Middletown transcript., 1904-07-09

84ltitluans gfuii soaesiS1 = $50 - -
day
The twins were not in the same classes
Rob was the better scholar, and was two
years ahead Of RoIlie. Mr.. Graves some
time wondered II the teachers did moi
favor Rob,s promotion as the only means
of ridding themselves Of his presence.
He was-left alone. He looked about
for his pudding it was gone. Greedy
Kenneth had doubtless taken advantage
of his abstraction to secure q double
Esupply.
He could hear the singing upstairs,
He leaned bis weary head upon bis hand,
listening thinking. His thoughts were
hot happy ones. he was a far bettei
tenor than Arthur. Arthur's voice was
really aSbaritone. Why should he be
put upon the shelf in this cool manner,
| as If be we're some fossilized specimen
He had never been first with Laura since
the babies began to come. She had
seemed to think only of them-how best
to promote their interests. There were
three of them over eighteen Arthur was
twenty-three, and not one had put out
hand to help with the burden he bore.
His position had been advanced and his
salary increased from year to year, yei
the expenses always seemed to keep
abreast Of the increase. .
He rose YEARLY. He lad not felt well
fof several days, and tonight it seemed
hardly possible to move. His head
throbbed painfully. lie seemed to act
ually pull his tired body after him up
| | The The staiEs.@In the hall he paused. irreso.
lutte. Where should he go? Tie singers
were in the front parIor. The back par
lor had for sometime been occupied as a
sleeping room by Bess and Gertie; the
family had really outgrown the house.
The three little children were in his room
on the floor above. He could hear Mil
dred solemnly droning out the strange
adventures Alice in Wonderland. /"
There seemed 10 be no palce for him.
A burst of laughter came from the
parlor. Arthur had tried to reach note
beyond his compass, and failed ignomin-
iously. He was laughing nerrily with
the others. Mr.. Graves heard him say
earnestly: Mother, father could sing
that part splendidly. 1t is too high for
me-"
''Your father doesn't have the neces-
sary time,'' said his mother, firmly.
THAT one note is all that trodbles you,
and with practice | think you'll be able
to reach that"
II don't seem to be 1T around here, =
muttered Mr.. Graves, relapsing into slang
in his misery. 81 may as well go out.
I'm not likely to be missed. !"
He took bis coat and hat from the rack
and went out, closing the outer door
softly 81 won't disturb my wife's con-
cert, be said grimly. "It's also the
anniversary of her wedding night, but |
don't suppose she remembers little
thing like that. The pin / bought I'll
keep till Mildred's birthday. The ver-
ses"-his face flushed painfully-"Ph
destroy. suppose am fool-to think
she'd care for verses He drew the
paper from his pocket. holding it tightly
in his hand "I'll go back to the Office
and burn them all. What business have
I to write verses ?" He signaled an APP
proachiHgrar. He staggered as he tried
to gain the step, and the conductor helped
him aboard, looking at him sharply to
see if be were intoxicated.
A half hour later blue-coated officer
ran lightly up the steps and rang Grayes's
bell with peremptory force.
ssMr. Graves has been hurt they are
bringing him home. They'll be here in
few minutes
"Girls," Arthur spoke quickly, make
your room ready for father. It will save
him from being carried upstairs"
They ran hurriedly about. "To think, .
whispered Bess, tearfully, "we didn't
even know papa had gone out."
There was little time for preparation or
for weeping. The carriage quickly ar
rived with Mr.. Graves, two policemen
and doctor. The unconscious man was
borne gently in, aud laid upon the bed
in his daughters pretty room.
Everyone leave the room. please, y
said the doctor. decidedly, except this
young man. You're his son, suppose, !"
nodding to Arthur. .You will have TO
help me. =
1t seemed long time to the anxious,
waiting ones, when Arthur came out with
prescription slip in his hand. He is
breathing yet,n lie said, chokingly, in
answer to the unspoken question in the
pale faces, before him, ''but the doctor
can't tell-I'm going to the druggists
and dashed out Of the door.
A few minutes later the doctor came
out from the inner room. His face was
very grave, and he addressed Mrs. Graves
abruptly. I apprehend long sickness.
You must send for skilled nurse at
once. No. in answer to her appealing
face and gesture, '.you won't do. Pm
sorry, but"
evil you take me, DIR. Coppinger ?"
and Miss Gregory stepped forward. hold
ing ont her hand.
The doctor grasped it warmly. "0b,
Miss Gregory, if you only would 1
didn't know you Intended
'1 didn't" interrupted Miss Gregory,
smiling grayely, half sadly, 'sbut will
take this case"
DIR. Coppinger turned to Mrs. Graves.
"Your son tells me there is no physician
in regular attendance upon your family"
II wish you to have charge, said Mrs.
Graves quickly.
1T is well-defned care Of typhoid, q
said the doctor, almost sharply. 81 can
not understand how, lie kept up so long,