Evening star., 1912-11-17

1912
he found life goed matter however uncertain the
Ihe nurse had gone out of the room and he felt
need of conceag the avdity with which he spread out
the banknotes they were all English and all for five
Sand dollars. He reflected that he had notion what
it to be sick; but he did know what living and
cling expenses came to.
"Plainly used to spending money freely" re-
fected Jimmy Sylvester because this doesn't seem
much with which to pay what owe and get back to
Gods country. However, my contempt for my funds
is sign that am rich If | were writer a singer
or painter might be poor and yet live high when
got hold of cash.
He rather fancied the idea that he might be singer
He resolved to try aria and while the beginning he
attempted suited him well enough, the
ming back in fear that he had relapsed into deirium
"Ah, Monsieur" she said reproachfuly, first you
swear and then you whistle, and you try to sing
Have mercy upon the sick in the next door,
a am afraid my voice is little rusty. said Sylvester
apologetically. II am out of practice"
"Nonsieur is pleased to joke said the nurse coldly
NO. said Sylvester to himself, a don't think
singer, and am too discouraged to experiment any
further this morning If my spirits by this
afternoon, shall try and if know how to write
paint.
W/HEN the afternoon came, however, Sylvesters
w mind was on other things than his possible voca-
ton. The doctor arrived little after luncheon, and
found his patient marveously improved that he
promised he might be allowed to sit up for an hour
When he had gone Sylvester insisted upon being dressed
No invalid dressing gown attire for him! And since he
had no dressing gown, the practical minded nurse as
to the hospital. He silent when he dressed
that the nurse was afraid he was tired; but that
not the trouble Sylvester had been hoping that the
feel of his very clothes would bring him back to his
ownself; but they conveyed nothing to him.
Leaning the nurses shoulder, he looked into the
long mirror beside his dressing table. The tall good
looking young in tweeds, with leggings his well
shaped calves and blue match his eyes tied
his ecru neggee shirt, great stranger
1t seemed odd and unpleasant to Sylvester that
any time he might meet person who would greet
him familiarly, knowing him, when he did not know
himself.
"Anything could happen to a fellow in a world like
this, ;" thought Sylvester.
His depression passed however, when the nurse had
put him into his chair and wheeled him out upon the
porco adjoining his After all, it good old
world to get back to- if he of it that
not home. He leaned back and gazed appreciatvev
the green just below him. the blue above him, and far
away, beyond the picturesque roofs the lifting OF
the everlasting mountains. He took pleasure in the
strength of the people that passed along the street be-
low him-the few tourists and the home keeping ma
tives Presently, if the doctor and the left him
any of his money, he would be going home himself
He was gazing on the country dreamy, having lost
almost all thought of himself in the beauty around him.
when he heard the soft click of closing door. He
looked up and woman entering upon the portco
from the next his AS she raversed the short
distance between them, he saw that she was little
pretty, and beautifully made, with very assured air
and, what he liked best of all, welcoming smile. She
had bright brown hair, and alert hazel eyes, and
Der of dimpes which well trained soldiers and
did very efficient service. She forward does
person who is used being liked and getting pleas
ue and she spoke to Sylvester in the geefu voice he
had already learned to know.
Il am Mrs. Beldon, your countrywoman she said,
"and | am very glad you much BETTER
"Oh thanks, returned Sylvester, and made if
rise.
She pushed him back with light authoritative ges-
ture and equally light laughter "You don't in the least
know how to be invalid evidently she said, she
took chair beside him. "Never mind you'll learn as
you convalesce.
But I'm not going to convaesce, explained Sylves-
"I am going to take short cut,-Im going to be