Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1907-10-24

ing If she were asleep, and lifting mex
! the long, fringed lashes dropping on tn
golorless cheek. The dull dead express
sion of the eyes sent a chill through Jes
>ie's frame, and hurrying to the house
she cried: "Oh, Brother Guy, somebody
dead in the office, and her bonnet Is al
iammed -
Scarcely were the words uttered ere
Guy and the doctor both We're with Mad
cline. the former holding her tenderly il
his arms, while he smoothed the short
hair. thinking even then how soft anc
luxurant it was, and how fair was the
face which never moved a muscle beneath
his scrutiny. The doctor was wholly
sef-possessed. Maddy had no terrors for
him now. She needed his services. and he
rendered them willingly, applying restora-
tives which soon brought back signs OF
life in the rigid form. With shiver
and a moan Madeline whispered: "Oh
grandma, I'm so tired" and nestled closer
TO the bosom where she had never dream
ed of lying.
BY this time both Mrs. Conner and
Agnes had come out, asking in much sur
prise who the stranger could be, and what
was the cause of her illness. AS if there
had been previous understanding be-
tween them, the doctor and Guy were
silent with regard to the recent farce en-
acted there, simply saying it was posi-
Bile she was in the habit of fainting
many people were. Very daintily Agnes
held up and back the skirt of her rich
silk, as if fearful it might come in con-
tact with Madelne's plain delaine; then,
as it was not very interesting for her to
stand and see the doctor make so much
fuss over young girl" as she mentally
expressed it, she returned to the house,
bidding Jessie do the same. But Jessie
chose to stay by Maddy, whom they plac-
ed upon the comfortable lounge, which
she preferred to being taken to the house,
as Guy proposed.
Pm better now, much better" she
said. Leave me, please. I'd rather be
alone"
So they left her, all but Jessie, who,
fascinated by the sweet young face, climb
ed upon the lounge and, laying her curly
head caressingly against Madelines arm,
said to her: Poor girl, you're sick, and
I'm so sorry. What makes you sick?"
Maddy did not know who this beautiful
child was, but her sympathy was very
sweet, and they talked together as chill
dren will. until Mrs. Agnes voice was
heard calling to her little girl that it
was time to so.
II love you, Maddy, and I mean to tell
brother about it," Jessie said, as she
wound her arms around Madeline's neck
and kissed her at parting.
1t never occurred to Maddy to ask her
name, so stupefed she felt, and with
responsive kiss she sent her away. Lean
ing her head upon the table, she forgot
all but her own wretchedness, and so did
not see the gayly dressed, naughty look
ing lady who swept past the door, &C
companied by Guy and DR.. Holbrook.
Neither did she hear, or notice, if she
did, the hum of voices as they talked
together for a moment, Agnes asking the
doctor very prettily to come up to Aiken
side while she was there, and bring his
lady love. Engaged young men like Guy
were so stupid, she said, as with merry
laugh she sprang into the carriage; and,
bowling gracefully to the doctor, was driv-
en- rapidly toward Aikenside.
Rather slowly the doctor returned to
the office, and after fdgeting for time
among the powders and phials, summoned
courage to ask Madeline how she felt, and
if any of the fainting symptoms had re-
turned.
mo, sir" was all the reply she gave
him, never lifting up her head, or even
which of the two young men
it was speaking to her.
There was a call just then for DR.. Hol-
brook, and leaving his Office in charge Of
Tom, his chore boy. he went away, feel
ing slightly uncomfortable whenever he
thought OF the girl to whom he felt that
justice had not been DONE
''I half wish I had examined her my
self" he said. "Of course she was excit-
ed, and could not answer beside hanged
If don't believe it was all humbug tor
menting her with Greek and Latin. Yes;
III question her when l get back, and
If she'll possibly pass. give her the GER
tifcate. Poor child how white she was,
and what a queer look there was in those
great eyes, when she said, L shall not
AXE it, "
Maddy was gone, and the wheel ruts
IF the square-boxed wagon were fresh be-
'ore the door when he came back. Grand
pa Markham had returned, and Made
inc, who recognized old Sorrels step,
lad gathered her shawl around her and
zone sadly out to meet him. One look at
Ter face was sufficient.
You failed, Maddy?" the old man said,
king about her feet the warm buffalo
obe for the night wind was blowing cold.
"Yes, grandpa, failed"
They were out of the village and more
han a mile on their way home before
Madeline found voice to say so much, and
hey were nearer home by half mile ere
he old man answered back:
And, Maddy, | failed too"
CHAPTER V.