Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-20
he said, In a most matter OF fact way. and
be shut the door behind them.

he said In most matter OF fact way, and
he shut the door behind them.
Mamie hesitated.
1T is quite light. and I am not at ell
afraid" she said.
In the moonlight she could see the color
rise to his forehead
"Our way lies the same" he began quiz
city, and then he burst out: why have you
such a persistent dislike 10 me, Miss PHIL
potts? What have l ever done to your in
jury that you should pursue me with such
bitter rancor, that'-oh, most lame and
impotent conclusion!-'1 may not have the
privilege of the merest stranger, to conduct
you to the next house to my own?''
In spite of her alarmed consciousness,
Mamie could not but smile. He saw it, and
misunderstood.
You laugh at me- he said bitterly.
Just now, upstairs, thought you so wom-
anly. Yet you cannot be, TO try deliberately
to injure me-"
II did not laugh at you" answered Nam
ME. little startled by this direct attack,
And l have no possible objection to your
taking me home-I only meant to save you
trouble"
She moved on a step, and looked for him
to follow, but he stood quite still in the
road, which was quiet and deserted.
'I cannot help your dislike he said, IN
less excited tone, but with the evident
intention of having it out" however she
might wish to parry his attack 'H
1T is not personal said Mamie, quick
ly: ''at least she aided, mot now"
But YOU have made it so evident" said
Dr. McLaren. Forgive me for speaking,
but feel must" His voice had softened.
That mot now was drop OF oil upon the
surging waters.
How" asked Mamie, like the little cow
ard she felt herself.
Can you ask? Haven't you opposed me
inf
against me- even among the poor, out OF
whom heaven knows, l don't make my
salt? Haven't you done all you could to
drive me away from Silcott?' Ill
Mamie was silent. Her conscience began
to present her championship of DR.. Freks
in new light She hung her head; .
''You are young, rich, with heaps OF
friends, and the world at your feet" went
on DR.. McLaren. "I am young, too, but I've
nothing before me but hard work; my only
friend is my dear old mother"
Mamie looked up quickly.
''Oh Dr. McLaren," she began. But he
drew himself together.
"I had no idea of appealing to your sympa-
thy" he said stif1y. Don't think ii"
'T'm so sorry" faltered Mamie, remorse-
fully 81 see l have been unkind."
Unjust he corrected.
Indeed said Mamie, earnestly. 81 never
looked at it from your point of view. l
only felt for DR.. Freke who is my very old
friend. And they said it was-unprofes-
sional."
Perhaps" said Dr. McLaren, they omit
ed to say that offered to become his as
sistant, and he refused. After that, l could
not see why l might not enter the place.
There is room for us both. if I have fair
play"
81 am very sorry" said Mamie again.
Never before had she been taken to task
for her despotic proceedings. Yet strangely
enough, she neither resented it nor at
tempted to defend herself. The doctor
looked at her, and his eyes leaped. But the
next moment the light died out.
81 should apologize, he said, "for speak
ing like this. I don't know what made me
do it, I think it was because you refused