Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1899-11-16
I'm NO 90
BY E. E. GARNETT.

| BY E. e. GARN EFT.
"Ah. nurse. the doctor began, then
hesitated Nurse Bella was very young
and had been in training only a few
weeks. but the hospital force ran short
this morning. and there were readiness
and pluck in the look that met his doubt
ful glance at her. There's rather diff
ficult case assigned to No. 20. Do you
think
''oh, I'll try" She was much bored
by the beginners end of her business. A
difficult case promised change, at least.
''I1l try hard" with enthusiasm.
Very we'll There's brain trouble.
Keep him amused. Ii You get afraid.
ring
She went IL No. 20 jubilant. yet i'll
trepidation too Brain trouble. Poor
fellow She went in with a little shad-
ow of sympathy already quieting her
vivacious farce The patient was looking
from a window. He turned and took Il
quick step or two toward her, whereupon
Nurse Bella backed and got white
Il beg PARDON said the patient, stop
ping in considerable surprise. Il thought
You might perhaps bring me message"
No. no: not exactly" She did not
want to be too positive if he had set his
heart on il. She gathered her coura se
together. He did not appear in the least
dangerous, but stood looking at her with
courteous inquiry quite as any sane man
might.
Il called in to see Dr.. james, who is
an old friend of mine" he said when she
continued silent, but if he doesn't hur-
ry." glancing at his watch, Il shall not
wait"
Poor thing." murmured Nurse Bella
under her breath. He doesn't know that
he is prisoner And to him gently,
with beautiful compassion in her eyes,
she said. 81 came to-io amuse YOU"
why. that's awfully good of you,"
looking much as if she had succeeded in
her purpose. but it may get you in
trouble. don't you think, with the head
nurse or the doctor?"
THE doctor knows"
"Ob. does he? WE'LL" looking rather
puzzled. '.let me give you chair
She took the chair..but eyed him anx-
iously. She was hoping he was not one
Of the cunning type. said TO be so danger
Gus, and she was sorry for him with all
her heart. so young and sn handsome
and she sighed.
"A place like this he said, lis So as
sociated with groans and mustard plas-
ters that | should be getting pain some
where by now if you hadn't come
"Oh. you will soon have no pain at ALL
The doctors are so good. and they have
given you such pretty rooms. 1t is not
all the patients who have cozy parlor
looking out on the park. We will all
try, and l am sure" with sweet earnest
ness. that you will soon be WELL
The patient stared an instant. then
broke into a low laugh. a very pleasant
laugh and becoming
81 see." he said, "you take me for a
patient?"
There" thought Nurse Bella, chow
silly that was of me, OF course he
doesn't know, poor, dear thing, that any
thing is wrong with him. And to him
she said hurriedly, with smile that en-
treated forgiveness: Il did not mean
that. Why, You look as if you had new
er." brightly, never been ILL"
That's right" with Il genial nod. Il
never have. Good thing for the nurses,
isn't it:''
Why" looking startled
Il might growl. you know. Pains an
awful thing. Why. I've seen a man 20
wild over a racking headache-go Wild
How terrible, Would you like. would
it help, if ! were to rub it?'
Its very good of you" coloring some.
but | wasn't speaking of my head You
see. mine is as right as trivet."
Yours doesn't ache?"
Not Bit
I'm so glad.''
Here the door opened. and the patient
started eagerly toward it. but Nurse Bel
la was too quick for him. There was a
glimpse of Il man with tray of tiny
glasses. Then. in a second. Nurse Bella
held one. and the door was shut
by Jove.' said the patient softly and
stood looking at her She was bit
nervous and breathless. She came to-
ward him with great earnestness.
will you drink this. please?'
"See here and storm threatened in
the patients eye. I've explained to you
that there's nothing the matter with me-"
You must" firmly, but with white
lips. cor ! must ring for help"
'Ring?" eagerly. where's the bell?'
But she was standing in front of the
bell. and after hesitating an instant he
again made for the door. There was no
time for ceremony. Nurse Bella spilled
The whole contents of the little glass over
his vest in her rush to intercept him. and
very dangerous indeed the patient looked
until he caught her eye. Through all
her terror Nurse Bella felt thrill of pro-
fessional pride at sight of this swift
change.
Il beg your pardon" he said very gem
:ly. ~ wouldn't have frightened you so
for anything. See; I'll stand here" back
ing meekly toward the wall, perfectly
still while You ring and
But there was hurried step outside,
and DIR. James voice said
There's n mistake somewhere"
"Ah," assented the patient dryly. $50
it seems to me"
The doctor came in on his remark aud
began to laugh.
My dear Miss Bella" he said. let me
introduce my young friend. DIR. Haliston.
He is. by some absurd blunder. in his
right mind"
''ff you will forgive ME for frightening
you, said DIR. Haliston, crossing eagerly |
to lis nurses side. land take the case un-
Ter further considerable JON Which she |
lid. buffalo News
Going Under the Brooklyn Bridge.
4 h., .lots, Il, LtolI \