The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1907-11-23

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ing IL Sne were asleep, ana llEIlng next
he long, fringed lashes dropping on the
colorless cheek The dull, dead expires
sion of the eyes sent a chill through Jes-
sie's frame, and hurrying to the house
she cried: "Oh, Brother Guy, somebody's
dead in the Office, and her bonnet is all
jammed ~
Scarcely were the words uttered ere
Guy and the doctor both were with Mad
cline, the former holding her tenderly in
his arms, while he smoothed the short
hair, thinking even then how soft and
luxuriant it was, and how fair was the
face which n-~er moved a muscle beneath
his scrutiny. The doctor was wholly
self-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 a 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 I;
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 Madeline's plain delaine; then
as it was not very interesting for her to
stand and see the doctor make so much
fuss over a young girl" as she mentally
expressed 1t, 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.
I'm 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 Madeline's 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 go.
81 love you, Maddy, and l 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 stupefied she felt, and with a
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, ac-
companed 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 a merry
laugh she sprang into the carriage; and
bowling gracefully to the doctor, was driv.
en- rapidly toward Aikenside.
Rather slowly the doctor returned tc
the Office, and after fdgeting for a time
among the powders and phials, summoned
| courage to ask Madeline how she felt, anG
| IL any Of the fainting symptoms had re
| turned.
mo, SIR" was all the reply she gave
him, never lifting up her head, or ever
thinking which of the two young mer
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 HI
thought Of the girl to whom he felt tha
justice had not been done.
II half wish had examined her my
SELF" he said. "Of course she was excit
ed, and could not answer; beside, hanget
IL don't believe It was all humbug tor
menting her with Greek and Latin. Yes
I'll question her when get back, ant
II she'll possibly pass, give her the Ger
tifcate. Poor child; how white she was
and what a queer look there was In thos
great eyes, when she said, 4 shall no
take It."
Maddy was gone, and the wheel rut
of the square-boxed wagon were fresh be
fore the door when he came back. Grand
pa Markham had returned, and Made
line, who recognized old Sorrel's step
had gathered her shawl around her an,
gone sadly out to meet him. One look a
her face was sufficient.
you failed, MaddyT the old man said
fixing about her feet the warm buffal
robe, for the night wind was blowing colo
Eyes, grandpa, l failed"
They. were out of the village and NOR
than a mile on their way home befor
Madeline found voice to say so much, an
they were nearer home by half a mile er
the old man answered back:
"And, Maddy, l failed too"
CHAPTER V.