Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1890-10-17

upon it. l do It more for your sake than
my own, MS at longest my stay on earth
will be brief but before 20 would lift
this shadow from your young heart.
CDR. Watson, as you well know, is the first
Of many physicians who gave me any re
lief from my suffering. He was Che last
one to be called by me- because like your
self, | had conceived n most unreasonable
prejudice against the man. Some foolish
and Idle gossip concerning his private life,
which arose from pure envy, ! am now con
:inced, had warped my Judgment. But
from the hour he first took hold of my case
/ have been new man. | have been like
one risen from the grave.
at was he who discovered that old asso-
cations were affecting my mind danger
ousy. 1t was he who suggested a journey
abroad, and, as you say under assumed
names. A disgraccd name is like a deceased
member Of the body lfyou have awound-
ed finger you are in constant fear Of hurt
ING it, awake or asleep If you bear a
stained name you dread the effect of it on
every stranger you meet. DR.. Watson re-
allied what this strain would he upon me
during our journey, and ! must confess the
relief find under my alias is marvellous.
Iou know how have improved. The chill
with which was attacked the morning of
orr arrival, and which decided US to remain
here few months before proceeding far
thcr, is only step down on the ladder of
hcalth since began to Chamber up out OF
the valley Of death. DR.. Watson is my
savior.
81 leg YOU to overcome your unreaSona-
bic prejudice against him, my dear child.
Whatever the errors Of his youth am con.
WINGED he was more sinncd against than
shining. He is your poor fathers best
friend now, and rs such you must consider
ai;a."
But why need be live here with usi
Why can he not take n room n few blocks
Instant, within easy call" persisted the
Young girl. at destroys the privacy of
our home life-and it destroys my peace OF
SOUL she added wildly, ito have him
! here"
"That is the eNtravagant language OF
YOUTH" rcjoincd the old man. Your
prejudice is unreasonable, but will strive
To- keep Dr. Watson from annoying you
] with attentions which he intends only as
! courtesics to the daughter of his patient.
He must remain under this roof His
/ presence is as agreeable and beneficial to
| me as it seems to he unpleasant to you.
/ IN this matter selishness is the greatest
| unselhshncss on my part, for the restora-
! ton Of my health is theiirst consideration
/ tor your future happiness"
/ The sound of a key rafting in the lock
! ike a rat gnawng in the wainscot, put an
! end to further conversation, and the door
| swung open to admit a medium sized mau
| in his middle thrtios, whose glttering
Sloe black eyes rested upon the face of the
/ young lady while his words were addressed
/ tp her father.
The lips expressed kind consideration
Cor the invalid, while the eyes expressed
.nsolent and assured triumph in a liXeC
purpose.
While he talked with his patient he kept
bis gaze upon the girls face.
she sought to avoid those glitterinl
eyes, but they seemed to fill the room witt
strange light
She took bit of sewing in her hand anC
turned her back upon him, ostensibly tC
catch the receding rays Of the afternoon
sun from the northern window; but h,
spoke her name, and for some reason un
accountable to herself she turned TOWARD
hm, drawn like the needle to the magnet
Papa, feel the need of the air | an
yoing out with AIiss-Aiiss Brown for I
little walk" she said, rising abruptly.