Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1894-02-19

|
bath blanket; saw that the shower
bath worked and with a sigh of relief,
went down stairs to impress the cook
that during the entire afternoon there
must be plenty of hot water III the
boiler.
Suddenly happy though struck
her she went into her husband s study
and brought out every book on bac-
teriology that she could find. These
she ranged on a shelf at the foot of
the bathtub. Standing ont little
beyond the others, as if but Just
showed in, was Mr. Smiths own pam
phlet on Bacteria. She was sure
of the vanity of authors. He would
at least take this down to see if any
passages were marked, and might be
lured into the perusal of some other
books.
Mrs. Botkine 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 maneuvres. She sighed regret
fully that she could not bring herself
to introduce into the room few sam
Piles 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 husband rather
eccentric in pursuing his studies in
this room, but he would certainly feel
that he had found a congenial spirit
in man who could not tear himself
away from his beloved bacteria even
in his bath.
She had done all she could. With
this virtuous feeling she was able to
go about her occupations for the day,
and in the afternoon even banished
the thought of her expected guest
enough to take quiet ne,.
She was awakened by knock at her
door, and the maid handed her card
bearing the seemingly innocent in
scription, ''Mr. Worthington Smith.
She was filed with nervous fear,
and her heart beat fast as she walked
down the stairs. She fingered outside
the drawingroom as long as she dared,
and then, putting her trust in the
bathroom, walked in and greeted her
visitor with a smile of timid welcome.
He did not look at all alarming.
She was surprised to see that he was
young, darkly handsome, and dressed
with more regard to fashion than the
scientific mini generally deigns to be-
stow. He saw her timid mir and blonde
beauty with evident admiration.
After the first polite commonplaces,
Mr.. Smith smilingly observed: "Pro-
fessor Botkine's recent researches
have been OF such interest to scien-
rife men that they must lay him open
to n great deal of persecution from in
quiring admirers, but ="
''Oh, not at all, she answered,
rather incoherently; "or, rather, |
should say, he likes to be prosecuted
that is with some confusion) che
will be delighted to find you here when
he returns. In the meantime, l hope
that you will let me look after you"
Mr.. Smith thought that he should
like nothing better, but contented
himself with remarking:
! "Thank you, very much. Perhaps
/ you would he SO kind as 10 explain TO
me few things / should like to know
about Professor Botkine's theories on
bacteria
He was surprised to see deep flush
and look of distress come over her
face, and, before she could answer, he
hastened to add: "But [ fear that /
am trespassin3 on your time. Pray,
do not let me incommode you. / have
some uncut pamphlets in my satchel
here, and will look them over as
wait" and he looked down cmbar-
rassed.
A furtive feeling of relief crept for
moment into her eyes. Then the
thought that she could not be guilty
of fuch inhospitality as leaving heI
guest to shift for himself forced itselt
) upon her. But here he was, plunging
into science the very first thing and
turning shy besides. Oh, she must
send him off 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 car
not think of leaving you here alone.
You must let me make you comfort
able. know that after your journey
you would like n bath. "
He looked amazed and then en-
barrassed.
"Thank you, very much, Mrs. Bot
kline, he stammered, "but l do not
care at all for bath. | shall do very
well here, and"
"No, no! she said, nervously; 81
know that you are only afraid that
there is no hot water on such warm
day, and you do not wish to give
trouble"
t He put out his hand and tried to In
terrupt her, but she shook her head
and went on rapidly:
ut is all ready. Everything is in
the bath room, and l will ring for
James to show you up"
= He lookal tbup6are+,,,l. - Lo, =,