The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1910-12-30


character.
slant he was filling the bedroom door
way and looking down at Aunt Har-
riet's eager old face. What can l do
for you?" he asked kindly
Il wanted to see you. like your
voice." said Aunt Harriet. with sud
den decision. what did you say
your name WASP" she asked shrewdly.
The stranger smiled broadly II
didn't say, but l am Dr. Massen. the
new physician in town."
"Dr. Massen." repeated Aunt Har-
riet slowly. as If she enjoyed the
sound Of the words. "Are you mar
ried. young man?"
"No. l am not" he laughed lightly.
Drink" asked Aunt Harriet brisk
".
"Never."
Smoker"
eyes. and enjoy 1t too"
Aunt Harriet shook her head disap-
provingly. but made no comment.
"Chrw?" she asked.
lord. no"" he laughed again. "And
I don't believe 1 use swear words
either"
eyes. you do. You just said one"
eontradicted 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 agreeab!y
'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 moment"
Every WE'LL" said DR.. Massen. obey
ing her suggestion with suspicious
promptitude.
Thereupon followed a converse ton
that would better be called an inquisi-
tion. There was no question concern
Ing the line Of John Massen that Aunt
Harriet did not ask. His past was
laid bare for Aunt Harriets 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 cheerily.
Il know Miss Ward enjoys doing it
for you"
IF l 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. ''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 stranger. How may I serve
you. sir2"
DR.. Massen. looking down at her. mar
T{eled at her great anger She looked
SNke some little fiurfy ruined bird, q
little bright hued bird whose domain
has been invaded by some marauding
dog or cat
II came for bread" he said meekly.
Il hope you have some to spare"
Il 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"
pheasant" walled Evalina. "Oh.
Aunt Harriet, why did you pick him
out2 If 1t had only been somebody
else! I'll never dare look him In the
face againr'
Aunt Harriet turned her face to the
wall and smiled wisely. II 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 nfiammatory rheumatism,
so 1t happened that 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
bafiing case. opened a 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