Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1910-12-10

Chhcu AVT SOme OTeuu. III nelp my
self with your permission" came the
genial tones In reply.
"Will you please come here mo-
mentY" Aunt Harriet spoke rather
timidly for a woman OF her forclble
character.
Certainly, IL you wish" In an in
slant he was filling the bedroom door
way and looking down at Aunt Har-
riet's eager old face. What can do
for your" he asked kindly.
II wanted to see you. I like your
voice." said Aunt Harriet with sud-
den decision ''What did you say
your name wasT' she asked shrewdly.
The stranger smiled broadly. II
didn't say. but / am DIR. Massen, the
new physician In town"
"Dr. Massen." repeated Aunt Har-
riet slowly. as IL she enjoyed the
sound Of the words. "Are you mar
ried, young manr'
mo. am not" he laughed lightly.
DRINK asked Aunt Harriet brisk
ly.
"Never"
Smoker
"Yes and enjoy 1t too"
Aunt Harriet shook her head disap-
provingly. but made no comment
"Chew7" she asked.
Lord. nor he laughed again. "And
don't believe use swear words
either"
"Yes. you do. You just said one"
contradicted the old woman dryly.
But never mind; you'll do"
THANK you for saying SO. And
now may / have my bread2"
"You better wait till Evalina comes"
suggested Aunt Harriet agreeably.
you can sit right down in the other
room. There's likely to be Sunday
school papers on the table. You can
read till Evalina comes. She'll be
along in a moment"
every WELL" said DIR. Massen, obey
ing her suggestion with suspicious
promptitude.
Thereupon followed conversation
that would better be called an inquisi-
ton. There was no question concern
Ing the life of John Massen that Aunt
Harriet did not ask. His past was
laid bare for Aunt Harriet's inspec-
tion, and then she In turn told the
simple story of Evalina's self sacrific-
ing life. "All for an old woman that
isn't worth her salt" she said tear
fully.
"Nonsensev said the doctor cheerily.
81 know Miss Ward enjoys doing It
for you"
III was to die shed be all alone"
said Aunt Harriet wistfully. II wish
she'd get married"
DR.. Massen was silent for several
moments. perhaps she will some
day" he said, with some constraint.
"Why don't you marry herr" asked
Aunt Harriet sharply. "1valina's a
real good cook"
"Aunt Harrietr' Evalina's voice came
Indignantly from the doorway. "Why
are you speaking of me in such a man.
ner to a stranger. How may 1 serve
you, sir?"
DR.. Massen, looking down at her, mar
veled at her great anger. She looked
like some little fluffy ruffled bird. a
little bright hued bird whose domain
has been invaded by some marauding
dog or cat.
IL came for bread" he said meeEly.
II hope you have some to spare"
II believe there is none left" said
Evalina loftily,. and then she blushed
painfully while he bowed low and left
the room.
Evalina walked into the bedroom
and, throwing herself down into a
chair beside the bed, burst into tears.
Aunt Evalina, how could your she
sobbed bitterly. "You have mortified
me so."
II was only starting my matermonial
bureau, Evalina. You won't do moth
ing yourself about getting married, and
you can't bake all your life. There
amt no need to take on SO; he was
real pleasant about the matter"
"Pleasantv' walled Evalina. "Oh,
Aunt Harriet. why did you pick him
out? II 1t had only been somebody
elseI I'll never dare look him in the
face againp
Aunt Harriet turned her face to the
wall and smiled wisely. 81 can't say
I'm sorry, Evalina, but won't say
any such things again, promise"
Two weeks afterward Aunt Harriet
Ward suffered one of her periodical
poor spells.' and old DR.. Lake was
sent for in great haste. But DR.. Lake
was himself prisoner, tied to the
house with inflammatory rheumatism,
30 II happened tnat the tall FORM OF
DIR. Massen darkened Evalina's door
way once more.
She did not look at him, but led the
way directly to Aunt Harriet's side.
She stood apart and reluctantly con-
fessed to herself that his skill was far
superior to that of the old doctor. His
terse questioning, his kindly manner.
his quick diagnosis Of Aunt Harriet's
battling case. opened world of en-
couragement for both women.
Evalina found herself flying to do
his bidding. An hour afterward they
were chatting like old friends across
Aunt Harriet's contented face.
Seems like feel ten years younger,
doctor" said the old woman gratefully.
AFTER give you course Of electric
massage you'll be running around with
the best OF u.s." he encouraged her.
II can never repay you IL you do."
she said tearfully.
you've paid me In part already. Miss
Ward" he said gravely. without look
ing at Evallna "Some day I'm com
A