Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-20


singulary soft voice, and was
tall, good-ookng man, with par OF brilliant and
exceedingly keen dark eyes.
II am so glad" said Nora Leigh smiling-how
could she help it, meeting such smile as lighted
the Young physicians face? "Thank you so much,
DOCTOR for all your kindness and attention"
81 have only done my duty he answered. "But
you must still be bit careful; the weather is very
cold. l suppose you must go back to the officeW
"The moment | can, doctor. You see, no work,
no pay"
He nodded Eyes, l know. 1 should have liked
you to have few days rest. What are you
going to do at ChristmasW
"Stay here" said she, quietly.
He glanced round the little sitting ROOM 1t had
certain grace about it, due to its occupant but the
carpet and furniture shabby; it was manifest
ly lodging-not a home. Nora Leigh made her
living as sub-edtor of ladys paper, for which
work she received a by no means eXtravagant
salary. When illness overlook her she tried to
struggle through it unaided for she had no means,
she said, to pay doctor. But at last she was
forced to have advice, and sent for DR.. Estcourt.
She had seen his name on his dOorplate and that
was all she knew of him-save that, from the house
and the street, he not likely to be very eXpen
sve. She found out later incidentally, that he was
one of the clever who, for lack of money, have
to struggle while far inferior people get on; that
he was unmarried, and lived alone. While Dr. Est
court, on his side, knew only that his patient was
well-born, cultivated girl; and where and how she
worked. That she was very pretty, intelligent and
brave in her fight with the world his eyes and wits
told him.
"Stay here Z" he repeated. at will be very dull
for you"
Nora shrugged her shoulders philosophcally "I
am in the same boat with good many Others" she
said. 81 have no home, and such relations as l
possess don't want me. It's a case of the brazen
and the earthen pot"
"Ahl yes" said the physician "money seeks
money. Well, it's only a few days to Yuetide
1 suppose I may wish you a happy Christmas! 1
hope it aUiH be in spite of everything" he
added as he took her hand in his, and thought
what pity it that he lonely bachelor and
she, lonely girl, could not join forces and spend
Christmas day together,
"Thanks very much" she answered, smiling.
"'The same wish to you, doctor"
He thanked her-a little wistfully perhaps-and
went away. Nora sighed when she was alone again.
But for the need of getting to work again she
half sorry to be quite WELL DR.. Estcourt came
like a sunbeam into her solitary life; and he was
so accomplishing, though he must have often felt
his poverty very keenly indeed 1t is cruel thing
for man who feels and knows his own capabili-
ties to be kept back, crushed and stihed for the
lack of little money.
"And he'll have to wait for what l owe him."
thought the girl. "He told me not to worry, and
seemed quite hurt when spoke of it but he can't
work for nothing"
Five days to Christmas. WE'LL she could
something before the actual time came. She went
next day to the office, and walked back through a
biting, snow-laden wind; but the streets full
of people who seemed to little for cold winds
or threat of snow The shops all flare of
light, and rich in piled up dainties and tempting
presents and piles of holly and mistletoe invited
purchasers. But Nora passed them all by she had
no money to buy presents, and no one to buy
them for
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