The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1902-01-03
The Doctors dilemma
By.Hesba stretton
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CHApTER xxvII.-CCOntinuedJ

Laurentie, "also u treasure Whlcn
found at the foot Of the Calvary down
yonder."
He had aIighted whilst saying this, ana
the rest Of the conversation was carried
on In whispers. There was some one III
in the house, and our arrival was III
timed, that was quite clear. Whoever
the woman was that had come TO the
door, she. did not advance to speak TO
me, but retreated as soon as the CONVEX
sation was over.
pardon, madame" he said, approach
ing us, "but my sister Is too much oeeu-
pied with sick person to do herself the
honor of attending upon you"
He did not conduct us through the open
door, but led us round the angle Of the
presbytery to a small clubhouse opening
on to the court, and with no other en-
trance 1t was building lying between
the porch and belfry Of the church and
his own dwelling place. But 1t looked
comfortable and inviting. A fire had been
hastily kindled on an open hearth, and
heap of wood lay beside 1t. Two beds
were in this room; one with hangings over
the head and a large tall cross at the
foot board; the other a low, narrow pal
let, lying along the foot Of 1t. A eruci-
fix hung upon the WALL and the wood
work of the high window also formed a
cross. 1t seemed a strange goal to reach
after our days wanderings.
Monsieur Laurentie put the lamp down
on the table, and drew the logs of wood
together on the hearth. He was an old
man, as then thought, over sixty. de
looked round upon US with benevolent
smile.
Madame" he said, "our hospitality
Is rude and simple, but you are very well
come guests. My sister is desoated that
she must leave you to my cares. But II
there be anything you have need Of, tell
me, pray you"
"There Is nothing, monsieur l an
swered; "you are too good to us-too
good"
mo, no. madame" he said, "be con
tent. Tomorrow | will send YOU to Gran
Vile under the charge Of my good jean
Sleep WELL my children, and fear moth
ing. The good God will protect you"
Minlma had thrown herself upon the
low pallet bed. | took off her damp
clothes, and laid her down comfortably
to rest. 1t was not long before | also
was sleeping soundly. Once or twice q
vague impression forced itself upon me
that Minima was talking a great deal in
her dreams. 1t was the clang Of the
bell for mathis which fully reused me at
last, but it was a minute or two before
l could make out where ! was. Then
Minima began to talk.
"How funny that s!' she said, ''there
the boys run, and | can't catch one Of
them. Father, Temple Secundus is pull
ing faces at me, and all the boys are
laughing. Well! it doesn't matter, does
It? Only we are so poor, Aunt Nelly
and all. We're so poor-so poor--so
poorv'
Her voice fell into murmur too low
for me to hear what she was saying
though she went on talking rapidly, and
laughing and sobbing at times. called
to her. but she did not answer.
What could all the child2 | went to
her, and took her hands in mine-burninG
little hands. said, "Minima?' and she
turned to me with a caressing gesture
raising her hot fingers to stroke my face
Eyes, Aunt Nelly. How poor we are
YOU and I! am SO tired, and the prince
never comesw
There was hardly room for me in the
narrow bed, but l managed to lie dowr
beside her, and took her into my arms tt
soothe her. She rested there quietly
enough; but her mind was wandering
and all her whispered chatter was abou
the boys, and the dominic, her father, ant
the happy days at home In the school II
Epping Forest. AS soon as it was light
dressed myself in haste, and opened m,
door to see il could find any one to senC
TO Monsieur Laurentie.
The first person | saw was himself
coming In my direction. had not fairly
looked at him before, for | had seen hin
only by twilight and freight. His cas-
sock was old and threadbare, and his ha
brown. His hair fell in rather long lock-
below his hat, and was beautifully white
His face was healthy looking, like tina
of man who lived much out Of doors
and his clear, quick eyes shone with
kindly light l ran impulsiyely to NEE
him, with outstretched hands, which h
took into his own with a pleasant smile
"Oh, come, monsieur" | cried; max
haste! She Is i'll, my poor Minima"
The smile faded away from his face il
an instant, and he did not utter word
He followed me quickly to the side o
the little bed, laid his hand softly oil
the childs forehead, and felt her pulse
He lifted up her head gently, and openini
her mouth. looked at her tongue anC
throat. He shook his head as he turne,
10 me with a grave and perplexed expires
sion, and he spoke with low, solemn &C
cent
MADAME" he said, at is the feverv
He left me, and l sank down on
chair, half stupefed by this new disaster
It would be necessary to stay where W
were until Minima recovered; yet l ha
no means to pay these people for tn
trouble we should give them, and the ex
pense we should be to them. | had no
time to decide upon any course, however
before he returned and brought with hr
his sister
Mademoselle Therese was tall. plair
elderly woman, but with the same pleas
ant tAUEtsSiUh VI NHNh AAANhNAtASHo a
that Of her brother. She went throug
precisely the same examination of Mir
ina as he had done.
1.-THE feverv she calculated, In muc
the same tone as his. They looked siG
nifcantly at each other, and then held
hurried consultation together outside th
door, after which the cure returned alon,
Madame" he said, "this child Is nc
your own, as | supposed last night. NJ
sister says you are too young to be he
mother. Is she your sister,"
"No, monsieur" | answered.
81 called you madame because 70
we're travelling alone" he continued. smi
ing: French demoiseles never travt
alone. You are mademoiselle, no doubt
'No, monsieur | said frankly, Il al
married"
where, then, is your husbandg" he il
Quired.
"He Is in London" | answered. "Mol
sleur. It is dificult for me to explain !
I cannot sneak your language we