Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-09-13

ing her life sorely alone.
Early one morning, she was surprised
10 receive a summons from Mr.. Bow
yer.
After some hesitation she went over
To his room and knocked NJ the door
In very weak and qliayering voice
he babe her enter; but she only opened
the door and stood on the threshold.
He was In bed, and looking I'M
naturally flushed and excited as he
beckoned to her to come nearer
Il don't think it is quite safe she
demurred; 1.-The doctor said | must
wait little longer before / went near
anybody who was at All afraid Of In
lection"
81 think" gasped the old man,
painfully, "it Is too late for any fear
OF that sort, | think ! have taken the
disease already"
In moment she sprung forward
and pcered anxlously into the poor
thin face; she laid her hand gently
against hist was burning, and at the
contact of her cool fingers convulsiye
shivering fit ensued.
A messenger was dispatched imme-
diately for the doctor, and when he
came his opinion confirmed the fears
Of both. His expression was unusu-
ally grave, and Ellen saw that he CON
sidered the case a critical one.
Il will telegraph for hospital nurse
from town" he said, as he was leay.
ing the room.
Don't you think me capable Of
nursing hlmY' asked Elaine.
II think you more capable than many
Il certifcated woman" he answered
warmly, having conceived sincere ad-
miration for her during James illness,
but fear you are not strong enough
to undertake another case so soon
after the last, unless you can get some
one to help you"
Mrs. Priolo would do that, | am
sure. Mr.. Bowyer has a natural dis
like to having strangers about him.
answered Elaine, laying her hand with
a gentle reassuring pressure upon the
sick mans forehead.
THAT would do eapitally, of course,
il you are really equal to the task
~ am equal to il"
Then we will consider 1t settled"
When, after giving the necessary di-
rections, the doctor had left, Elaine
went downstairs to find the house
keeper and secure her cooperation.
She was in the kitchen, and looked
up in evident terror as the girl came in.
Is Il true about Mr.. BowyerY she
asked. quickly.
quite true. am afraid is he going
to be very i'll indeed. Already he is
terribly weak. and the fever very
high"
Are you wise to come straight from
him 10 me?' asked Mrs Priolo,
sharply, recoiling ms the girl advanced.
Elaine looked little surprised.
Does ii matterY' she asked. You
will help me TO nurse him, of course. "
"1!"-not concealing her dismay at
the idea.
Are you afraid? | don't think you
need be. If you We're predisposed to
take it, you would do 50, Us he has
done without being actually exposed
to the infection"
You are quite right, am sure; and
my natural place is at his side"
II was sure you would think So
quietly.
''Bur," continued the woman, hastily,
ut Is impossible. | have some bust
ness in London which must be done
| heard about it only this morning. l
should lose every farthing | possess
If did not so"
Elaine smiled contemptuously, not
attempting 10 disguise her disbelief In
the hastily invented excuse.
Have you considered that, II MIR.
Bower is displeased at your absence.
you may lose more than you would
save by going nowT
The woman darted an angry look at
Elaine, but remained sullenly silent.
Even Ii the money IS not sutiicien,
nducement for you to remain, you
must surely remember his invariable
kindness TO you these last ten years.
1t would break his heart il you left
him now, and for such a reason
II am the best judge ofsmy own ac-
tons, tell you 1t is impossible !
should stay sulkily.
Besides" continued the girl with
patient perSuasiveness, no one could
nurse him better than you; he is accus-
toned 10 YOU, and seemed 50 pleased
when i assured him lie should not
have professional nurse-only you
and would be with him."
You should have consulted me be-
fore you made any such rash promises.
or course a professional nurse Is the
proper thing. Anything else would be
simple madness dangerous to us all
alike. Miss Ellen, for Heavens sake
don't come 50 near she broke OF ex-
citedly, as the girl moved a little
nearer to try one more appeal.
Elaine drew back with 4 deep sigh,
convinced that any further effort
would be useless The woman's sell
fish fear was apparent, and nothing
she could urge would avail since the
argument Of the money had not moved
her