Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1896-06-25
CHAPTER Nj.
AmeIia.s %Expedient

The sight of Philbrick set the doc.
tors nerves on edge. His Interview
with Louise had not been productive
of all the JOY that he could have wish.
cd, but there was assurance in it that
his suit was not hopeless. and SO much
was sweet TO him. He could have
met Philbrick in the village with not
q trace of rancor, for all that had
been thrashed out in the physical en-
counter. But TO see him here, here of
all places. for, of course. he was com.
Ing to Fairview, was too much for
the doctors peace of mind. But for
the approach of his mother he might
have invented an excuse for lmmedi-
ate departure, little as appearance of
running away was c%ongenial to him.
1t is more than likely that he would
have stood his ground, but conjecture
Is unnecessary, for he went down TO
meet his mother and relieve her of the
trayling bag she carried. and in wait
Ing upon her he lost sight Of his rival
Tor . time.
II should have started TO bring you
soon" he said. Aren't you early
The boy said 4 o'clock"
"A little early, perhaps" she re-
piled, but / was all ready, and so !
thought | would go along. l supposed
You were here, Mason"
She smiled upon him benignly, and
the doctor blushed. There was no mis-
taking the significance of her express
sion. II vas a silent but direct ac-
cusation of being interested" as she
would have put it had she spoken,
In Miss Drummond.
How are the poor, dear young
ladies' she asked, continuing with
out waiting for a reply. prof. Drum
mond was so anxious, of course, l
would come-he said You would stay
here 10 lunch-for l couldn't help feel
Ing for the poor dears being left all
to themselves after such a terrible
event. 1ou hayD't any objection, have
ycu, MasonF"
. course not, mother, how could
j? 1t is Just like you, though, to put
yourself out for others"
la! / put out, too, / guess, but
I've managed it all in my mind. You
will take your meals at Fairyiew and
sleep at home. How will that suit
youg"
Perfectly. Here we are, Miss
Drummond."
Louise had hcari them as they went
up the steps and was at the door to
NEE them.
"La!' painted Mrs. Williams, "what
a climb. It's like living in the garnet,
isn't it? | should think once you
came you'd never 20 out again"
"You won't mind 1t after a day or
two, Mrs. Williams. How good of
yoi to come. 'Mclia, here's Mrs Will
dams. Nhy!r
/. The last word was uttered as a little
scream and Louise's Eyes distended
with pleasant excitement.
What is 1t dear?'' asked Mrs. Will
Jams, placidly.
The doctor knew, although he had
his back TO the road, that Louise had
seen Philbrick.
Il saw somebody / knew. that's all"
responded Louise. and her cordial bow
and smile as she acknowledged Phil
bricks raised hat, smote the doctor
savagely upon the inmost door of his
heart.
lis 1t possible that he will venture
his impudent presence here nowy" he
asked himself, and he ventured to
turn about TO see. No. Philbrick was
not coming in just then. He had
turned from the road and was cross
Iuk lue uciu ONdih tAt pOAht nbSAN
he had begun fishing in the morning.
Amelia came down stairs and greet
ed Mrs. Williams with quiet cordial
ity and the next minute the three
ladies were plunged in household talk,
planning for the coming days. Mrs.
Williams insisting that she should do
all the cooking, Louise that she should
cook herself and that Mrs. Williams
should have a vacation. and SO on.
1t was evidently a good start for a
pleasant experience all round. land
there was no apparent excuse for the
doctor TO remain. There was ample
time for him to make his usual after
noon trip through the village before
the evening meal. but yet he fingered.
After Mrs. Williams had been shown
where her room was and had come
down again, she g~savitated to the
dining room as did all who went 10
Fairview, and sat by a window look
ing out and chatting composedly with
Amelia. Louise was flying about, evil
IDENTIFY finding plenty OF domestic work
to do. The doctor drifted aimlessly