Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1904-12-15

Scarcely had his step sounded on IN
porch. when the door flew open ant
q woman received him with warn
embrace He submitted calmly. :"
am getting used ia It," he thought.
She led him into a room across thu
hall, where he lad the child upon
couch. Turning down the light. they
tiptoed out
Dear" and she put her arms around
his neck and kissed him again, before
he had a chance to say a word.
Its so good to see you looking like
yourself again!"
He heard the door open. light step
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.
II have returned your precious pack
age safely and will gladly return the
rest Of your property" as he boldly
kissed her mouth.
ooh! obi" q heart-broken shrek
from the other woman, as abe 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 foolishly. MY wife! my wife!
didn't know l had one"
She looked frightened and edged to-
ward the room from which came
sounds Of weeping.
annie! 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.
"Oh, 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 we'll. but he doesn't know who
he ia or where he is. Not even his
own wife," with 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 Drexel."
Mabel" she whispered through the
door, lis that you7 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?"
"No," he snapped, "and my name
isn't John" She hastily shut the door
again.
Look here. there is some sort of
mistake. The wrong address. I sup
pose: want Mr.. John Harris"
HE doesn't even know his own
name." she cried tearfully. II 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 himl 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
Eyes, hold me-" She, nervously took
his outstretched hand.
"Ah, feel better" as he led her over
to 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"
My heart went out to you the moment
I 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 hall.
"say you love me, dear" She hest
tated, but, remembering that he must
be humored, whispered: ri love you"
The door opened to admit the doctor,
timidly followed by the other woman.
"Ahem!" he said. adjusting his
glasses
"Dr. 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 see."-
The door burst open and q thinner.
Overlooking 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"