Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1901-04-19

her before now.
Janetta gave him a quick look Of
sympathy.
you think it might have cured
herr"
II should have tried it," replied the
Doctor quietly.
But If it hadn't, how miserable she
would have been"
1T would be the fault Of her husband
if she were So replied the Doctor,
with rather an odd little smile.
Poor fellow" thought Janetta, "he
cares for her himself. What strong
tender nature he has hidden behind
that cold manner"
Then I can do nothing" she said
aloud, "and I wish to do so much!
would do anything that lay in my
power to help make her we'll"
For the first time Doctor Drake re-
garded her attentively. There was no
doubt of the sincerity of the speaker
"You can do MUCH" he said kindly
Help her to forget herself, keep her
bright and cheerful; and it, by whole
some contradiction, you could trick her
into doing litt!s more, you would be
Of real service"
They both laughed, for Clarices way
wardness was apparent to every one
that came into contact with her; and
Janetta remembered how often she
had come down stairs, or went out for
drive, in opposition to the expressed
wish Of the Doctor.
II am glad you spoke to me-" he
said, holding out his hand. "1 feel as
if we had come to better understand
ing"
His last sentence was overheard by
Mrs. Mortimer, who advanced with cat
like tread down the street. She did
not stop. only bowed to the pair who
seemed absorbed in such earnest con-
versation, with a rather meaning smile,
and passed over to the other side of
the street.
THE chit! the deceitful chit! So that
is the business that took her out in
such a hurry this morning! She is
determined to have more than one
string to her bow. l wonder what the
better understanding may be"' said
Mrs. Mortimer under her breath, as
she looked after Janetta's retreatins
figure
After that conversation with the
Doctor, Janetta redoubled her efforts t.
brighten Clarices life.
Il feel your wings about NE night
and day" said Clarice, smiling at her.
Didn't hear you creep into my room
in the middle of the night?"
EYES," Janetta confessed. Il thought
heard you move, and that I might
put you off to sleep again by reading
aloud"
"Do you sleep with your door open,
then?" asked Clarice.
Janetta laughed and nodded.
IT like to be close at hand II you
want me-
"But how can I repay devotion like
yours? You will stay with me always,
Janetta?"
Until you marry, If you wish It,"
"And when will that be, l wonder?"
said Clarice, with quick sigh.
when Captain Merivale comes
home again." Janetta replied.
cts just that decided way Of yours
that keeps hope alive"
They were sitting in the drawing
room after dinner. Mrs. Mortimer
had gone up stairs to write letters. A
violent ring at the bell made the girls
look at each other in quick surprise.
"A caller at this time in the even
ing?" said Clarice. "Just tell Mason
that unless it Is Doctor Drake I can
see nobody"
There was only time to issue the
order before Mason reached the door,
and then a mans voice was heard
speaking in the hall, thick, hesitating.
argumentative, and Janetta's heart
stood still. The voice was Neville's.
Every vestige of color went from her
face, A visit from Neville at this
hour could bode no good.
"T think it is some one asking for
me-" she said, trying to steady her
voice. will you excuse me for mo-
ment?"
Without waiting for an answer she
went quickly into the hall; and there
stood Neville, with foolish smile on
his face, trying to explain to Mason
that it was Miss Howard, not Miss Sey-
mour, he wished to speak to.
melville, come this way!" said ia
META sharply, putting a hand on his
arm to steady his steps, for at the first
glance it was evident that the boy had
had more than enough to drink Mason
followed them into the study, where
Janetta took her brother, stirred the
fire. and turned UP the gas with slow
deliberation; and Janetta was con-
scious through every fiber Of her be-
ing that the parlor maid knew her
brothers condition as we'll as she did,
and she smarted under the humiliation
and disgrace.
THAT will do, thank you, Mason
she said, closing the door behind the
maid. Neville, what has brought yon
here at this hour and" Her tongue
refused to finish the sentence.