Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-11-25
CHAPTER XXI.

Maruscha has quite put my nose out
with my patient. The old man, meta
phorically, went down before her, when
her radiant face first shone on him a
week ago. Though he submits to a lit
tie superintendent on my part, l am
otherwise superfluous. 1t is Molly" (as
he calls herr to whom he looks to dress
his wound, to shake up his pillows, to
read to him the news, and beguile the
tedium of his couch with talk. Thus he
lmonopolizes her day.
THAT young woman of yours IS a
treasure; she is worth her weight in
gold. Alexander" he said "It Is to be
hoped you will make much of her when
you get her"
AS if l am a likely man to use Ma
ruscha or any woman badly! But it is
natural; the English sometimes beat
their wives How long is this to last,
wonder? l am like a third wheel to a
cart | sit apart here at the window
staring into the street. and sometimes at
Maruscha, though never an answering
glance comes my way. She is reading
the share list" to him from the news
paper Now he stops her
Read that item again, Molly, my
dear" he says.
And she repeats the figures, which l
know convey no meaning to her. In
spite of my vexation, l must confess
that it is attractive to hear her silvery
tongue pronouncing the lisping English.
No wonder he keeps her at it.
At last she has got to the end of the
column. and | detect a faint, stif1ed
sigh of relief as she lays the paper OH
her lap.
Thank you. my dear. Now, would
you mind hosting this cushion a bit so
that l can sit upright? There! Bless
you. what a pair Of hands the small
woman has, to be sure! Now, be off
with you and take a look at the shops.
| want to have some talk with that
young man of yours
Is it possible? Can l hear Alright?
He is actually sending Maruscha away.
She may we'll look surprised. Like my
self she can scarcely believe the evil
dence Of her ears. She rises very slow
ly, and says:
Il hope you do not think that I am
tired already, Mr.. Cough. l have not
read to you the leader yet. Do you
really wish me to go?'
Yes, go your ways for an hour. We
will have the leader when you come
back. | have something to say to the
doctor. Don't be offended, my dear; it
is on matter of business
| regard her gloomily. The more so
because of Mr.. Coughs open admiration
He is completely turning her head.
Eth, but she's rare smart lass he
excIaims You're a lucky chap, Alex
ander."
Maruscha smiles, well pleased, though
she protests.
'Fie, you fatter. Mr. Cough. And
look how Vladimir is vexed. He thinks
you spoil me-"
She darts on me a mischievous glance
force a smile because Mr.. Cough is
looking at me. l fear it is a poor at
tempt. He is laughing as l leave the
room to accompany Maruscha to the
street.
Il am beginning to detest that Eng
lishman. Maruscha" l say. savagely.
when we are in the corridor. And may
l be hanged if l so back to him at pres
entt | will go with thee"
= Indeed thou must not, Vladimir. How
canst thou think of being so rude? What
aik thee? Thou art always cross now
How long has this wretched old man
TO continue to monopolize all thy time
and thoughts? 1t is preposterous. Save
I'm fetching thee to and fro, we have
never an hour to ourselves. Is it fair,
ask thee2"
i thought to do thee pleasure-to for