Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-11-08
Game of Hearts and the Rubber
By Martha Cobb Sanford.
. Copyrighted, 1907, by c. H. Sutcliffe.


 managed to get past the twenties with out yielding to the numerous sieges laid to her heart was matter of con- mon wonder. Now that the momentous eve of her thirtieth birthday had ar rived Leonoga herself was wondering about it. #.
 She thought of the faithful Rob and sighed. She thought of the impulsive Jack and laughed outright. She thought of the imperious Roland and lifted her eyebrows. They were remarkably beau- tiful eyebrows, and the eyes that look ed frankly into hers out of the mirror were bewitchingly merry and brown.
 For few moments Leonora brushed her wavy hair vigorously. Then she twined it into long thick braid said good night and goodby to the twenty nine-year.old girl in the mirror, turned out the light and jumped into bed. Bother the whole bunchw she mutter- ed sleepily. "Im never going to think of them again."
 But she did. At least, go where she would in her dreams, the persistent Rob followed her. his wistful, admiring eyes fastened upon her until it seemed as if she could not stand it moment longer. Then Jack would appear from seemingly nowhere and without any polite preliminaries or regard for the curious people around them, would be- gin to tell her how he loved her, how he lived but for sight of her, how he Suddenly exit Jack and enter Roland, the autocrat.
 'I don't like the looks of that man who was with you just now, my dear" was his ultimatum. T don't want you to have anything more to do with him. Come; we will be married immediately. I won't stand any more trifiing." And then-oh, then the rain began to pour in torrents and the wind blew gale. and she was all alone, and she lost her rubber while crossing a muddy street, and-well, so it went on and on through the night.
 In the morning the doctor was called. Leonora had high fever and other alarming symptoms.
 Are you subject to attacks like thesey asked the young physician in his most professional manner
 Never remember having had doc- tor before in my life," Leonora answer ed, smiling feebly. Then. flash of her true mischievous self flaring up for moment. she added: "But I think I'm going to enjoy it. You're so amusing ly young and serious, Dr. Terrence"
 Perhaps it was just as well for Leo nora that sharp pain in her side pre- vented her from expressing her obser- vations more freely.
 When the pain had passed the doctor resumed his cross questioning.
 Do you recall any way you may have taken cold?" He put the ques- ton this time in an almost jocular tone.
 That's better" commented Leonora.
 '"The pain? Pm glad"
 "No; meant the-never mind. What was it you asked?"
 Dr. Terrence repeated the question.
 "Oh, yes. Why, I lost my rubber yesterday in the rain. Can you take cold by wetting just one footF'
 The physician refused to commit himself. Before Leonora could get a chance to push her inquiry she found her mouth effectively stopped by a clinical thermometer.
 That evening Dr. Terrence called again. He found his patient not quite so well and far less frisky.
 Its been such an endless day." she told him, "the dreariest I ever knew in my life, and it's my birthday"
 "It doesn't look dreary with all these beautiful flowers holding their con gratulations."
 "CongratulationsT Leonora groaned. "Dr. Terrence. I'm thirty years old"
 The doctor gave vent to hearty laugh.
 You look about sixteen" he answer ed gallantly.
 Leonora flushed faintly at the com pliment. lifted one of her long braids that lay over her shoulder and dropped it again wearily.
 Its an awful tragedy" she in- formed him. You can't appreciate it."
 "I thought did three years ago." he answered. smiling at her gently. "but I've found out since I was mistaken. Why. you're just beginning to live my dear"
 The last two words he felt at liberty to add by virtue of his three years seniority plus his professional priv ileges.
 Perhaps so," sighed Leonora. "only I feel more as if I were going to die"
 Indeed. for the next few days it looked as though her pathetic prophecy might prove only too true At last. after a hard fight. the dread pneu- monia was conquered and the days of eonvalescence dawned, none too bright 1y. but surely.
 When LeOnora could at length sit up the light of her transparent. white looking face almost scared her. She used to pinch her cheeks for the joy of seeing the color come back to them. Just let her get strong .again and wouldn't she show everybody how young and heart free she was. As if. for that matter. any one had ever thought of her as anything else!
 "Surrounded by flowers. as usual"