Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-10-08
Before We're Married.;
Bv HENRY c. PARKER.


things to do besides attending to the
patient. The situation AT Fairview
could not possibly continue at statu
quo. 1t would break soon by its own
weight, and when the break came,
even if he should not precipitate it,
he ought to be prepared to meet 1t
with a clear mind and full bodily
strength He would like to plan to
have Amelia removed from rNtew
to his own or some othe" house, but in
view of her present and probable con-
dition it was not 10 be thought of.
There was. therefore, only one eN
pedient available, TO send for his
mother. She alone could be trusted to
take charge of The sick room, 1t
seemed pity that he had sent her
away, but there was 10 help for it. and
he had the satisfaction of knowing
that she wo, Id welcome the change.
Professor Drummond was the first
to call at the chamber when morning
came. He inquired about the pa
tents condition as naturally as If
there were no such thing as strained
relations.
Miss Willis" replied the doctor,
lis as we'll as could be expected, but
her condition is critical. 1t is not ad-
Nisable, l may say rot possible. to re-
move her without danger. Such a
course would probably be fatal"
Il haven't the slightest desire to
have her removed responded the pro
fessor, such suggestion was far
thest from my mind. And yourself,
doctor?"
Il need rest" SAID the doctor blunt
ly, and l dare not and will not take
it until can be satisfied to leave Miss
Willis. l want you to send for my
mother.
1T shall be done at once, doctor. l
will have Louise drive over for her
after breakfast
Give her this note. then" and DR..
Williams handed the professor letter
that he had written during the night.
In it he had taken pains 10 convey no
hint of the real situation, but had laid
stress on the serious nature OF
Amela's illness and his desire to have
her faithfully nucSai while he rested
and attended to other matters He
was relieved, though little surprised,
that Professor Drummond acceded to
his suggestion without murmur lie
might well have insisted that either
Betsey or Mrs. Appleton could officiate
e l.,l 4 hH
doctor would nave unLesitatingly re-
sorted to extreme measures. That he
was not compelled to do so seemed to
indicate that the professor felt the
power the doctor lad over him. and
was ready to acknowledge it by re-
speeding the doctors wishes.
When Louise bad finished her
breakfast the professor gave her some
letters to take TO the postottiCe and
instructed her to call for Mrs Will
liams on her way back.
you'll find the horse harnossed and
hitched,' he said.
Louise went to The stable by way of
the ledge door, rs to climb one flight
of stairs from her chamber seemed
easier than to go down two, including
the long steps Of The piazza, and then
to go around the house and part way
up the slope that led to ledge and
stable alike Sea ed on the ledge
idly occupied in tossing bits of bark
into the river and watching them float
away, was Mr., Philbrick.
Don't fall in again" she said her
spirits rising at sight of him.
"Ah, good morning, Miss Drum
mond," he responded, getting up; Il
was out for a constitutional and my
steps as usual Were drawn in this di-
rection in spite Of myself l like early
morning walks. All well within,
hope?"
He came close to her, look 'ng down
with smiling admiration il her eyes.
1t was his way. he always ap
preached so near that her heart flut-
tered like leaf IN the breeze
mo" said Louise, my cousin is
seriously i'll. The doctor has been
here all night"
Indeed! l am distressed to hear it.
What Is the natter
Papa says her pind-but l don't
know that ought TO repeat 1t. The
doctor hasn't reported definitely yet.
Il am sorry If | asked a delicate
question, Miss Drnmmond. 1t was
far from my intention"
cor course, and / don't believe it
matters anyway, to tell you, only, OF
course, you won't repeat it in the vii
lage, for she may come out OF it,
Il am all interest and secrecy"
Iou're poking fun at ne"
Il protect
We'll, papa says her mind has been
oyerstrained by the shock Of Mr..
Stark weather's suicide. He suspects
that she felt an attachment for him
you know, and then she would insist
on going to the inquest. 1t was
enough to upset anybody, wasn't it
Mr.. Phllbrick?
Undoubtedly What symptoms OF
mental alteration has Miss Willis
shown"