The wageworker., 1910-04-01
DR.. Perry's Ordeal
By ROSE AMELIE KELLY

Then Jack took possession of the
room, sending doctor and nurse to
rest Alone with his mother, he
stroked her hands. ,Contented, she
slept. For hours neither stirred. With
a wealth of love and gratitude her son
watched. When the nurse relieved
him he thought of Agnes. resting un-
der the home roof.
He found the family at breakfast.
Agnes was silent. DR.. Montgomery
talked of the patient. Elinor asked no
questions. The old doctor. quick to
read faces, saw trouble ahead. Agnes
left the room. maid let door
bang. Both men started nervously
Those who had been calm in a great
crisis were unnerved. Jack followed
Agnes to the library. 1t would be
soothing to rest on her sympathy.
Dearest" he said softly, laying
caressing hand on the bright brown
hair.
why did you not come, Jack?
What patient in the wide world kept
you from your mother?"
There was scorn in the tone-re-
proach and sadness. He who had been
strong was weak before her.
1T was life--or DEATH" he an.
swered.
"And your mother lowered between
life and death! Who was she pre-,
ferred to a mother?"
The doubt stung.
"1 do not discuss my patients
Agnes"
Yet. had she trusted, something
might have been said without disioy.
atty to DR.. Raymond. The moment
passed. She doubted. Both were over
wrought. 1t was not the moment
for argument. So, with tempers tried
words were spoken to be bitterly re
gretted.
Take back your ring. Jack. You
are free"
The sweetness of summer came in,
but it brought no soothing. Through
Jacks set lips no reinsurance came.
Stern. severe. as youth can be. Agnes
refused forgiveness.
Then it's good-by. dear? Butt
wish you could have trusted me-un-
proved"
kissing her forehead, he went ont
by the window, to disappear beyond
the graperies. When he returned he
did not see her. Again he became
nurse. When next he came down
stairs Elinor told him that Agnes had
gene
A month later Elinor motored with
her brother to the golf club. Alone
on corner of the veranda she looked
up to see DR.. Raymond. His face was
beautiful. A new light illuminated it.
To himself and his friend he had kept
the vow registered on that fateful
night. Henceforth he was master of
his soul" Elinor had always been
his ideal. Hitherto he had felt that
he had no right to seek her. To-day
he sank gladly into the seat beside
her. Jack was on the lawn with a
group of golfers. DR.. Raymond eyed
him keenly.
What's wrong with Jack. Elinor ?
He's gone to a shadow"
Instinctively the girl knew she
might speak.
rYou know he and Agnes have bro.
ken their engagement
Impossible! They were made for
each other. Surely it is a passing
| cloud"
Its past mending, I'm afraid. But
| If anyone can help us / believe you
can. Mother and think it hinges on
some question of professional ethics
somebody's secret that puts him in a
wrong light"
Then she told him of her mothers
sudden illness-their night of sus
pense-and the outcome.
| DR.. Raymond listened silently. The
voice that said: Thank you, Elinor,'
| was husky. With a gesture habitua
to him when touched deeply. he Gov
cred his eyes with his left hand.
AS Elinor spoke DR.. Raymond
sprang to his feet.
wait for ME here, please"
Quickly he crossed the lawn tt
Agnes. Plunging into the story. he
began:
Agnes, l am going to confess ant
throw myself on your mercy. We
were boy and girl together. You know
my fault. You were brave enough ant
kind enough to lecture me because O
it. God helping me, it is overcome a
last, thanks to your Jack"
mot my Jack. It's all over.''
TITS not over. Agnes. Listen!"
Again he told the story.
He would keep his plighted word
Agnes. He would not see me dishon
ored, my career spoiled. Now, child
tell the world. Clear him. Stron,
enough to sacrifice mother, wife, hap
piness, for friendship and honor. B,
proud, Agnes. proud and glad
How can l look him in the fac,
again?" the girl cried, sadly. II faile,
him. l doubted. Lately have know
it, but l was too proud to call hin
back Tell the world! Never! H
would not permit such treachery."
"Ah! Here they come"
Elinor and Jack crossed the smootl
green turf and stood before them, Dl
Raymond sprang to his feet. GrasI