The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1913-06-20

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was unmarried. and lie presented I'm
questionable references
When he went away he had conclud
ed very satisfactory arrangement
with Miss Mildred. He was to occupy
the south wing with its suit OF offices
and bedrooms overhead, and Miss Mil
dred was to furnish his meals. He no,
only rented the rooms, but all the fur
nishings and the late physicians Ii
brary and instruments. He said he
owned n small automobile. which hs
would keep in the barn.
The days after that were busy ones
for Miss Mildred. She worked harder
and ate less than before, and the day
that DR.. Mason took possession of the
rooms she was as white as a ghost
and almost as ethereal as one
He looked sharply at her as he sat
down to the luncheon she had pre-
pared. The meal was daintily cooked
and delicious. but he noticed that she
scarcely touched a morsel of food.
Your appetite Is small, Miss Lee"
be ventured after awhile.
II think it's the weather." she smil.
ed at him.
This crisp weather should make
you hungry" he said. scanning her
with keen eyes. III you don't eat and
II you continue to drink that strong
ten I will find my first case within my
gates here"
II dare say I'll improve said Miss
Mildred. blushing family and rising
to bring his dessert from the buffet.
Ere she could turn around she had
swayed and fallen prone upon the car
pet.
DR.. Mason uttered an exclamation O..
pity and carried her to the sofa Then
he applied few restoratives. and
when her lids were Pickering with re-
newed consciousness he left her side
and marched to the pantry. where he
critically examined the shelves and
peered into the covered dishes.
When he left the room his brows
were knitted angrily. What in the
world did 1t mean that this sweet little
woman should be starving herself to
death? Her pantry was almost as
bare as that OF poor Mother Hubbard
of nursery fame. It looked as IL there
had been little cooking done in that
house for many a day, and the few
supplies that were contained therein
had evidently been purchased that day
against his coming.
He brought a glass of wine from the
office and made her drink it slowly.
sitting beside her with a plate of
crackers in his hand. She sat stifly
there. red flush coming into her pale
cheeks. She held her fair head proud.
~. and her eyes evaded his as II she
feared he might read the guilt therein.
you are very kind" she said after
a little while. II feel better now, DR..
Mason. ! hope you will pardon me-
you haven't had your pudding" In
tent on housewifely cares. she over
came her weakness and went to the
buffet
Twill you have some rice pudding?"
she asked.
Eyes. please" said the doctor. resum-
Ing his seat Mt the table. Mingled with
the professional concern in his eyes
was frank admiration of her splendid
courage. He wondered what the mys-
terry was-why should she be living in
this comfortable home. yet starving to
death? Was it the old story of the
doctor and.his uncollected accounts?
He thought it over In the quiet office
afterwnrd. and the result Of his medi-
tation found fruit after dinner that
evening
Miss Lee" he said as they arose
from the table. II would like to use
that desk in the corner If you do not
object. There seem to be papers in
some of the drawers and pigeonholes."
II thought !. removed everything ex-
cept few circulars" said Miss Mil
dred. leading the way into the Office.
In one corner of the room there stood
n tall desk surmounted by several rows
of pigeonholes and drawers Over the
desk hung a portrait Of DR.. Lee and
he looked down on the pair standing
there before the desk with a benevo-
lent look in his kind eyes.
II hope you don't object to my using
the DESK" said the new doctor as he
raised the top.
mo. indeed. I am only too glad
that you can find use for It," she said.
opening the drawers and peering care
fully inside each one. From several
she withdrew a few odds and ends of
papers. from another several letters
and printed circulars. and from tiny
drawer In one corner she picked out
small leather wallet.
Queer never saw father carry
that" she commented as she stepped
back. But Of course he might have
had several wallets that I knew moth
Ing about. I remember finding one
small leather case in his vest pocket
and inside 1t was a ten dollar bill
folded away SO carefully. never
could bear to use it, she sighed.
you still have it?" asked DIR. Mason,
regarding her curiously.
She nodded as she turned away.
Perhaps I will find another in this
one." she suggested, running the
rubber band that secured 1t. "Ohw