The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1901-04-18
CHAPTER X.
THE CONFERENCE.

1t was two weeks after the fire and
the accident to Stuart. Eric was sit
ting by the bed. for Stuart was still
in Eric's cottage. His accident had
been so serious that there had been
no thought Of his removal. During
the anxious days and nights Eric had
hardly left Stuart's side. Andrew had
begged to be allowed to watch, but
Eric had insisted upon his prior right
and had refused to give way to any
one else.
There was another watcher who
more than Andrew regarded Eric jeal
olsly. 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 II by very force of com
pelling 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 Eric was sitting asleep at
the side Of Stuart. exhausted by his
great vigil, and found Rhena on her
knees praying. The intensity Of her
desire for Stuart's life broke out into
al audible petition.
20 Lord. my God, save him! What
has he done to die? Oh. how can |
say. Thy will be doneT l never loved
him before. Spare him, God Of all
goodness. He Is SO needed in thy
world! Surely there are others who
would be less God, what am I say
ing2 But he is my lover! And he does
not know that love him"
BEG pardon" interrupted the doctor.
"but you're mistaken about that. He
knows it perfectly we'll. Just tell him
four or five times more II 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 q 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 1t, and then, to the doctors sur
prise. she fell over and tainted.
1T beats all creation what these wo-
men can spring In the way Of sur
prises on a manv said the doctor as he
picked Rhena up and carried her over
to q 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
a right to faint this one has. Are you
going to tumble of again. ma'am" he
asked as Rhena began to come to.
you can II you want to. Do you want
to cry? Come. that's good girl! Cry
a little. It'll do us all good. Want =
handkerchief? Here's mine."
Rhena sat up suddenly and seized
Saxon's hand. "Oh. doctor, he will get
we'll, won't he? He is better? There
Is hope7 He knew me for a moment
You do believe my prayer will be an
sweredT
hHtha was SIyihS ooitiy. NhS "o'
broken and nervous with the great
strain of the last two weeks.
1--WE heard worse prayers get at
tended to-" replied the doctor shortly.
But do you think-oh, doctor, 1t is
death to me to think of-tell me. wha,
do you fear? Is he-will he live"
The doctor shut his lips tight. Rhena
watched him. with her hands clinched
hard over his. She did not know It,
but her slim fingers hurt even the doc
tors rugged. knotty fists. Finally he
answered her. 81 think. yes, Am
quite sure. now that he knows that
you care for him a little, there Is q
Sighting chance"
"Care for him littlew replied Rhe