The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1913-03-06
DOCTORING OF DOLLY
BY MAUDE J. PERKINS.

q have almost danced the soles off
my slippers" said Dolly, looking down
at the bits of white satin glittering
with fragile jeweled clasps.
You don't seem to consider that
yod are wearing yourself out at the
same time. You can get other slip
pers, but it will be an entirely differ
ent matter to get health if y-ou once
lose what you have"
Don't preach, Phil! Forget for a
little while that you are doctor. You
want me to keep what you call my
beauty simply because you like to
look at pretty faces"
The young surgeon smiled. Put it
any way you like. l want you to be
well and strong"
"Why?" asked Dolly daringly. 1T
seems to me it would be to your ad-
vantage to have me i'll for long time.
OF course you know that l would be
your case"
q don't need patients. have more
work now than l can do"
Then l suppose l am to under
stand, Phil" Dolly said coldly, that
even if l am i'll, you don't care for
my case. I'll try to remember and
warn mother not to call you"
Why. Dolly, you know better than
that. I"
is this your da7ce, Mr. Stafford"
Dolly rose to meet the tall young
man who had come up to them where
they sat in a little alcove screened
with palms and tropical things.
See you at supper! Remember"
Phil called as she glided away across
the smooth floor
Perhaps" she answered evasively
over the tall young mans shoulder.
Phil stood watching her until she
was lost in the maze of dancers.
Somebody slapped him on the back
He turned to face Jim Cowans laugh
ing eyes. Jim was one of the older
men OF the crowd, pleasure loving
bachelor whose millions had made
him the target for designing mothers
for many seasons.
Don't SINCE your wings about that
bright particular candle any more,
my good looking moth" he drawled in
his indolent way, for she is sched-
uled to light up my gloomy establish
ment. Pretty, isn't she?"
All the girls look pretty tonight"
answered Phil, feigning ignorance.
Just which one are you honoring by
special mention?"
What question! Dolly Carroll is
the most beautiful woman on the floor,
absolutely flawless like a perfect
jewel"
You are enthusiastic. Congratula-
tons If they are in order" said Phil,
his hand extended cordially.
For all his assumed indifference,
Phil had been profoundly stirred.
Dolly-Jim Cowans wife! Alone, he
paced deserted room, his cigar held
idly in his fingers. He had so little
to offer her and she had so much that
he had not dared ask her to go with
him out to that far country lying be-
yond the commercialism of the mar
ket places where women exchanged
their hearts for gold. Love he had in
abundance and youth and strength,
but what were they, pitted against
millions of dollars?
Or. Brandon?" A servant in the
doorway spoke to him.
Yes. What is it?"
There has been an accident, sir.
They want you. Miss Carroll is hurt.
Where is she?"
In the ballroom, sir"
Get my medicine bag in car 1929.
The women grouped about the limp
little figure in white drew back when
the young surgeon bent over and
picked Dolly up in his arms.
Clear out one of the dressing
rooms he said quietly to the agitated
hostess. q want to examine here"
Dolly was only stunned and pres
emily opened her eyes very wide like
a child who wakes in a strange room.
What's the matter? Oh, my Shout
der hurts"
You'll be all right in a day or two"
Phil held a glass of water to her lips.
The balcony gave way in the ball
room and one of the props fell, strik-
ing your shoulder. No bones broken.
though. I've sent for your wraps to
take you home. You'll want Jim
COwan, won't you?"
Pills face was very white and set
Dolly looked at him curiously. why
in the world would | want Mr. Cowan
now?" she asked.
IF you are to marry him he has
right to go with us"
Marry him? Something must have
struck you the wrong way, too. Phil.
What do you mean by his right to go
with us ?"
q understand that you are prom
ised to him"
Dolly made wry face. Take me
home, Phil. Mr.. Cowan has been teas
ing me about you, too"
Once in the big limousine, Dolly
found it very comfortable to drop her
head on Pills shoulder and to feel
his arm protectingly around her.
"You-you just had to take care of
me tonight, didn't you, Phil?" she
questioned, woman like and woman
wise.
He was quiet for so long that she
ventured another question.
What are you thinking about.
Phil?"
81 was just thinking" he began,
turning his eyes resolutely from the
fair youDp face so naor bic o,,,, 10
look out at the snow falling softly
through the night. Il was just think
ing" he repeated, how wonderful it
would be to have the right to take
care of YOU ALWAYS. Dolly"