Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-05
XII.

correspondingly weak; though through all
his exhaustion a look OF peace and salts
faction was visible in his eyes,
During the whole morning Milbanke re-
manned at his bedside. only leaving the
room to partake-at Clodagh's urgent re-
quest-of a hurried meal in the deserted
dining room. At II o'clock the nurse re-
sumed her duties, and soon afterward the
dispensary doctor from Carrigmore drove
over to see his patient. Before he came
into the sick room Milbanke left 1t; but
when-his examination over-he departed
with whispered injunction to the nurse.
he found the stranger waiting for him in
the corridor.
Milbanke stepped forward quickly as he
appeared, and silently motioned him down
to enter with a punctilious gesture.
"Dr. Gallagher, l believer" he said. Al
low me to Introduce myself. My name Is
Milbanke. I am very old friend OF your
patient"
With a slow but friendly gesture the
young man held out his hand.
"Oh. know all about YOU" he said. Il m
glad to make your acquaintance"
His voice, with its marked Irish accent,
was soft and pleasant and his glance was
good-natured; but his tanned skin and
rough shooting-suit suggested the sports
man rather than the medical practitioner.
Milbanke eyed him quickly.
Then you won't misunderstood anything
I may say?"
Gallagher smiled.
Not a bit of it, he answered, nonchal-
antly. And, what's more, think know
what it's going to be"
A shade of confusion passed over the En-
glishman's face. His understanding was
still unattuned to the half-shrewd, half-in-
qusitive tendencies of the Celtic mind.
With a shadowy suspicion that he was be-
ing unobtrusively ridiculed, he became a
degree colder.
II am grieved beyond measure at Mr..
Asshin's condition, DR.. Gallagher" he said,
land it has struck nett has been suggest
ed to my mind that possbly'-he stopped
uncertainly-"that possibly"
THAT perhaps there ought to be another
opinion?' Gallagher looked at him COM
placently. "Well, may be you're right.
'Tisn't because I condemn him that he
shouldn't appeal to higher court.
Milbanke started.
Then you think poorly of his chances?'
Gallagher shook his head expressively.
You despair of him?'
pang of unexpected grief touched Mil
banke. He realized suddenly how distant,
vague, and yet how real part the ideal
of his youth had played in his life and
thoughts; how deep a niche, unknown to
them both. Asshlin had carved for himself.
With a sense of loss altogether dispropor-
tionate to circumstances, he turned again to
the doctor.
Yes. 1 should like another opinion" he
best in Ireland. We can't get a man from
town sooner than tomorrow, and time is
everything. l suppose Dublin is the place
to wire to? Not that I am disparaging
you," he added. II feel confident you have
done everything"
Gallagher smiled.
"Oh, I'm not taking offense. It's only
human nature to think what you do. I'll
meet any one you like to name. But he II
say the same as me-
And that is?'
That's he's done for Gallagher low
cred his voice. HE hasn't the stamina to
pull through, even If could patch him
up. He's been undermining that big frame
of his for the last ten years No man now
adays can sit up all night drinking port
without paying heavily for it. Many
seen the light in these windows at in the
morning."
Milbanke pulled out his watch.
But these Dublin dOctors,' he said.
"Tell me their Names"
Gallagher pondered moment.
"Well. there's Dowden- Gregg and Mer-
rick" he said. And of course there's
Molyneaux. Molyneaux is a magnificent
surgeon. If any man in Ireland can make
a suggestion. he will. But of course his
fee"
Milbanke interrupted sharply
"Molyneaux let it be- he said. decis-
lively. Wire for him when you get back to
Carrigmore. Wire urgently. The expenses
will be my affair. What they may amount
to Is OF no consideration.
A look of involuntary respect crossed Gal
lagher's face.
II understand" he said "I'N wire at
once. And you can comfort yourself that
you'll have the best opinion in the coun-
try"
He nodded genially, the new considera-
ton for Milbanke tingeing his usually care
less manner, and with an inaudible word of
farewell turned on his heel.
Once alone, Milbanke went in search of
Clodagh. He suffered no small trepidation
at the thought of communicating his action
to her and he bestowed much silent consid-
Grafton upon the manner in which he should
couch his information. Failing to find her
in the house, he wandered out into the
grounds. The rain had ceased and a wa
terry CLEAN of sunshine was falling on the
wet gravel of the drive Picking his way
carefully. he turned in the direction of the
yard; but he had scarcely reached the en-
trance when Clodagh's clear voice reached
him, directing Burke as to some provisions
required from Muskeere.
On seeing her guest, she came forward at
once Her face looked brighter and hap
pier than he had seen it since his arrival.
Her mercurial nature had responded in
stantly to the apparent change in Asshlin.
"Oh, isn't it lovely that he's so much bet
ter?" she cried. You must have the gift
of healing; it's like as if you had set
charm
Milbanke made no response.
why don't you say something's she
asked quickly. Don't you think he's bet
ter? Doesn't the doctor think he's better?'
Her quick mind sprang like lightning from
one conclusion to another.
Mr. Milbanke," she added, you're keep
ing something back! There's something
you don't like to say!"
Then at last Milbanke found voice.
Indeed no, Miss Clodagh You are
wrong-quite wrong believe me. There Is
nothing to be alarmed at-nothing. 1t is
only"
"Only what?'
Now don't be alarmed! I beg you not to
be alarmed!'' The sudden whiteness that
had overspread her face unnerved him. 1T
is only that l. as q Londoner, am little
doubtful of your village doctor. A mere
prejudice, know. But Gallagher is broad
minded and willing to humor me. And he
THAT is, we both think that another opin-
ion will do no harm. It's nothing to be
alarmed at. Nothing, believe me. A mere
formality."
But Clodaghs lips had paled. She stood
looking at him silently, her large, question
ing eyes reminding him disconcertingly Of
Asshlin's.
Miss Clodagh," he said again. don't be
alarmed! Don't be alarmed! It's only to
satisfy an old skeptic."
''Oh, no, it isn't she said, suddenly.
ooh, no, it isn't. I know; 1 know quite
we'll 1t means that he's going to die
Her voice caught. Then, with a swift
movement, she turned and fled out of the
yard, leaving Milbanke panied, bewildered
and alarmed.