River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1904-11-24
embrace. He submitted calmly.

he had chance to say a word.
tits so good to see you looking like
yourself again!"
in the hall, there was a breath of some
thing fresh and sweet, and the vision
entered and removed her hat.
He was beyond feeling astonished at
anything. Gently, but firmly, he with
drew from the woman who held him.
Whatever was the solution to this
situation, he was bound not to lose
another opportunity.
Madam" addressing the newcomer.
"I have returned your precious pack
age safely and will gladly return the
rest of your property" as he boldly
kissed her mouth.
"Ohi Obi" a heart-broken Shrek
from the other woman, as she fed
into the next room, slamming and bolt
ing the door.
The girl turned upon him hotly.
"John, how can you hurt your wife
with such a heartless joker"
Putting his hand to his head. he
laughed foolishIy. "My wife! my wife!
didn't know I had one"
She looked frightened and edged to-
ward the room from which came
sounds of weeping
"Anniei Annie!" she cried, knock
ing at the door. Cant you see that
he is not himself. You remember what
the doctor said about mental and physi-
cal rest and danger Of nervous prOstra-
ton. If you won't let me in, telephone
yourself for the doctor. Do-do some
thing"
Look here, madam" shaking the
door impatiently, II don't know who
you are or who you think I am, but"
There were fresh sobs and the ring
of the telephone as she called up DR..
Thompson's Office.
ooh, doctor, do come quick! John
| has come home in a dreadful state.
What? No, indeed" Indignantly, che
was never intoxicated in his life. He
looks 50 well, but he doesn't know who
he is or where ne is. Not even his
own wife," with a sob. "Yes!-No!-
Awful!-Poor fellow, of course we'll
humor him. Yes, do come right away.
What?-Where? Why, here, of course
oh, 1913 Drexe1"
Mabel" she whispered through the
door, sis that you? The doctor says
he'll be out as soon as possible. Says
to humor him at any cost" Opening
the door crack, John, dear, does
your head ache?"
mo-" he snapped, "and my name
Che hoC +ha dnnr
again.
Look here, there is some sort of
mistake. The wrong address, I sup
pose; l want Mr.. John Harris"
"He doesn't even know his own
name" she cried tearfully. 'T don't
suppose he even knew poor little
Francis"
"My dear woman, that youngster
may belong to you, but don't, and
I'm going"
mabel! Mabel" she called in alarm
Hold him! Try to soothe him. He's
taken a dislike to me; they often do
that way. Humor him. Hold him at
any cost till the doctor comes"
He was bewildered, and somewhat
excited, but felt no desire to escape
from lovely Mabel. He was will
ing to be soothed and held indefinitely.
1t was a queer situation, but he de-
cided to make the best Of it.
eyes, hold me-" She nervously took
his outstretched hand.
"Ah, feel BETTER" as he led her over
to a couch and blessed the doctor for
his order to humor him, hoping he
wouldn't come too soon.
No matter who the woman was, bent
upon being his wife, he was sure that
this was the one he wanted.
Little girl" he said, tenderly, rails
| ing her hand to his lips. II love you"
Ny heart went out to you the moment
saw you when you reached up and
kissed me so sweetly."
She blushed and trembled as he
kissed each slender finger. "You do
love me-" He heard steps in the hail
"Say you love me. dear" She hest
tated, but, remembering that he must
be humored, whispered: 81 love you"
The door opened to admit the doctor,
timidly followed by the other woman.
"Ahem!" he said, adjusting his
glasses.
CDR. Thompson, presume" replied
the infatuated bachelor, politely, still
retaining one little hand tight in his
own, wishing heartily he were minis
ter instead.
Feeling his pulse the doctor shook
his head solemnly: "Ahem! I -
The door burst open and a thinner,
older-looking man rushed in and gath
cred the other woman in his arms.
Hello Mabel! Looked everywhere
for you and the kid. Why, Ned, old
mani"
"Jack!"
Johns twin brother" cried Annie,
with a glad little sob, and everyone
laughed.
"Well. WELT" and the doctors eyes
twinkled. mo wonder you were
mixed" as he took up his medicine
case and left.
Ned turned in time to see a charm
ing figure, with face averted, vanishing
up the stairway.
"oUR FATHERS FRIENDS"