The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-09-28
WOMAN HE LOVED

ing his business hours. when his absent-
minded manner was commented on bv the
CLERKS and the mistakes he repeatedly
maze In the affairs of which he had special
charge became common occurrences.
on these being pointed out to him by an
elderly and privileged bookkeeper remark
able for his acid smile and orange-colored
WIZ Alec honestly expressed his surprise
DIS 10 now they could have happened. In
reply the privileged person tapped his
shuH oox, helped himself literally to its
contents, and suggested that a holiday
might be advisable. But Alec, resenting
lhls' declared he was in no need of relaxa-
tlon at present, and secretly resolved to
keep MS imagination more in check during
business hours in future. Meanwhile Madge
neither resented nor appeared to notice his
neglect Of herself, for, now that his within
to take her TO theaters and concerts had
worn itself out, she no longer received any
attention from him
She, however, noticed what his self-ab-
sorption had failed to see-that his father
had been looking i'll for some time past.
III was, therefore, surprise to Alec when
the old man failed to come down to break
tast for the first time in the memory of
his son.
Both he and Madge were alarmed and i'm
mediately sent for the family doctor. Their
summons was responded to by a young
medical man named MacNeil who stated
that he was acting as locum tenens for
Dr. Gale, who had gone on his summer
holidays. MacNeirs quiet, self-assured
manner, kindly blue eyes and decisive voice
made favorable impression on Alec and
In
who was suffering from a slight attack of
gastric fever, which the doctor declared to
be in no way dangerous. For all that he
was constant in his attendance, calling
twice daily. even when the patient made
for recovery. setting beside and talking to
him without contradiction, and listening to
the old man as If his harangues were
liberal education. friendship had indeed
been started between them on the day when
DR.. MacNeil mentioned that he had been
born in Dumfriesshire, of which Robert
Cameron was also a native.
Whilst this was gradually ripening into
intimacy Alec saw little of the doctor,
whose calls were generally made while the
former was at business, which, in his ia
Tiers absence, occupied more of his time
than usual. But one lazy August day. when
there was more work than usual to keep
him in the office. a sudden longing seized
him to take holiday in the country where
the dazzling sun stepped the moorlands in
gold and the shadows of great clouds gave
richer purple to the hills.
Desiring companionship, he hurriedly
called on Harry Drummond, who had been
fellow-student of his at Edinburgh Uni
versity. to ask him to go with him. Though
lawyer by profession, Drummond was a
man whose varied tastes led him to follow
many hobbies, among which was photog
raphy. and when Alec called he found him
busy in the studio which he had fitted up
at the top of his house.
well, If you're not the very man I just
wanted Drummond said 81 often wished
to photograph you. That head of yours
will do justice to my efforts, and we
couldn't have a better light than now, so
just sit In that chair and let me have a
shot at you,'' he added, as, putting his
brawny hands on Alecs shoulders, he
forced him into seat.
Alec explained why he had called for him.
"a day in the country? I'll ask nothing
better when you have sat to me. Hold
your head a little higher, man. That will
do fine. I'll be ready for you in the twink
ling of a sleeps tall
Having posed his sitter, he hurriedly put
the plates in the camera, while Alec, keep
ing his eyes fixed on a certain spot indi-
Gated, fell into one of his dreamy moods,
in which the SIRENS face seemed to rise
before him with unusual vividness. He
was reused by hearing his friend say:
wait a moment until 1 have developed
this" and with the enthusiasm OF an anna
teur Drummond rushed into the dark room
and banged its door beside him.
Left alone for nearly a quarter of an
hour Alec was becoming impatient, when
his friend called out: "Well. I'm blestv
Hasn't it come out all right?" Alec
asked.
.I don't know what to make Of it. It's
the rummiest thing I've ever come across"
shouted Drummond, in sheer surprise.
What is it, man." asked Alec, irritated
by what he considered a waste of time.
''Why, there are two distinct faces on the
negative. At first 1 thought it's because
you had moved, but that idea won't stand,
for the other face is woman's!" said
Drummond.
NONSENSE replied Alec.
well, see for yourself" said the anna
teur, as, coming into the studio, he held up
a negative between the thuRb and fingers
of one hand, when, looking at it against
a strong light, Alec saw the faint reflection
of his own face and beside IL that of
woman whose outline seemed distinctly IA
miliar.
Have you been playing tricks?" he
asked, knowing how readily photography
lent itself to deception.
mot I. But I'm sure the plates must
have been tempered with before they were
done up; yet didn't notice anything on 1t
when 1 was putting this in the camera.
I'll take them back to the man who sold
them, but I'll print this first. when we shall
be able to see what the face is like" said
Drummond, who looked on the occurrence
as joke.
Eyes. print 1t by all means" urged Alec,
suddenly stirred by a thought that flashed
on him. How long will it take? I don't
mind waiting"
1T can't be done before tomorrow, for
the plate will have to get thoroughly dry
first" his friend explained.