Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-12-01

Never"
Smoker"
"Yes. and enjoy It too"
Aunt Harriet shook her head disap-
provingly. but made no comment.
Chew" she asked.
Lord. no. he laughed again. And
I don't believe l use swear words
either"
Eyes. 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 bread:"
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 we'll" said DR.. Massen. obey
ing her suggestion with suspicious
promptitude.
Thereupon followed a conversation
that would better be called an inquisi-
ton. There was no question concern
ing the life of John AIassen that Aunt
laid bare for Aunt Harriet's inspec-
ton, 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.
Nonsense" said the doctor chcerily.
81 know Miss Ward enjoys doing it
for you
IF 1 was to die she'd be all alone"
said Aunt Harriet wistfully. Il 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. "Evalina's a
real good cook"
Aunt Harriet" 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, siri"
DR.. Massen, looking down at her. mar
veled at her great anger. She looked
like some little fluffy ruff1ed bird, a
little bright hued bird whose domain
has been invaded by some marauding
dog or cat.
II came for Bread he said meekIy.
81 hope you have some to spare"
81 believe there is none left" said
Evalina loftiIy, and then she blushed
painfully while he bowed low and left
the room.
Evalina walked into the bedroom
and, throwing herself down into
chair beside the bed, burst into tears.
Aunt Evalina, how could you?" she
sobbed bitterly. You have mortified
me So"
Il was only starting my matermonial
bureau, Evalipa. 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"
Pleasant walled Evalina. "Oh.
Aunt Harriet, why did you pick him
out? If it had only been somebody
else! I'll never dare look him in the
face again.
Aunt Harriet turned her face to the
wall and smiled wisely. Il can't say
I'm sorry, Evalina, but 1 won't say
any such things again, l promise"
Two weeks afterward Aunt Harriet
Ward suffered one OF her periodical
poor spells" and old DIR. Lake was
sent for in great haste. But DR.. Lake
was himself a prisoner, tied TO the
house with inflammatory rheumatism.
so it happened that the tall form of
DR.. Massen darkened Evalina's door
way once more.
She did not look at him. but led the
way directly to Aunt Harriets 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 a world of en-
enlargement for both women.
Evalina found herself flying to do
his bidding. An hour afterwsrd 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 I give you a course Of electric
massage you'll be running around with
the best Of US" he encouraged her.
Il can never repay you If you do"
she said tearfully.
you've paid me in part already. Miss
Continued on Page Nfne)