The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1895-02-09
HOSPITAL ROMANCE.

most because there was restless, wan
dcring look in his large, dark eyes which
detracted from his appearance, and yet,
though couldn't tell wherein 1t lay, there
was something intensely fascinating in
his face.
Suddenly my reyerie was broken by tho
entrance Of three ladies-a tall, middle
aged woman and two young girls whom 1
rightly judged her daughters
The doctur greeted them cordially, and
l was soon informed that the young daugh-
ter was to undergo an operation on the
following day, and that she was to DO my
patient.
Elizabeth Townley (Beth, her pet name,
seemed to suit her bettcr) was about 20
years old, and, while she was not pretty
she had n sweet, yivacious face and
wealth of fluffy brown curls. From the
moment l met her l admired her and tho
longer l knew her tho stronger grow my
admiration
The following day, AT Q, Miss Townley
was brought to the operating room, and
as she lay there consciousness gone her
face like marble, save II pink spot on
either check, her hair curling In little
damp rings around her sweet face, fam
cied myself har lover ana thought how
easily one could love her-aye and die for
her wondered if the doctor had tho
same thought hut when tho work began
in earnest we were all too busy to indulge
in "sentimcnt1lism."
When at last IL was over, and conscious
ness had returned, and the intense anxiety
of surgeon and nurse was over, found
time TO look at the doctor. All, the old
restless look had almost completely faded
from his eyes, and in its place was IN ex-
preston of rest, not unmixed with deter
mination. After this ! studied both pa
tient and physician, ] rarely saw them
together, but l knew by the Doctors face
whenever he came from his little room
that he was refreshed and strengthened for
his work. But Beth was clever and wise,
and she often declared herself hcartloss
and 'unimpressible, y but thought II she
were heartless 1t was because she had al
ready given her heart to DR.. Bronson.
All through the bright spring days he
brought her wild flowers, and after max
ing his evening rounds would read to her,
while she, in turn, played little melodies
on hor guitar or amused him greatly by
relating some of her schoolday prarks.
She was the life of the lower floor, and
many lonely heart was made glad by her
merry laugh, her CHEEKY Good morning"
or bunch Of blossoms from hur abundant
supply,
Sometimes DR. Bronson would give a
low laugh Of contentment and suppressed
happiness, and would wonder, did she
charm away that old lock in his eyesY'
But how? She Ind scarcely seen him ere
1t vanished
sothe days slipped-nay, rippied-by on
the tide Of that sweet, low laughter and
music Of contented voices. Gradually Miss
r1.t-~ l..
wheel chair DR. Bronson seemed to be
growing melancholy, and the old restless,
longing look came creeping back. Ho
would wheel her up and down the halls
and then leave her by the open door,
where the sweet springs breath came
foating in, and go about his duties, still
watching her with loving care that
seemed pathetic 10 me for felt that there
was a story to his life that lie one knew
and which still withheld its sequel
One night there, was fearful storm.
The wind blew a perfect gale and hurled
the sheets Of falling rain against the win
dow panes. The thunder dropped its
heaven forged bolts in quick succession,
while the lightning kept the scene bril-
liant as day
Dr. Bronson was In and out of tho
wards ali night, but he went oftenest to
Beth's room to ask;
Are you nervous in this frightful
storm2n
She would answer softly, oh, no, ;"
and then, having no excuse to remain
longer he would pnce the halls nervously,
while tho fury Of the storm steadily iu.
creased. He thought once bitterly,
oh If shc would only show some sign
Of fear or distress, that might go to her
nd n l. In. il I I,r