The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-04-03
CHAPTER ".
madness in the Brain"

RAID. who looked as ii she inWardly
smiled at her. but was too we'll train.
Ell to make it extensively apparent, to
bedrooms at the top OF the house-a
hOt.se in which she saw OH all sides
the evidence of great wealth and fas-
tslious taste. She at once opened her
t'lx. which she had brought with her.
and. removing her blue bonnet and
ctoae. put on her nurses cap and
apron. while the maid waited in the
COON and pretended to help her.
Now. Christabel's hair was natur-
al curly auburn. and, as she had of it
a ,sut,ssion. it was glory unto her"
Without her bonnet and cloak she
seemed younger and less sedate.
Her ladyship wishes to see you in
hes b0odwar, miss. when you are
ready" said the maid when Christa-
bet tad finished her simple prepare
tG)0s.
"tn quite ready" Christabel re-
piled, DO you know how Sir John
is"
Very i'll, miss. and they say he's
wrong in his head. 1t was not expect
e.. after the accident that he would
Nve so long as he's done, and they say
nov that he may last some weeks
lDuger.''
Then the maid took Christabel
down stairs to the ''boodwar" of Lady
Sisterson. who made slight move
ment Of surprise and disapproval on
seeing her.
You are the nurse-from Lady
Lees institution" she asked. in
trigid tone
%Yes-Nurse Joyce" And Christa-
bel handed to her printed sheet of
paper. giving her name, the time of
her arrival. the rate of her pay. and
other customary particulars. Lady
Sistesson glanced at the sheet with
oak troubling to read it.
You look very young to be
Rarse.' she said, pointedly. to Christa-
bel. who colored family. C"And a
great deal too pretty" her ladyship
said to herself.) Have you had much
experience in nursing? | don't wish
tn be rude. but how old are you? l
don, suppose you will mind telling
me-" she added. less coldly: when
you are my age you will be different,
I'D doubt"
The fortnight which had elapsed
siare the accident had left it's traces
90 Lady Sisterson. and as Christabel
scanned her hard. cold and repellent
face she wondered. but somehow did
NOT feel very sorry for her. Christa-
bel could not know that the face was
that OF woman whose dearest ambi
tions had been thwarted. and, besides
WIS possessed of knowledge that
vas more bitter than death.
I'm twenty-seven." Christabel re-
piled land I've been a nurse for six
years. was twenty one when | went
rs junior probationer to a hospital
where I remained for three years
training. and ever since. except for
holidays in the summer. which have
moi always been able to get. have
been at work. and have had many pa
tients. And the matron would not have
sent me here had she not deemed me
competent" she said, with spirit.
You must pardon me-" said Lady
Sisterson, more civally, but you do
took so very young. see that you
are 4 lady, and that is something. 1
don't want to hurt YOU" she went on.
as she observed that Christabel col
ored again. Would you mind telling
me about your people. nurse?"
My father is a country vicar in
Wsrwickshire" answered Christabel.
tuo proud not to reply but resenting
ttlis inauisition.
But you have frelds-reiatives in
town."
my brother lives in London; he is
en- architect"
Pray forgive NE. nurse. If l ask
yo; one more question: there is
god reason why l ask them, believe
NE. and it is not iaquisitiyeness. Are
you engaged to be mar-.ed?"
NO" said Christabe!. amazed at
these interrogatiols.
The reason why asked you that"
Eaid her ladyship, infusing spe-
ciors friendliness into her voice. lis
because have a son, a young man,
who lives in the house."
Really" commented Christabel,
with smile of amusement
Il was not thinking SO much of him
as of YOU" retorted Sisterson. acidly.
You are very good. Lady Sisterson,
but can assure you that I am quite
able to take care of myself" spoke up
Christabel. still smiling and amused.
have had to meet all sorts of peo-
pie: nurse can't help it," she con-
tinued, with a faint touch of sarcasm
IA her words.
Yes, should say that you could
take care of yourself, nurse" rejoined
Lady Sisterson, with certain acerbi-
". But thought. as you will live
s. the house, too. that It was better
Ne should have an understanding .
And she paused. 8:
Nov. about your patient, Sir John.