but
under the shadow of her sorrow still.
She thought she would never know
content again-that the aching void il
her heart would never be filled; tina
her mind would never be at peace.
Il feel a trife stronger she sale
softly, in reply to the doctors remark
4 do not expect to gain my forme
health
'Ah, but you will. and your youth
full spirits, too, said the man cheerily
sBut, Miss Elsie, you are your owl
enemy-thls dependency is fatal.
She cast him quick, reproachfu
glance.
'How can ! help it?' she said, almos
childishIy. q feel as if had no fur
ther interest in life.'
you must rouse yourself, then
Come, the day is warm-'et me driv
you short distance and back-nay,
will not be refused. You are still nj.
patient
And a brief while later she wa
seated beside him in his easy carriage
and despite herself her interest wa
reused by his pleasant speeches ane
the beauty of her surroundings.
So every day Dr.. Godfrey took he
in his charge, and soon she began t
anticipate the pleasant rides and socia
companionship.
He was always so thoughtful, s
CHEEKY; sometimes he talked to her Q
her trouble, and then it seemed tina
the burden grew lighter; she contrast
ed his honest, teuder way with tn
selfish, exacting devotion of her oil
lover.
She was grateful for his friendship
and found herself wondering how he
life would seem when DR.. Godfre
dropped out.
This thought came to him once whe
he drove away from her home; hi
heart leaped with sudden pain.
4 have learned to love this littl
girl, he thought. What shall d
when / can see her sweet face no more
Why can she not care for me?'
And then wild desire to win he
arose, and he reflected upon ever
glance, every kind word she had give
him.
Il am only friend, but can she nj
learn to think Of me in another light
1 have heard Of hearts being caugt
IN the rebound-may / not hope
gain the precious gift that miserabl
scapegrace sllghted2 Why, With Els
for my wife, life would he one drea'
Of happiness. I will win her with de