The Opelousas courier., 1901-06-01
" don't know" she began dubi-

Kathleen had to- laugh, he was 81
pleasant and breezy.
ooh, no; only twisted my ankle
she said, shyly. =
"Only! Humph! You are used tc
making light of great matters, I see.
And to Kathleen's horror down he
dropped on his knees, and cody took
possession of her foot.
$50 much for wearing a low SHOE
he said, half-angrily, as he looked al
the active little foot, clad in an Ok
ford tie, and then deity united it and
drew it off. W
6 Kathleen grew indignant and red.
you need not trouble yourself
she began.
BE still. I am a doctor, young lady.
and know what sprains mean" he cool
Is retorteds moving the foot gently,
though her lips Quivered with the
pain.
A doctor! Kathleen looked full at
him in establishment. Not the new
doctor, surely!
"You are going to spoil two engage
ments for me this evening, with this
foot, young lady, SO you must repay
me with obedience. At one place, mus
ic, laughter and bright smiles await
me, to welcome me to my new home!
at the other, a poor old woman Is wait
ing to thank me for looking up my
poor, the first thing after I take pos
session of my practice"
His frank eyes met the conscious
gray ones looking SC eagerly at him.
you speak of my home and my poor
old woman!" she cried out, gladly.
ooh, l am so rejoiced you are good for
something" ...,
He laughed heartily.
(Which you doubted. And SO you
were going to see the old woman when
this happened? Then you are"
Kathleen Severn" said the girl,
quietly.
Doctor Oscar Ware, at your SER
vice." retorted the CHEEKY voice, as it's
owner raised his hat. Nov, Miss
Kathleen, I know all about you, for
Granny Duff is garrulous, and as you
are used to obedience I expect you to
mind me now My horse is at the
blacksmith's across the field, where I
left him to be shod, while I came over
here to gather wild-roses for a sick
lad In the village, and while I go after
him you must sit still and wait for
Kathleen started. Would he drive
her home?
ooh, but you must mott" she pro-
in terror.
Every well. Then I'll leave you sit
ting in the mud, waiting for a deliver
er more to your TASTE" said the doc
tor, coolly, rising from his knees.
Kathleen felt her eyes droop with
sudden pain.
Thank you!" she said, gently with
sadness, in her voice that made him
look at her. Il will accept your help
since I must"
because o
II am used to helping myself, but at
last I am useless"
Il am glad to be the first to offer
you help in your weakness" said the
frank voice, gently; and then away he
sped across the field, leaving Kathleen
dazed with sudden ideas and emotions,
yet laughing low and shyly.
In a short while the doctor appeared
on the road, driving a light wagon be-
hind a strong brown horse, which he
drew up before the mud-puddle, and
then he sprang down lightly beside the
girl.
He raised her by her hand on to one
loot; she put the other down carefully,
WINGED, turned pale, and, before she
knew what next would happen, she
was caught up in a strong pair of arms
and lifted high above the mud into the
"There!" said the CHEEKY voice, as
he s~elf-reliant young man took up the
reins. Your foot is all right, Miss
Kathleen. It is only strained a little;
and by the day after tomorrow you
may try another jump"
Kathleen listened shyly; she was
emotions SO new and strange
hat silence seemed to protect her
rom herself, and throughout the drive
home she could only listen and rejoice
1T the brave nature of the new doc
or.
Once only she spoke, to ask him to
lrive In the back gate and through
he barn-yard, so that her entrance
night not be seen from the house.
Then, as he left her at the kitchen
porch, and gave her a little glass bot
lie. with the direction to apply its con-
ents to her foot until the pain ceased,
the raised her eyes, and said:
II am glad you have come here, Doc
or Ware. So many sad hearts need
-
"But not brave ones like yours7" he
Isked, sharply.
Even l." she softly said, as she
urned away.
Kathleen grew more cheerful as the
months went on, for her earnest, help
I'll nature rejoiced that there was now
mother to care for and assist the poor
md sad-hearted in the village.
A great pride grew in her as she
leard her cousins condemn the new
loctor as too commonplace and hard
working to suit their idle tastes: and