The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1910-10-20
An Important
Case
BY BELLE MANDATES

rested since your last case, Miss
Thorne," said the doctor. looking down
into the young face saddened and
sweetened by experience, "but l can
only save the lad with your help. |
told his brother there was glimmer
of hope ii could secure the nurse
had in mind, and he said TO offer you
any inducement"
Il will take the case," she replied.
Il can go at once"
In a few minutes she was seated
beside DR.. Vail, and as they rose he
told her the details of the case.
BRAND fever, and the boy is one
Of those high-strung, nervous types. 1t
will be fight, but you seem to un.
so we'll"
Perhaps" she said, musingly. "it's
because | once had the care OF child
like that one who was very dear to
me-"
"He calls constantly for his sister:
yet he never had cue."
The automobile drew up before a
large stone house. A maid opened the
door and took the bag from the nurse.
WAIT here" directed the doctor, go
Ing upstairs. until l come back"
When he returned the nurse was
gazing at some photographs on the
mantel. her face very white
What is the boys name?" she
asked. abruptly
Paul Whitridge"
Il thought SO. l can't take this CASE
can't stay here, not even to save the
child's life"
"See here" said the doctor, rough.
~, Haven't you learned that doctors
and nurses can't indulge In personal
feelings? We must work for foe and
friend alike. The boy is much worse;
raving."
Il think l can quiet him. | will go
up and see him. and then" she added,
firmly, Il must leave" When she
came out the doctor led her into
room which he used as consulting
room.
You promised the boy" he remind.
ed, anxiously.
Il couldn't refuse; but stay only
on certain conditions"
you may make any you choose"
You know something of my history.
That lived In the west, that | sepa-
rated from my husband, took another
name and came here to be a nurse.
This child, Paul. is my husbands
young brother. They have evidently
moved to this CITY,"
Good Lord!" calculated the doctor.
"Mr. Whitridge is bad. cruel man,
and came to loathe and despise him.
l only stayed with him as long as I
did because was attached to the
child, to whom his brother was utter
ly Indifferent. l cannot understand
his motive in protesting anxiety. I
don't want to see him. won't see
him! thought it out while was sit.
ting by Paul-how to manage it, You
can tell him am eccentric and man.
Halter. that l never go in a house
where there is man, and that will
stay and nurse the boy only on condi.
ton that he doesn't come into the
sickroom when I am there"
HE will consent to any arrange
ment when he learns Paul has become
quiet under your influence He is do
voted to the child"
Men Of his type" she replied,
scornfully, never change But please
go and make the arrangements with
him."
The doctor sought the master of tbs
house, and soon returned.
"He will willingly give his word OF
honor"
She made a contemptuous gesture.
One evening when the lad was
asleep she went down on the beach to
watch the breakers. In long stretch
of shimmering moonlight she saw q
man approaching. He was tall and
slim and straight as fir tree. He
paused before her.
Helene" he said, may not thank
you for saving the life OF little Paul?"
She looked at him astounded. Then
comprehending light came into her
eyes.
"You are Francis Whitridge, Wal
ter's brother?' she asked.
Eyes; and have always regretted
that was abroad at the time of your
marriage, and afterwards. l know
what your life with Walter must have
been, but we must not speak i'll of him
now that he is gone"
Gomez" she echoed, wonderingly.
HE died six months ago.
"Oh!" she cried. in ON awed tone a
relief.
I'VE have looked everywhere for
you-little Paul and l."
"Then it was you who were in the
house during Paul's illness?"
Eyes; when the doctor told his
story of the eccentric nurse be-
ieved him. But in my anxiety for
the boy and for his care, used to vic.
late the contract. in part. l often lin.
gered near the sickroom. heard you
coll h{vo