The Olneyville tribune. (Providence, R.I.) 1893-189?, 1894-01-13

study and brought out every book on
D~acteriology that she could find.
These she ranged OF a shelf at the
foot OF the bath-tuh standing out
a little beyond the others, as IL out
just showed in, was Mr.. Smiths own
pamphlet on Bacteria" she was
sure OF the vanity OF authors He
would at least take this down 10 see
If any passages were marked, and
might be lured into the perusal of
some other books.
Mrs. Rotkin pinned on the wall
some colored illustrations OF various
forms OF bacteria, and then surveyed
the effect with the calm satisfaction
OF a general who foresees the success
OF his man tuvers She sighed re-
g~retfully that she could not bring
herself TO introduce into the room a
few samples OF the germ culture"
that her husband was carrying on,
but she felt that she must draw the
line at living germs
She smiled again. To be sure, Mr..
Smith might think her hus-
bald rather eccentric in pursuing his
studies In this room, but he would
certainly feel that he had found a
congenial spirit in a nan who could
o tear himself away from his be-
loved bacteria even in his bath.
She had done all she could. With
this ~virtuous feeling she was able TO
go about her o equations for the day,
and in the afternoon ven Danish the
thought of her expected guest enough
TO take a quiet nap.
She was awakened by a knock at
her door, and the maid handed her a
card bearing the seemingly innocent
inscription, 'Mr. WOrthington
smith"
She was flled with a nervous fear,
and her heart beat las as she walked
down the stairs She fingered out
side the drawing-room as long as she
dared, and then, putting her trust in
the bathroom, walked in and greeted
her visitor with "A smile OF timid wei.
come.
He did not look al all alarming.
she was surprised TO see that he was
young, darkly handsome, and dressed
with more regard 10 fashion than the
scientific mind generally deigns TO
bestow. He saw her timid air and
blonde beauty with evident admira-
tion.
After the first polite common
places, Mr.. Smith smilingly obser> ed.
prof. Botkine's recent researches
have been OF such iaterest to
scientific men that they must lay
him open to "A great deal OF persecu-
tion from ~inquiring admirers but
"Dh, not at all" she answered,
rather incoherently; 'or, rather, /
should say, he likes TO be prosecuted
that is" with some confusion) she
will be delighted to lind you here
when he returns. He was 80 sorry
that he had TO 90 TO town for a few
hours. I'm the meantime. / hope that
you will let me look after YOU"
Mr.. Smith thought that he should
like nothing better, but c%ontented
himself with remarking:
Thank you, very much. Perhaps
you would be so kind as 10 explain to
me a few things / should like to
KIN W about Prof. Rotkine's theories
on bacteria"
He was surprised TO see a deep flush
and a look Of distress come over her
face. and, before she could a swer,
he fastened to add: But l fear
that 1 am trespassing on your time.
Pray, do not let me incommode you.
/ have some uncut pamphlets in my
satchel here, and viii! look them over
as | wait" and he looked down en-
~barrassed.
A furtive feeling crept for a mo-
ment into her eyes. Then she
thought that she could not be guilty
of sucn inhospitality as leaving her
guest TO shift for himself forced itself
upon her. But here he was plunging
into science the very first thing and
turning shy besides. Oh, she must
send him o TO that bath. 1t seemed
rather awkward, but she nerved her
self to the effort
NO, Mr.. Smith" she said, gayly,
II am sure that / could not tell you
anything on the subject, and l a
not think Of leaving you here alone
You must let me make you comfort
able. know that after your Jour
ney you would like a bath"
He looked amazed and then embar-
raised.
Thank YOU, very much, Mrs. Bot
kline he stammered, but / do not
care at all for a bath. ! shall do
very well here, and -"
mo, no " she said, nervously: Il
know that you are only afraid that
there is no hot water on such a warm
day, aud you do not wish TO give
trouble"
He put out his hand and tried TO
interrupt her, but she shook her head
and went on rapidly:
1T j. all ready. ~Everythingts IN
the bathrooms and l will ring for
James TO show you up"
He looked thundcr,truck at her in
~sistence.
'But. assure YOU, Mrs BOtkine."
he exclaimed. lit is not at all worth