Waterbury Democrat., 1901-03-02
, CHAPTER X.

THE CONFERENCE. It was two weeks after the fire and the accident to Stuart. Erie was sit ting by the bed, for Stuart was still in Fries cottage. His accident had been so serious that there had been no thought of his removal. During the anxious days and nights Erie had hardly left Stuart's side. AndreH had Eric had insisted upon his prior right and had refused to give way to any one else.
 Thcrc was another watcher who l more than Andrew regarded Eric jeal- ollsly, and that was woman who stole into the cottage often with the doctors coming and remained, dry eyed and pale, with the hearts hunger of love staring out of great eyes-that burned over Stuart as if by very force of com polling affection they would rouse him into knowledge and life again. Rhena did not try to hide the feeling she now had. The doctor came in quietly that day while Erie was sitting asleep at the side of Stuart, exhausted by his great vigil. and found Ithena on her knees praying. The intensity of her desire for Stuart's life broke out into an audible petition.
 70 Lord, my God. save him. What has he done to die? Oh. how can say, Thy will be done? l never loved him before. Spare him, God of all goodness. He is so needed in thy world. Surely there are others who would he less God. what am I say ing: But lie is my lover! And he does not know that love him.
 Peg pardon,'' interrupted the doctor 'but you're mistaken about that. He knows it perfectly well. Just tell him four or five times more if you think it is necessary"
 Rhena turned her head toward Stu art. He lay there with his eyes open for the first time in days, really con scious and with a smile On his face which was heaven to her. She simply turned on her knees and bowed her head over Stuart's hand and put her lips to it, and then, to the doctors sur prise. she fell over and fainted ':It beats all creation what these wo- men can spring in the way of sur prises on q manv' said the doctor as he picked Rhena up and carried her over to a couch at the other end of the room.
 Eric had started out of his doze, and Stuart had shut his eyes again. lapsing into his former stupor. but still with a smile on his lips. But if any lass has q right to faint this one has. Are you going to tumble off again, ma'am?' he asked as Rhena began to come to. ''Iou can if you want to. Do you want to cry? Come. that's good girl! Cry a little. It'll do us all good. Want a handkerchief? Here's mine.'
 Rhena sat up suddenly and seized Saxon's hand. "Oh, doctor, he will get well, won't he? He is better? There is hope? He knew me for a moment. You do believe my prayer will be an- svered?'
 Rhena was crying softly. She was broken and nervous with the great strain of the last two weeks.
 i've heard worse prayers get at tended to- replied the doctor shortly.
 But do you think-oh, doctor, it is death to me to think of-tell me, what do you fear? Is he-Will ha liye?"
 The doctor shut his lips tight Rhena watched him, with her hands clinched lidiu over Ills. Sllc ulu uOl hIOW IL, but her slim fingers hu.t even the doc tors rugged, knotty fists. Finally he answered her. 'I think, yes. I am quite sure. now that he knows that you care for him a little, there is a fighting chance
 Care foH him q little.' replied Rhc na, with q smile that melted tEe doc tor completely. Doctor, were you eyer in love?'
 "No.' replied the doctor, ''but if 1 was I'd have to put up still another band stand in the square. One apiece wouldn't be too much for three such fools as you and Stuart and me-
 'What's that nonsense he's talkingw asked Erie. coming over to the end of the room where they were.
 Tt was not nonsense" said Rhena with more color in her face than it had seen since the day Stuart had first spoken to her. She went over to the side of Stuart and sat down there watching him. She had q great hope now. The doctor also told the truth. And indeed, he afterward said, nothing but love brought Stuart cut alive.
 i've heard that people who were in lONI COttiSt IN Ou botllIuS, tic said, but I do believe if Stuart hadn't come to himself long enough that day to hear that little prayer I'd have had two funerals on :ny hands pretty quick. Well, 1 never understood these wO- men. There she was one minute as limp as a dead fish, and the next she was as lively as a Salvation Army tambourine. If I could get this article they call love fixed up in prescription and deal it out in severe cases, l be- lieve it would do more good than all the microhe killers on earth"
 Those were wonderful days when Stuart was declared out of danger. Andrew celebrated by bringing over his choicest blossoms. He ranged two pots of roses on a table where Stuart could see them and laid a beautiful white carnation on the bed within reach of Stuart's fingers.
 ''It's the only one I've been able to get this winter, Stuart. Isn't it beau ty? It's new variety. Do you know