The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-03

l.
sydney Hungerford. a young English doc
tor. had been studying abroad for some
months. picking up what knowledge he
could on the continent, and interesting HIM
self in science.
As yet he was only on the 0orderland
of a career. full OF enthusiasm and intense
~ ambitious. Not alone were the Ills OF hu-
manity stirring him to work and effort
possibly the memory Of sweet face In
England. a pair of blue eyes, graceful
girIish figure. had something TO do with
the young mans energy.
It was Of Veronica he thought. as the
train carrying him TO Calais whirled the
dreamer through space. Surely she was
beside him. a phantom form, smiling hope
fully assuring him of future success And
yet they were only friends; no word OF love
had been spoken, though Sydney's eyes
may have told tale.
Veronica, he knew. must marry a man
worthy OF her. one who could provide the
comforts e life. For this very reason he
yearned after riches, and keenly desired
the worlds wealth. AS he pondered on this
fair image Of the ideal woman. he suddenly
became aware OF figure opposite, who had
entered his carriage at the previous station
He could not see her face, hidden behind
huge handkerchief. with which she mopped
her eyes vigorously.
Apparently she was suffering. He watched
her a few moments in silence, then ven
tured remark.
ST am afraid you have hurt your eye. Can
I help you? I'm doctor"
She removed the handkerchief quickly,
and her face. though well modelled and by
no means plain, did not impress him favor
ably. 1t had sinister expression, and the
narrow, tightly compressed lips indicated
hard nature. She wore her dark hair parted
on her forehead; she spoke in low, gruff
voice.
Thank you. I must have got piece OF
grit or coal in 1t. 1 should indeed be CRATE
full If you could do anything-but the train
is so shaky-"
He bent forward, and, taking pencil out
of his pocket, rolled back the lid. dexter
ously removing the torturing atom. This
led the way to friendly intercourse, and
Nurse Dora, otherwise Miss Bentley, kept
the ball of conversation rolling. telling him
many incidents of interest in her profess
sional career.
81 have been travelling abroad with pa
tient" she said. who, under my care,
completely recovered, which is fortunate,
as 1 am now on my way to a sick friend,
whose case is very strange one. Shesis
an enormously wealthy woman, a widow,
and childless-Madam Pollette by name,
rniser by nature. 1 feel quite she is
dying, alone and friendless, without med
ical aid"
Nurse Dora. In spite OF her sinister looks,
had a strange way OF attracting interest.
poIIa
which there were many discussions in med
ical circles. an uncommon ailment, which
Sydney Hungerford was anxious to make
his special study.
With great tact Nurse Dora refrained at
first from telling him what was in her
mind, and not until they had nearly
reached the station at which she must
alight did she spring her request upon him.
Would he not break his journey and come
with her to Madam Pollette's house? Ito
Madam Pollette-he would call himself
Nurse Dora's friend all would be well. He
might at least insure the invalid more
peaceful end. even If his knowledge of the
disease proved Intellectual to save her life.
1t would not only be a philanthropic &C
tion but interesting from a scientific stand
point.
Thus she urged her request and Sydney's
enterprising nature prompted him to fall in
with the plan.
So IL came to pass that instead of speed
ing on to Calais. the young doctor found
himself driving with Nurse Dora through
tracts OF unknown country to a tumble
down chateau. surrounded with trees.
toothless old bag opened the door ard
conducted them across the hall. Sydney
noticed the wallpaper was peeling off in
the ceiling.
The depressing atmosphere of the place
seemed 10 strike him with a cold chill. He
thought of Veronica, and shuddered at the
prevailing gloom.
For this ne had postponed the meeting
with her-for this.