The Southern herald., 1910-04-22

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. A maid let a door
bang. Both men started nervously
Those who had been calm in great
crisis were unnerved. Jack followed
Agnes to the library. 1t would be
soothing to rest on her sympathy.
Dearest" he said softly. laying a
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 hovered between
life and DEATH Who was she pre-
ferred to a mother?"
The doubt stung.
II do not discuss my patients,
Agnes"
Yet, had she trusted, something
might have been said without disloy-
atty to DR.. Raymond. The moment
passed. She doubted. Both were Jver-
wrought II was not the moment
for argument. So with tempers tried.
words were spoken to be bitterly re-
GREETED.
Take back your ring. Jack. You
are free"
The sweetness Of summer came in,
but 1t 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 out
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
gone.
A month later Elinor motored with
her brother to the golf club. Alone
on a corner Of the veranda she looked
up to see DR.. Raymond. His face was
beautiful. A new light Illuminated 1t.
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.
whats wrong with Jack, Elinor
He's gone to a shadow"
Instinctively the girl knew she
might speak.
"You know he and Agnes have bro
ken their engagement"
Impossible! They were made fol-
each other. Surely 1t is a passing
cloud"
ITS past mending, I'm afraid. But
If anyone can help us l believe you
can. Mother and | think 1t hinges or
, some question of r bfessional ethics
somebody's secre' that puts him in &
: wrong light"
Then she told him of her mothers
sudden illness-thelr night of sus
pense-and the outcome.
DR.. Raymond listened silently. Tn,
: voice that said: Thank you, Elinor,
was husky, With a gesture habitua
te him when touched deeply, he GOV
cred his eyes with his left hand.
AS Elinor spoke DR.. Raymont
sprang to his feet.
wait for me here, please"
= Quickly he crossed the lawn t
Agnes. Pluntfng into the story, h
began:
Agnes, l am going to confess an
r throw myself on your mercy. w
= were boy and girl together. You knov
= my fault You were brave enough an
kind enough to lecture me because @
1t. God helping me, 1t is overcome a
q last, thanks to your Jack"
Not my Jack. It's all over"
}, Its not over, Agnes. Listen!"
Again he told the story.
, He would keep his plighted wore
q Agnes. He would not see me dishol
ored, my career spoiled. Now, chilli
: tell the world. Clear him. Stron
= enough to sacrifice mother, wife, hal
piness, for friendship and honor. B
T. proud, Agnes, proud and glad"
a How can | look him in the fac
- again?" the girl cried, sadly. 81 faile
= him. doubted. Lately have know
, 1t, but was too proud to call hil