Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-30
CHATTER XII.
An Unlucky Bridegroom.


Vaughan meant to keep his word and see
but was prevented. Before he was out OF
bed the next morning there came q tap al
the window. Will Dover had driven down
from 0alena the previous day, arriving toe
late to call that night. Minnie Holloway
had sent him. Mrs. Henley was III, worn
out" Minnie said. Frank was discouraged
about her and Minnie had decided to send
for the parson
VIII spoke as II he were already one OF
the family and bound to take an interest :
I'VE decided" he said-the pride. the pro-
drive back with me. just for day or so
'twould do her heap OF good"
"Tn be. ready Immediately replied
Vaughan. springing out of bed. Come
around to the side door and I'll let you In. .
While he dressed and packed his bag. Will
made coffee. under his directions. on the
little oil stove, and set out a lunch
They ate hurriedly and were of be-
mer should hinder their rapid advance.
1t was a bright morning. the air was
crystal clear. Distance there was none
From the mountain. over the valley, every
thing was near, distinct There were nc
mysteries. no complexities. Life seemed
more ivable, duty simply going straight on
ward.
Does she know I'm coming?" asked
Vaughan as they drew UP before the door.
She didn't, when l came away" said
Will Perhaps they've told her. There's
Min, now
Miss Holloway had appeared at the win
dow. She met them at the door, accom-
panied by the two little girls.
so good of you to comet" she said press
ing Vaughans hand. Yes. she knows
You can go right up
Mary was lying on a couch between the
windows, every shutter open to catch what
oil ofcrl,f h.a CHI Cho VIZ ma
and worm but her face frightened as she
saw Clement, and when he knelt beside the
couch and put his arms around her. the
color came flooding back into her thin
cheeks.
Frank, who had been sitting by the win
dow, arose and stood over them, curious
and thoughtful
Il really believe it was you that she
wanted, Glenn" he said at length. If you
were any one else
''Oh, don't count" interrupted Clement
quickly. What are you giving her?'
Frank named some remedies obtained
from the doctor at Battle mountain, who
had driven out twice to see her.
"All wrong" said Clement. Now l have
something in my bag-where Is my bag?'
Minnie brought 1t. "A glass of water and
a spoon, please. Thank you" He poured
a few drops from vial into the glass and
himself administered the first dose You'll
be glad some day that studied medicine,
he said to Mary.
Yes DOCTOR" she returned happily and
nestled down among the pillows. sit here
by me and tell me everything.
Clement drew low seat beside the couch,
took one of the worn, white hands In his
magnetic brown ones and began to talk. OF
the pleasant experiences he had had, max
ing them sound even pleasanter.
Frank and Minnie left the room. A breeze
came up and shook the curtain Mary 8
purple yeined eyelids huttered and FELL her
breathing grew deeper, more even, she slept.
After a while Minnie softly opened the door
and whispered "Dinner!' Clement frowned.
She hastily withdrew and closed 1t again.
The afternoon wore on. The sleeper had
not stirred.
At last her lips began to move and pucker
like those of hungry child. The watcher
gently laid down her hand and went to pre-
pare a bowl of broth.
you'll do, now" he said, when she had
greediIy swallowed the last mouthful.
but you" began Minnie, who had fol-
lowed him into the room. He shook his
head at her
Presently he Joined her in the hall. 'Tll
eat everything you have in the house now,
he said joyously. Bring it on
He was up at dawn and off for gallop
on Black Birdie. and the next day VIII
drove him back to Eureka
Mary drew him down to her when he
said goodbye and detained him an In
slant.
element" she said softly, have you