Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-08-29
lcc-r worse! 1t will drive you mad!"

licious to her cruel mind, for her hate
of Clarice was becoming almost q ma
mia. and for the poor brides sufferings,
she would have been willing to give
pain to herself.
Further reflection on the subject was.
however, for the present. cut short by
the entrance Of Bertha and the physt-
clan.
The doctor for whom the girl had set
out in quest, and who had occasionally
been called In for Robert Grayson. was
not at home. and Bertha had fastened
onward until she came to a house on
which she saw sign announcing that
CDR. Francis Bethune" was at home,
within certain given hours. He proved
to be at home now, and he at once &C
companied her.
A single glance served to inform Mrs.
Martin that the young man who now
entered With Bertha was not the GUS
tomary everyday repository Of GER
tain number of medicinal prescriptions.
and just brains enough to feel pulses
with grand pretense of doing some
thing extraordinary.
She greeted him, therefore, with that
mingled respect and admiration which
she knew. so we'll how to blend harmo-
niously, and her quick eye made a
mental inventory of him.
He was tall, but we'll developed and
we'll proportioned. His face was pale
and firm; his mouth, large and shapely,
with fine. white teeth, contrasting
sharply with the red and healthy lips.
He had no beard at all, not even
moustache, probably because it would
have been of an objectionable color, for
his thick, wavy hair was as tawny as
lions name.
With such a complexion and hair, 1t
was natural to look for blue eyes: and
on first meeting Francis Bethune, the
observer was made aware, almost with
shock, that his eyes We're dark as
midnight, with singular glow that
gave them a tawny color, which again
made one think of the hue of a lion; but
this time. of lions eyes.
His manner was somewhat abrupt,
indicating that his time was valuable,
and not to be frittered away by femi-
nine nonsense.
'This young lady tells me that sick
man requires my services immediate
ly," he said, having acknowledged Mrs.
Martins salutation with brief civility.
''This is the young man." that lady
returned, with equal brevity, indicating
young Austin, with a slight wave of the
hand. "He is an entire stranger; and
before we proceed further. I beg you
will tell me whether he is suffering
from any contagious disease. Because,
in that case, I cannot-even at my
daughters entreaty-permit him to re-
main here"
| DR.. Bcthune had already reached the
sofa on which Shirley, unconscious of
his surroundings, and still muttering
wildly to himself, was seated.
AS the physician took the patients
hand and placed his fingers upon the
pulse, Shirley raised his head and gazed
| fixedly into the newcomers face. 1t
| was evident enough that the uncon-
scious gazer neither saw nor recognized
the new face, but the effect upon the
doctor was startling. He colored vio-
lently, and an irrepressible exclamation
of surprise escaped him.
Almost on the instant he was master
Of himself and the sudden flush had re-
coded, leaving him paler than before;
But, quickly as he had regainedShis
self possession, the momentary lossAgf
it had been noticed by Mrs. Martin. and
even by Bertha.
| For nearly minute he held Shirley's
hand, while he timed the pulsation AT
the wrist by small gold watch which
he had drawn from his pocket. At the
end of that minute he replaced the
watch and turned to Mrs. Martin.
"There is no danger of contagion,
madam" he said, addressing her, and
glancing toward Bertha. This gentle
man is suffering from malarial fever
probably relapse Of that troublesome
malady, for the appearance and general
condition indicate that he has been for
some time an invalid. The illness has
reached critical stage and has devel-
oped delirium, and the patient should
be put TO bed at once and placed in
charge Of a professional nurse. IT you
desire it. can relieve you of all trouble
on the subject by having the gentleman.
at once removed to hospital
by no means!" Mrs. Martin here in
terrupted. 1t didn't suit her designs at
all that Shirley should be removed from
her constant observation just when his
presence might prove useful in so many
ways to her various plans. I'm the
name of Christian charity, desire to
care for this young man, since he fell
down at our very feet. He is an utter
stranger, it is true; but all the more for
that reason his case calls for pity and
kindness"
very well. Since you so decide,
will assist him to room where he can
be put to bed
Put him in my room, mamma, dear,
please do!' Bertha exclaimed, in tones
| of entreaty. II can room with Lefty,
you know. Indeed, would much pre-
fer it."
"very well. my dear; it shall be as
you say,' Mrs. Martin acquiesced.
''This way, DR.. Bethune, if you please"
And she turned to leave the room.
The doctor had already taken Shir-
ley's arm and gently raised him from
the sofa. The poor fellow, although in
capable of originating any course of
action for himself, was blindly obedient
to the will of another; and, supported
by the doctor, slowly followed Mrs.
Martin into the hail. and up long, mar
row stairway leading to the second
floor.
The room usually occupied by Bertha
was soon reached, and, being already in
perfect order, was Immediately given