Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1906-10-05
A DELICATE SITUATION

lrlshman of good family, but no fortune.
having tried various other careers with
out success, had at length turned his at
tention to things theatrical and gone
upon the stage. Here he had met with
some slight success; his good looks, grace
1ul hgure and certain romantic air
had recommended him to the notice of a
distinguished London manager, who was
In want of handsome young lover for a
subordinate part in one of his melo-
dramas, and he had engaged Dermott at
"a a week.
The piece ran for $50 nights and
when it was taken off he paid visit to
ais friend, John Mickiethwaite, a country
doctor with practice in the Midlands
which had already reached such dimen-
sions that he was making arrangements
for taking a partner.
BY the way, Dermott," said the doc
tor, on the third day after his arrival,
Il wonder If you'd mind doing me little
favor"
"Only too pleased What is it," in
quired Dermott.
IL W CyCIC OFcI W a., replied the
doctor, naming a village five miles dis
tant, land to take some medicine to one
of my patients there and inquire how she
is. [ am so confoundedly busy this
morning that | can't drive over myself,
and my man has to go with medicine
right in the other direction. If you can
do this for me and tell them that I'll
be over tomorrow morning without fail,
H. IL IL. TT1
a Miss Jellicoe. She lives with her sis
ter at a large house called the Cedars.
And, by the way, will you ask to see
Miss Mary Jellicoe-the sister-and learn
from her, first Eand, how my patient
"
In half an hour Dermott started with
the medicine in his pocket. The Cedars
was prosperous-looki house. Der
mott was shown into reception room,
where he was joined by Miss Mary Jelli-
coe. She was a fresh, wholesome look
ing girl, but with the self possessed air
of one accustomed to manage her own
affairs.
Or. Micklethwaite is very sorry that
he is unavoidably prevented from COM
ing himself today" began Dermott, by
way of explanation, ''but-"
'Ah, just So" cut in Miss Mary, brisk
ly, with a comprehending nod. $50 he
has sent you instead. Very happy, am
sure, to make your acquaintance. Now
as regards my sister Ruby. | am sorry
to say she is not quite so we'll this
morning. She has had a recurrence
OF
Then, before Dermott quite knew what
was happening, he found himself being
subjected to an intimate and particular
description of Miss Ruby Jellicoe's symp-
toms, involving details the very mention
of which made him blush all over from
head to foot Moreover, the unconcerned
air with which the young lady went into
these delicate particulars took Dermott
so completely aback that he was, tempo
rarily speechless. There was some mis-
take. of course. And remark that Miss
Mary let fall soon supplied the clue.
She was evidently under the delusion
that he was Dr. Micklethwaite's new
partner.
Dermott experienced "the cold creeps"
down his backbone. If he had had pres
ence of mind to stop before she had got
fairly under way it might have been all
right But to point out her mistake to
the young lady now would overwhelm
her.
$50, perhaps she went on, ''you will
now come up and see my sister"
Dermott gasped. The cold sweat broke
out profusely on his forehead. He now
began to realize what he had let himself
in for by his tacit acquiescence in the
lady's mistake.
"I-er-oh, yes! To be sure. But
but-perhaps she mightn't like to sea
-a-stranger," he suggested, clutching
desperately at the idea.
Miss Mary looked at him in evident
surprise.
more sense than that, | hope. Besides,
even if it were otherwise, should insist
on her seeing you, now you are here.
Will you come up, please"
Dermott dared not say more. His
guide led the way to a luXuriously fur
nished room, where the patient, a pretty
Girl of about 25, lay in bed.
.Worse and worse!" groaned Dermott,
inwardly. eff she'd been up and dressed
if wouldn't have been so bad. But IN
bed! And perhaps she'll expect me to
examine her Oh, Lord!"
Or. Micklethwaite is unable to come
himself today, dear" said Miss Mary,
addressing her sister. so he has sent
his partner 20 see you instead"
Then, to Dermott's dismay, she went
ont and left him alone with the sick
girl. He approached the bedside and
mumbled out an inquiry how she felt:
"Not so WE'LL" answered the patient,
regarding the handsome young freshman
approvingly with her brown eyes lana
very fine eyes they were, as Dermott
noted. 1--WE had a recurrence OF the OLD
trouble. DR.. Micklethwaite has told you
all about my case, l presume"
Eyes, yes He has described it to me
exactly :5ermott answered, hastily:
My heart has been Jumping ing, a o"n,
too, in the most alarming manner con-
timed Miss Ruby "Dr. Micklethwalte
has assured me that there is nothing the
matter with it. But | should feel more
satisfied if you would sound me-.
Dermott's mouth grew suddenly dry,
and his hair felt distinct inclination to
stand on end. Then he suddenly remem-
bered that doctors always sound their
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