Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1890-12-18

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that within her own-a suppr essed
excitement in his manner totally at
variance with his usual calm. And now
from among his legion Of friends he had
chosen her home where his ward might
be guest.
Her thoughts were very busy as she
made her preparations to receive her
visitor. With her own hands she gath
cred and arranged the flowers that were
to welcome her in the pretty room she
had assigned her, joining her own.
In the dusk of evening, the sound of
wheels announced their coming.
"Dear Miss Dora T. exclaimed Il sweet,
girlish voice, as some ore sprang from
the carriage, ere the doctor could aliGht
to assist her. 1T is all nonsense,
Ronald 8 sending me away from home
But SO long as he insisted on it, am
80 glad it is here :. We shall have such
nice times together-that is, if you have
not forgotten me-
And she impulsiyely threw her arms
about the elder womans neck.
There was a charm-a wlnsomeness
about her impossible to resist. Dora
Deane felt her heart 60 out toward her
anew, as it had done when, a tiny,
golden haired child, she had climbed
upon her knee and fallen asleep Graded
in her arms.
Not until they had all gone IN to
gcther INTO the lighted drawing room
did she discover how fully the child S
promise of rare beauty had redeemed
itself.
But the light was less mercilesS else.
where. 1t showed the physicians face
pale and careworn, and bearing traces
of overwork and lack Of sleep. Dora
found a moment during Caras gay
ryattle to lay her hand upon his slerye.
"rake care of yourself,'' she half.
whispered. Il fear you forget that, in
your care for others, You are not
looking WE'LL
"Nonsensc y he laughed. The idea
of doctor not being able to take care
Of himself! 1t is like the cook allowing
herself to starve. You would almost
persuade my patients, Miss Dora, to lose
faith in me, which reminds me that |
am losing precious time, and must be
off. A thousand thanks for receiving
this child ! shall see you as often as
possible, and shall now have a dolble
iniucement in coming
Was it all fancy that his voice was
lower az he uttered this last sentence,
and was it all unconscious the pressure
Of the little hand of his hostts us it lay
for moment within his own?
However that might be, Dora's heart
felt strangely light as she listened to
the echo of the retreating wheels Of
Doctor Rays carriage.
Cara had been her guest fortnight.
during which time the doctor had full
filled his promise of devoting to them
all his spare moments; but these were
very few. The fever was increasing
rather than abating Miss Deane bid
fair to have her guest for long visit.
But you're not tired Of me, are YOU?
Cara asked, when her guardian limited
something Of this.
"No, indeed she answered, with
bright smile, "The question ls-what
shall | do without you =
The three were standing together
when she thus spoke, but as she finish.
ed, Ronald Ray leaned over, and IN a
low tone said, so that only her ear
caught the words:
TO morrow when | co ne want to
see you alone. | have something to say
to YOU
Why-why could she not hide the
tell tale blood which so deeply dyed
her cheek as she bowed her assent? In
all these years he had never spoken
quite thus before. Was it that Cara $
bright presence had renewed her own
youth, until in his eyes she had recov-
cred it Surely she might dwell a
moment on the sweet hope of which his
wish must form the threshold!
The next day she awaited him in her
own little morning room. She had
given orders to the servants that he
should be admitted there. Cara she
had sent for drive.
Her heart beat fast to suffocaion us
at length she heard his step. He cross
ell the room with his firm tread to
where she stood, and took both her
hands in his.
"Dora,' he began, 81 have come to
confde to you the secret Of my llfe-3s1
know that you are frank and true. Tell
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