The Carlisle independent., 1907-12-05

IaSC or ms evening round or GALS, ana started toward his office. There was a harassed look upon his face, usually so serenely handsome, | and in his heart there was that long ing for a confidant which sometimes takes possession of wifeless men. Ac- cordingly, as he neared the residence of Hon. T. B. Paine, block nearer town, his steps grew slower and he stopped
 Upon such occasions he had found the society of Honora Paine very soothing. Her reposeful manner, her well chosen words, her even voice, were balm to his ruffied spirits, worn cut In sympathy for others ailments, irritated by the many vexations of q physicians life.
 He had never honestly told him. self that he intended to marry her, but the thought was in his mind, still un- formed, perhaps, and as for Honora, the matter was settled with her, and when thing went so far as that, it very seldom changed
 She came forward to meet him this evening in her slow, dignifed way, preserving the perfect sweep of her gown, which in its lilac silk and black velvet displayed her big blonde beauty to perfection, showing as much enthusiasm as she ever allowed herself.
 She wound up her warm welcome by saying:
 We were afraid that you had for saken us; your visits have been so scarce of late.'
 Honora's cousin, Ruth Joslin, who was politely included in the plural pronoun, was seated reading near the grate, which the chill evening of early spring made comfortable. She returned his salutation and went back to her reading.
 You look tired" said Honora, an exquisite note of concern in her voice; T fear you are working too hard and trying to carry too many bur. dens at once."
 Then, with tender interest, she be- gan to inquire after certain of his pa tients.
 The most urgent need I have is in the case of Mrs. Martin" said he; they live in the next block, and are old acquaintances of mine. Mrs. Mar tin is suffering from nervous prostra- tion, and the invalid and three chil- dren are entirely without care. Being strangers here, they have no neigh bors to call upon, and I cannot hope for very much success until help can be procured"
 Before Honora could frame con- soling reply. to this confidence, Ruth, who had been listening earnestly, spoke to her:
 'Honora, let us send them Jane. We can do her work for while.
 Honora turned a voice and face of gentle reproach on her cousin.
 My dear Ruth, how unneighborly it would seem, even if Jane could leave her duties, which you know is impossible. We must not forget our duty to strangers. I will go myself tomorrow"
 Thank you, Miss Paine" said the young man, gratefully; you will be showing the truest kindness in going.
 And he mentally compared the gen. erosity of the two girls, much to Ruth's disadvantage.
 The next morning Dr. Wilmot en- tered the gate of the Martin resi- dence. In the front yard the five-year- old twin boys were holding a circus, supplying the lack of wild beasts with their own lungs
 At the door he was let in by ten year-old Mary, who wore. a general untidy, discouraged look. The dining room was open, showing dusty car pet, scattered over with oases iE the shape of ashes, bits of coal and crumbs.
 When he entered the sick room, there sat, by the bed, Honora Paine, in an irreproachable street gown and bonnet, carrying on formal conver- sation.
 Honora was sweetly sympathetic during the call, and watched the doc tor approvingly as he drew the cur tains and tried to make Mrs Martin comfortable.
 That evening he called again, hope lessly, to be sure. He noticed that the porch and walks were tidily swept, and the mornings litter absent from. the front yard
 In answer to his ring a trimly at- tired figure opened the door, ir whom he recognized Ruth Joslin.
 A pinafore was drawn snugly over her street dress, her darklashed blue eyes almost black with excitement and exercise. her bronze-brown hair tossed fiuffily over her forehead Rais- ino a warming hand chn caid. VI