The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1896-01-03
A SUCCESSFUL OPERATION.

John Steyne. Nurse Winchester.
Scene: John Steyne's bedroom, im-
mediately after the doctors visit.
Steyne-Nurse, what did the doctor
say?
Nurse-He feels very hopeful the
operation will prove successful, and
your sight saved-provided you con-
tinue to wear the bandage patiently.
Steyne-He said that in here. Out
side, when you shut the door, he said
you looked i'll.
Nurse stimulates a laugh) - You're
been eavesdropping. 1 haven't much
color, naturally.
Steyne- Still, you look ill. Is nurs-
ing me so wearisome?
Nurse-No; you are very considerate
for a patient. But you must not
worry about me. Remember the doc
tors words: Preserve a tranquil mind.
The more patient you are the sooner
you will see"
Steyne (reflectively)-I think 1 have
been patient--more patient than you
ly to see-just one glance, as feeting as
you please, provided it took in the right
object. ca silence.) Nurse, how long
do sleep in the daytime, as rule?
Nurse-Four OF five hours.
Steyne- don't. It's pretense. lam
day-dreaming. am wondering, among
other things, what your features are
like.
Nurse (begins to dust mirpor with
a lace handkerchief)-Yo are inquisi-
tive.
Steyne-It's not mere inquisitiveness.
/ once knew lady whose voice so great
ly resembled yours that l am eager to
know if your features bear likeness too.
Nurse-In a few days your bandages
will be removed, and then (Stops alb
Iuptly.)
Steyne- do you pause? Think
your conscience is troubled, nurse.
What answer did you make the doctor
just now? That you have already
written to the hospital to be relieved
of your duties here on the plea of fail
ing health, and that you expect to be
relieved tomorrow. 1 heard.
Nurse can send you my photo
graph. That will assuage your curios-
ity.
Steyne-It is my mind that requires
relief now. Did you ever know wom-
an called Ethel Hampton?
Nurse Shaking out her lace hand
kerchief)-Yes.
Steyne dumps excitedly to his feet)
You did,
Nurse (severely)-I decline to pursue
the fnYai0 Won r.
most detrimentally.
Steyne--You leave me to consume
with in ard fire.
Nurse decline to be an accessory
to your optical suicide.
Steyne-You cannot stay my thoughts.
knew Ethel Hampton nine years ago.
| was almost engaged 10 marry her.
[ suppose she is married now. "a ST.
lence.) You won't reply? Well, it's a
relief to talk about it. So you knew
her? Queer coincidence. My curiosity
to look upon you has increased hum
drsdfold. Your voices are so similar,
too--only hers was mischievous and
yours-is rather fearful.
Nurse-We lived together. People
unconsciously initiate one another.
Steyne-For the same reason you
may have other characteristics in COM
mon.
Nurse undoubtedly
Steyne-And did you admire her?
Nurse did-once.
Steyne-So did I-once-before dis
covered her duplicity-her hypocrisy.
Nurse Observation-Disclosures what?
-
Nurse confused -I-she never told
me that, though she confessed most
things to me.
Steyne-It is nevertheless fact. 1
had arranged to take her to the Queens
theater on certain night. At the last
minute she sent me a telegram: Sorry,
Too i'll to go to theater. Don't call"
Nurse (amazed)-Youa are mistakenl
She couldn't have sent that.
Steyne-Mistaken! Hardly. 1 have
the telegram still.
Nurse-With whose name attached
Stcyne-Hampton-hers.
Nurse-But she went to the theater
that night.
Steyne-s,o did I. saw her in . box
looking anything but ill-with that
cad Brodham. Perhaps you didn't
know him.
f~-s,
Nurse (agitated) - Yes, he called
for her at the last minute.
Steyne-Prearranged.
Nurse assure you it was not. EN-
phatically) And she did not send that
telegram. Why should she have added
Don't call?" You never did call-to
my knowledge.
Steyne--By her request. Living in
rooms with only young companion
] suppose you were the companion,
nurse she studiously rejected male
visitOra-except Brodham. He called
frequently.