The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1907-11-21
VIM. F. McDevitt,
Dorset and South Dorset, Vermont

oV'Scs nHu cOuiO DoTsct, vernon
pllment, lifted one OF her long braid
that lay over her shoulder aud droppc,
II again wearily
ITS an awful tragedy" she In
formed him, You can't appreciat,
H."
Il thought did three years ngo," h,
answered. smiling at her gently, "but
I've found out since was mistaken
Why, you're just beginning 10 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
feel more as II ! We're going TO die"
Indeed, for the next few days II
looked us though her pathetic prophecy
might prove only too true. At last,
after a hard fight, the dread pneu.
monla was conquered and the days Of
eonvalescence dawned, none too bright.
ly, but surely
When Leonora could at length SIT
up tue light of her transparent, white
looking face almost scared her. She
used TO pinch her cheeks for the 10y
sf seeing the color come back 10 them.
Just let her get strong again and
wouldn't she show everybody how
young and heart free she was! As IT,
Tor that matter, any one had ever
thought of her as anything else
Surrounded by flowers, as usual"
was the Doctors CHEEKY greeting as he
dropped In for n semisoclal, semipro.
fessional call one afternoon.
I.eonora didn't really need his serv.
Ices any longer, but the doctor found
It difiicut 10 desert so fascinating
patient.
who sent them" he teased her
"fom, Dick or IIary--I mean Rob-
Jack or lloloniY
Leonora's big brown eyes looked at |
hlm Ia amazement.
How did you know about themY'
The doctor laughed bit sheepishly. |
f.enora bfushed prettily.
"Ycs. they sent them" she acknowl- |
edged, Rob and Jack and Roland. |
But not even thf American Beauties
give me such keen joy as my rubber
The doctor followed her gaze. From
the chandelier hung a woman's rubber
overshoe filed with rich, fragrant vio-
lets.
ITS the most romantic thing that
ever happened TO me In my life" ex.
claimed Leonora, her eyes shining with
happiness "You see It's the rubber
lost that rainy day before was taken
III Some man saw me drop II and has
sent II back to me In this artistic fash.
ion anonymously, Of course"
Rather a footless procedure, II
strikes me" commented the doctor.
"For shamew Leonora reproyed
you're jealous"
The doctors face grew serious
"Maybe am" he replied Leonora
dropped her eyes under his steady look
Of admiration. "The other three were
strong enough rivals without this un-
known macintosh butting IN with his
rubber plants"
Leonora turned aside the Doctors
lightly.
Hes the one interest In life for me
now." she said gayly,
Following the advent Of the vIolets
came lady slippers, with fantlful IT.
lie note expressing the hope that they'd
prove as fitting an expression Of the
donors devotion as the rnbbers, aud
when they had faded a great bunch Of
brilliant autumn leaves filled their
place.
"Leonora, am jealous" announced
The doctor as he watched her go into
acstasles over the gorgeous foliage. u
believe II II weren't for this aggres
slvely sentimental scamp ia stand
half a chance myself. Don't you care
Tor me the least little bit Leonoraf"
The girl hesiaied
"More than little Bit Dr. Terrence
But, foolish or not. all my thoughts
enter around this unknown admirer
He appeals 10 my Imagination more
han any man ! ever actually knew
love romance. ] can't help H."
well, then" said the doctor decisive
" "the sooner he's discovered and
aid low the better I'm going TO hunt
aim down II II takes month Of sun
lays and present bin 10 you, little
Miss Romance"
In less than n week word came from
be doctor that he would call on Ger
ain afternoon. with Leonora's consent,
md bring "Mr Mackintosb" with bin.
With feverish anticipation Leonora
xaItsd the elimination of her 70
nance. On the stated afternoon she
lressed herself IN her most becoming
rock and tucked some OF the yIolets
hat had come that very morning into
az f.sIf