Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-02-07

Ing ulln lOT the pllNHcBe, put he Sdh
bride me with daily visits and floral
contributions. You see there isn't the
ghost Of a chance for anything ro-
mantle in the situation. He's married"
"Oh" exclaimed the nurse, with I'M
mistakable disappointment. II didn't
know, Miss Ruth. beg your pardon"
So that was why he presented roses
anonymously and why her patient
hated him. Possibly before he was
married-it was thus the nurse allowed
her Imagination to put two and two to-
gether.
Don't keep any more of his old
roses, please, and don't let him come
here any more" Ruth gave her orders
YEARLY and was soon asleep.
Norman Mcdonald continued to call.
however, and to send roses, quite I'm.
conscious that the latter never found
their way to Ruth's sickroom.
The reports that the nurse gave him
from day to day of the girls recovery
were not gratifying.
"She doesn't seem to gain at ALL" the
nurse complained one morning discon-
solately. "She sits up, but she has no
animation-no courage hardly. She
never mentions her work, and they say
she was heart and soul devoted to it
before the-before her illness. The
usefulness of her little pale face is
enough to break your heart
The young man looked very thought
full.
Il suppose she has never asked to
see me?" he inquired at length.
81 have never heard her speak your
name, Mr.. Mcdonald" replied the
nurse evasively.
"No, of course. 1t isn't likely that
she would. It's blessed thing, though,
that she doesn't realize that it was l.
that it was my car that injured her.
The nurse was confused.
But fear she does, Mr.. Mcdonald.
In fact, I'm sure she does"
But I thought you said you never
heard her speak of me?'
Not by name" the nurse repeated.
Norman's perplexity was evident.
''She speaks Of you as the gentle
man of the fur lined overcoat,'" the
nurse explained. And she has request
ed me not to let you come here, Mr..
Mcdonald. hadn't the courage to tell
you before"
The young man showed no surprise,
but looked deeply troubled.
Well" he said finally, cat least I
can telephone, and I'm sure you'll tell
me If there is ever any way l can be
of further service to her. When she
has fully recovered, shall hope
"Oh, Mr.. Mcdonald" the nurse in
terrupted, Il suppose l haven't any
right to tell you, but sometimes in her
delirium Miss jeffrey used to mention
some one for whom she seemed to care
a great deal-some one evidently whom
she had refused to marry. l realize
that am betraying condolences, but l
thought perhaps you might know him
and that it might do her good to see
him. She called him Laddie.'"
The young man started at the name,
then broke out into hearty laugh.
The nurse cautioned him to be quiet,
but the caution came too late.
Who's thereT' 1t was Ruth's voice
calling anxiously from the room above.
The nurse had no evasive answer
ready, but had she had one at her
tongues end there would have been no
time to utter 1t. for at the sound Of
Ruth's voice Norman had bounded up
the stairs two. three. at a time and
now stood on the upper landing with
the girl crushed rapturously to him.
"0h, Laddie. Ladder Ruth cried
joyously. Il knew your laugh"
But at the consciousness of his kiss
she drew back from him with a cry
that was half grief. half anger. and
threw herself upon the couch, sobbing
bitterly.
Ruth, Ruth. what is it, little one?
Tell me. dearest" pleaded Norman.
Go back TO her." the girl gasped
finally through her sobs.
Go back to whom?' asked Norman,
utterly mystifed.
"Oh, you are cruel. Why did you
come? I've watched you kiss her good
by every morning when you left her at
the Office, and l envied her then.
though didn't know 1t was you. IL
only remembered what had lost. oh,
don't stand there and pity me. Go
back. so back"
Ruth. sweetheart. listen. There is
no one to go back to. That is my sister
you have seen me with. Surely you
knew | would wait for you-and you
have come. Don't cry any more. little
one"
And Ruth let herself be comforted
and loved and kissed-like any tired
child.
The return Is very sweet, Laddie."
she whispered. You'll keep on COM
ing every day now, won't your
A Wide Distinction.