Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1907-11-08


ately; also that something had occurred
during my absence which absorbed his
thought and filed him with anxiety.
A Western Union envelope lay at his
feet-proof that he had just received a
telegram. This under ordinary circum-
stances would not have Occasioned me
q second thought, such a man being
naturally the recipient of all sorts of
communications from all parts of the
world, but at this crisis. with the worm
of half stfied doubt still gnaYing at
my heart, everything that occurred to
him took on Importance and reused
questions.
When lie had left the room. Miss
Grey nestled up to me with the SEEM
ingly ingenious remark:
"Poor papa Something dlsturbs him.
He will not tell me what. l suppose he
thinks l am not strong enough to share
his troubles but shall be soon. Don't
you see am gaining every day."
Indeed | do" was my hearty re-
Spouse. In face of such sweet con-
fidence and open affection doubt van.
ished, and | was able to give all my
thoughts to her.
81 wish papa felt as sure of this as
you do" she said. For some reason
he does not seem to take any comfort
from my Improvement When DR.. Ere
ligh says, We'll, well, we are getting
on finely today" notice that he does
not look less anxious, nor does he even
meet these encouraging words with
smile. Haven't you noticed it? He
looks as careworn and troubled about
me now as he did the first day | was
taken sick Why should he? Is 1t be-
| cause he has lost so many children he
cannot believe in his good fortune at
having the most insignificant Of all left
to him?"
81 do not know your father very
WELL" protested, land cannot Judge
what Is going on in his mind, but he
must see that you are quite different
girl from what you were week ago
and that, II nothing unforeseen hap
pens, your recovery will only be mat
ter of week or two longer"
"Oh, how l love to hear you say that!
To be well again! To read letters she
murmured, land to write them" And
saw the delicate hand falter up to
pinch the precious packet awaiting that
happy hour did not like to discuss
her father with her. so took this oppor-
tunity to turn the conversation aside
into safer channels. But we had not
proceeded far before Mr.. Grey return
ed and, taking his stand at the foot of
nnf' -
gloomy contemplation of his daugh-
ter's face:
you are better today. the doctor
says have just been telephoning to
him. But do you feel well enough for
me to leave you for few days? There
Is man | must see-must go to, II you
have no dread of being left alone with
your good nurse and the doctors CON
slant attendance"
Miss Grey looked startled. Doubt
less she found II difficult to understand
what man in this strange country could
interest her father enough to induce
him to leave her while he was yet Ia
boring under such solicitude. But a
smile speedily took the place OF her
look OF surprised inquiry. and she ar
fectionately exclaimed:
"Oh, | haven't the least dread In the
world. not now. See, | can hold up my
arms. Go. papa. 90; II will give me
chance to surprise you with my good
looks when you come back"
He turned abruptly away He was
suffering from an emotion deeper thar
he cared to acknowledge. But he gain
ed control over himself speedily and
comi>g back, announced with forces
decision
IT shall have to go tonight. have nj
choice. Promise me that you will no
go back In my absence; that you will
strive to get well; that you will put al
: your mind into striving to get we'll"
Indeed. WILL" she answered. lii
tie frightened by the feeling he show
!. ed. Don't worry so much. hav
7 more than one reason for living, papa.
, He shook his head and went immedl
ateiy to make his preparations for de
parture. His daughter gave one sol
then caught me by the hand.
"You look dumfounded," said she
al. rot va