The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1909-04-03

charge. AS the the case, though seri-
Gus enough, was a simple one, had
no hesitation in leaving the nursing
OF it in her hands, and a few days
observation showed me that, even if
it had been FAR moro complicated, |
should have been fully justified in so
doing.
She was an excellent nurse. alert
and watcnful. knowing exactly what
TO do, and doing it with the quiet
ease that comes OF long practice AS
the patient grew better, and l had
time to notice less important details,
| perceived that Sister Anna, besides
being an excellent nurse, was 4 very
attractive young woman.
Late one October afternoon, after
a hard days work, l drove down to
Lisfallan to visit my patient, whom
| had not seen for two or three days.
| found MIS-. Power alone in the little
morning room where she usually sat,
although Sister Annals ..nitting-bas-
ket ana web of crimson fleece gave
token Of her recent presence.
Where is the sister," l asked,
during 2 pause in the gossip with my
old friend which succeeded our brief
professional interview.
Look out of the window" was
the reply.
dow, which formed one end OF the
room. and, looking across the long
garden, stretching behind the house,
beheld Sister Anna, her prim cap laid
aside, her pretty head showing above
the soft gray shawl in which she had
wrapped herself; and walking by her
side tall figure which | did not at
first recognize. This was Laurence,
Mrs. Powers nephew. He was clerk
in bank, and hoped soon to tie made
manager o. country branch.
The young people We're by this
time coming up the steps leading
from the garden, and presently they
entered the room. Sister Anna came
forward to speak to me, pink flush
on her usually pale cheek, a new
light in her pretty brown eyes, Laur-
ence Moore stood behind her, an ex-
preston Of supreme content on his
handsome face, while Mrs. Power
looked on, quiet and keen-eyed. I
wondered if she were quite satisfied
at the turn affairs seemed to be TAX
ing.
Sister Anna went over to her pa
tient and made some change for the
better in the arrangements of her
wraps and cushions. She then seated
herself in her usual low chair at the
side Of the fire. After a few
more talk l went away.
the door with an additional touch of
empTessement in his always pleasant
manner.
Il wonder if he looks on me in the
light of parent or guardian TO be
propitiated," l said to myself with
some amusement, as l settled myself
in the brougnam. Il
think l shall refuse my consent
whatever may be its value. That girl
is a capital nurse, much too good to
be monopolized by any one man."
About ten days later, on my next
visit, l was more pleased than sur
prised to be introduced to Sister
Anna in the character of Mrs. Powers
future niece, although did mingle
some selfish regrets with my con-
CALCULATIONS.
oh" said Sister Anna, laughing,
Il am not going to desert my post
yet awhile. 1t is only to be an en-
gagement for a long time to come
and must not be spoken of. l think
l can promise not to let any thought
of the future interfere with my work
in the present, Dr.. Moran. | will put
Laurence out OF my head when once
enter a sick-room.
Il am afraid it has to be long
engagement" said Mrs. Power. They
cannot think OF marrying until Laur-
erce is manager, and even then 1t
would be wiser to wait until he has
saved something. You know mine
IS but lie income, so Inat DeyOnd
some plate or an outfit of table linen
l can do nothing to help"
Sister Anna made it clear that she
did not mind waiting. Then the con-
drifted to the subject of a
former talk about artificial hearts
made Of India-rubber, which were
warranted, according to Sister Anna,
never to ache"
Come, Anna; you cannot know
much about heartaches, at any rate.
Indeed, l had many one the
time of my uncle's DEATH" she an
swered. Il do not know what 1
should have done had l not been COM
PEELED to rouse myself and work.
Did your uncle know you would