Mexico Missouri message., 1903-09-24

| .troWn Wrinkled his tOrehead; ne
wished she we're we'll out of the
house.
"Glad to see you, Charlie; was be-
ginning to think you were called away
TO some urgent case. beg your par
don. Miss Johnson"
1T is strange" Dolores said slow.
ly. Some way everyone listened
when Dolores spoke. ut is strange"
she repeated, slowly and distinctly,
her voice filing every corner of the
long. low room. ''He is my father;
why can | not see him? Why does
no one tell me of him? Surely should
know. They think cannot nurse my
| father; do l not know his ways bet
ter than anyone else's? Why can
not see him? Even he" with slow
motion % her hand toward young
Green, puts me of when ask about
him. You can tell me If you will"
Her solemn eyes were on DR.. Dun
widdie's face; she trusted him in
stinctively; she knew he would tell
her the truth.
You shall see him." the doctor re-
piled, quietly, az though 1t we're
matter of little moment. HE is sleep
ing now, Miss Johnson; as soon as he
wakes you shall see him. Your uncle
will be here this morning, but unless
your father is awake he cannot see
him. Are you ready, Charlie?"
Yes" young Green replied, his
eyes on Dolores face. He crossed
over to her side as DE-. Dunwiddie
left the room.
Il am glad you slept last night,
Miss Johnson he said. 81 brought
this, thinking you might like to read
it. 1t is full of new facts regarding
the stars-they have discovered q
new star, or think they have. The
wise men of science are puzzling their
heads over It,"
The girls soul was in her eyes IS
she lifted them to his as he stood be-
side her, and his heart ached for her..
knowing the truth to which she was
shut out.
They will not let me see my faith
er" she said, slowly, her eyes search
ing his face as though to read there
in why this thing should be.
He smiled reassuringly, and laid
his strong hand over hers, resting
upon the dresser, though a shadow
was in his eyes for very pity of the
tender, wondering face lifted to his.
I'VE are doing the best we can for
| your father, Dolores, and as soon as
he wakens you shall see him. You
believe me? I would not tell you an
untruth, you know. And why should
II"
There is no reason" she said. and
the lashes dropped disappointedly
over the dark eyes. do they think
could not bear to be told? can
nurse him as well as they, and l am
willing. believe you, but must
know"
"And / promise YOU" there was an
intensity in his voice that caused the
lashes to lift from the hidden eyes
and n swift, sudden startled glance
met his, II promise you, Dolores,
that you shall know. You think we
are cruel, but we are trying to be
kindness itself, Dolores"
He left the book of which he had
spoken on the dresser, and her fingers
closed over 1t as though it might give
her strength in the absence of the
stronger handclasp of her friend.
She lifted the book and clasped her
two hands around it, If Dora would
not do this she would not like her,
but she believed that she would. All
women cared for the men Of their
households when they needed care;
there was no reason why she should
be shut out from her fathers room
The voice of the nurse broke in on
her thoughts. The tone expressed
great relief. Dolores fingers instinct
lively frightened around the book she
held.
your uncle is coming, Dolores. |
knew he would come. II Dora could
not come she would send for you. She
told me so herself l am thankful he
Is here"
A closed carriage stopped at the
gate; the team of powerful bays were
covered In rubber blankets; their
boots were heavy with mud; the body
of the carriage was splashed, the
wheels clogged When the door was
opened gentleman alighted--@ snort,
stout gentleman wrapped in a rubber
coat, with high boots and close
gray cap. He struggled a moment
with the rickety gate, and then hur-
Iied up the drenched walk.
Mrs. Allen tapped lightly on the
bedroom door, and Charlie and Dr.
Dunwiddie came out at once. They
met the newcomer at the door with
a few hurried words. Young Green
took his coat and hat. and hung them
in the entry to drip,
Dolores had not changed her posi-
ton; she stiil stood al the dresser
the book closely elasped 10 her hands
as though friend When her uncle
advanced toward her she eyed hin
searchingly.
She was disappointed 10 him; their
/; was nothing PemariIabls about him