The National tribune., 1896-03-26

but when they did she answered The depre.
| eating look in his eyes-boyish still, in spite
Of his manhoods oares-with cold recog-
nition that just escaped being rude.
| One night his studies were interrupted by
| a loud, imperious ring. He ran downstairs
, and opened the door to n figure he started
to recognize. 1t was Mamie in a loose
wrapper and shawl.
"Auntie is so i'll. Oh, do come at once, y
she exclaimed, in pitilul voice.
He hesitated.
Have you not sent for DR.. Freke?" he
asked.
"Oh no." answered Mamie, impatiently /;
1 want you, DIR. McLaren. That's why l
came myself Do come at once"
She could not see his face in the dim light
of the hall lamp, but his tone was guardedly
professional.
1 will come, of course, if it is so urgent,
but you must send for Dr. Freke. 1t is
etiquet, you know"
"I will trust auntie to no one but yOu,"
exclaimed the girl. Don't punish me for
my unkindness," she added in low voice.
His reply was to snatch his hat from n peg
and, taking her arm, to lead her down the
steep steps.
Miss Mather's attack, though sudden and
alarming, was not dangerous In another
hour DR.. McLaren and Mamie were stand
ing in the garden, the patient safe and at
tended by her maid.
"You must say you did not like calling
the old gentleman up in the middle of the
night" he added.
Il don't think he will mind" said Mamie.
" hear he is really thinking of retiring.
Who do you suppose told me 500"
cannot guess" answered DIR. McLaren,
suddenly grave.
Miss Minnie Freke herself Do you
really mean that you've not heard of such a
possibility 2"
The Doctors tone was businesslike.
Indeed Pve not. / must go home aud
digest it,"
Certainly, he is canny Scot" thought
Mamie, as, with hearty handshake, he
turned away, and she went indoors thought
fully.
He came again next day and was rather
surprised to find how much at home he felt.
Miss Mather, a little more anxious than he
or Mamie about her old friend. had written
an explanatory note to DR.. Freke.
And he may be here at any moment"
she said. "How delightful if you and he
were to meet and be friends; it would be
the last stronghold taker."
Mamie looked at the Doctor and smiled.
"Auntie means since you have effected
breach in my Notifications"
No" said Miss Mather simply; " meant
since Minnie and he are such friends"
On" said Mamie, rather crestfallen.
1t is perhaps too early for congratula-
hOns," said Miss Malber, who had set her
heart upon this solution to the Doctors diff
ficulties.
The Doctor was very fair, and blushed
easily. But Tie color which rose now went
back as quickly and left him pale. He did
not look at Mamie.
can only guess ~ what you refer,D he
said quietly. 'Apd il is indeed too early for
congratulations. i may tell you that even
if had the honor, could never propose to
a rich woman. Consequently" he added,
with forced laugh, am not likely 10 be
a subject for matrimony these many years
TO come"
Dear me-" exclaimed Miss Maiher, COM
passionatcly, that is a pity. A vile is
great help TO a professional man"
Tbetwo young people laughed-so upr0ar-
iously, INDEED, that the kind old lady was |
half inclined 10 feel hurt. But the Doctor |
was suddenly grave again. and took leave |
with his distant manner, as If mindful of /
his status In The hOuse-as n professional |
man. He did not come again, nor did The
young ladies OF Si!cott progress, under lis |
latiOn in golf
II WAS "A sickly Autumn, and The two
doctors had their hands full. DIR. Freke
still held out against his young rival and
refused to meet him in consultations but
every body said he could not keep up very