The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1889-09-11
THE DOCTORS TEMPTATION.

THE DOCTORS TEMPTATION.
"Good morning, Miss Elsie. Why,
you are looking remarkably well for
in invalid; this sweet June air is prov
ing itself beneficial"
AS DR.. Godfrey spoke he drew a
chair before the great willow settee,
where among the cushions the slender
form of Elsie Benedict reclined.
She looked up with a languid smile,
and then her face took on that weary.
pathetic expression that told of bur-
dened heart and a troubled mind.
Once those pale cheeks had worn
the rosy hue of health, those sad eyes
had been ;.slOw with careless pleasure,
the dropping lips had curved out in
laughter; now all was changed. and
the doctors heart throbbed sympa-
thetically as he looked upon her
II girl in years with the weight of a
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 lie folly to indulge longer
in our pleasant little romance; nothing can
too
poor to link our lives together. We love each
other but we must be reasonable. Your
man. and l-well, will not be a bad husband
to some heress 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 a cruel blow to the sensi-
tive, loving girl! She could net real
ize at first that it was not all Jest,
that Leroy would come to laugh at
her agitation and beg her forgiveness;
but as the truth dawned upon her,
grief and despair took possession of
her heart.
ShH told her story to her mother,
who could say nothing to soothe her.
Let lis 20 away" she cried feverish-
Iy, and strange strength upheld her
till they had left the city and found a
quiet retreat in distant village; then
she fell victim to brain fever. and
for DAYS she hovered between life and
death
1t was then DR.. Godfrey met her. and
now she was ont of danger, but under
the shadow of her sorrow still.
She thought she would never know
content again-that the aching void in
her heart would never be filled; that
her mind would never be at peace.
81 feel a trifle stronger" she said
softly, in reply to the doctors remark.
- do not expect to regain my former
health"
..Ah, but you will, and your youth
full spirits, too" said the man cheerily.
But, Miss Elsie, you are your own
enemv-this dependency is fatal"
She cast him a quick, reproachful
glance.
"How can l help itP" she said, al.
most childishly. II feel as if had nc
, further interest in life.
You must rouse yourself, then.
Come, the day is warm-let me drive
YOU a short distance and back-nay,
will not be refused. You are still my
patient"
And a brief while later she was
seated beside him in his easy carriage
| and despite herself her interest wa:
reused by his pleasant speeches ano
| the beauty of her surroundings.
So every day DIR. Godfrey took hel
| in his charge, and soon she began tt
anticipate the pleasant rides and socia
companionship.
He was always so thoughtful, sc
! CHEEKY; sometimes he talked to her OF
her trouble, and then it seemed thai
the burden grew lighter; she contrastee
his honest, tender way with the self
/ ish, exacting devotion of her old lover
She was grateful for his friendship
and found herself wondering how hel
life would seem when DIR. Godfrey
dropped out.
This thought came to him once whel
he drove away from her home; hi
heart leaped with sudden pain.
II have learned to love this littl'
girl he thought. What shall do
when l can see her sweet face no more
Why can she not care for meP"
And then wild desire to win he
arose, and he reelected upon ever,
glance, every kind word she had givel
him.
81 am only a friend. but can sh
not learn to think of me in anothe
! lipht? have heard of hearts bein:
caught in the rebound - may no
hope to gain the precious gift tha
miserable scapegrace slighted? Why
with Elsie for my wife. life would b
one dream of happiness. | will vii
her with devotion and patience.
These thoughts were in his min'
when he next saw her; she wnndere'
WHY he regarded her so earnestly.
How radiant you are to-day" b
said. '.Soon you will have no nee
for my services"
Il can always find use for friend.
she said, with soft glance.
'But you will not always stay hereP
She looked away, and the smll
faded from her face; he saw her sensi
tive lips quiVer. ..
.'Is is not pleasant thought fo
yous" he said gently. "Why, th
best of friends must part" you know
She turned quicEly and held out he
hand, touching his arm lightly.
LET us enjoy the present, wlthou
calling up sad thoughts of the future,
she said, in a hesitating yet cage
way.
Then he knew that she would mis-
him. that she cared for him more tha
she did for others-only the shadow
Leroy Palmer stood between them