Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1911-01-21

voice." said Aunt Harriet. with sud
den decision. What did you say
your name wasp she asked Shrewdly
The stranger smiled broadly Il
didn't say, but | am DR. MasSpn. the
new physician In town"
"Dr Massen." repeated Aunt IIar
riet slowly. as If she enjoyed the
sound of the words Are you mar
ried, young man?"
mo, am not" he laughed lightly.
Drink" asked Aunt Harriet brisk
ly.
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 he Sunday
school papers on the table You can
read till Evalna comes. She'll be
along in moment"
Every we'll" said Or MnSSen. obey
ing her suggestion with suspicious
promptitude.
ThereupOn followed convrrSa ton
that would better be called an inquisi-
tion. 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-
tlon, and then she in turn told the
simple story of Evalina's self sacritic
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 1t
for you"
IF was to die she'd be all alone"
said Aunt Harriet wistfuly Il wish
she'd get married"
DR.. MaSsen was silent for several
moments. "l'erhaps she will some
day" he said. with some conStraint.
"Why don't you marry her." asked
Aunt Harriet sharply. "Evalina's a
real good cook"
Aunt Harriet" Evallna's voice came
Indignantly from the doorway. Why
are you speaking Of me in such a man
ner to a stranger How may | serve
you, sir?'
DR. Massen. looking down at her. mar
veled at her great anger She looked
like some little fluffy rutlled bird. a
little bright hued bird whose domain
has been invaded by some marauding
dog or cat
II came for bread he said meekly
II hope you have some to spare"
II believe there is none left" said
Evalina loftily. and then she buShed
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"
II was only starting my matermonial
bureau, Evalina You won't do moth
ing yourself about getting married, and
you cant 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
out7 If 1t 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 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.
SO 1t 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 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 If you do
she said tearfully.
you've paid me in part already. Miss
Ward" he said gravely. without look
ing at Evalina. ''Some day I'm com
ing to present my bill-and perhaps
levy on your most precious posses
sion"
Evalina in the next room was again
an eavesdropper. but this time she
was silent Her hand rested lightly
with a half caress on one Of the doc
tors sealskin gloves thrown on the
table, and there was a deamy look In
her eyes.
"Pm glad he likes spice jumhles."
thought Evalina before she awoke to
trembling realization Of what the ad-