Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1913-09-25
CHAPTER xxxlv.
The Hut chances its Name

The Hut Changes Its Name.
That night Oswald was taken very
jill For three days his life hung in
the balance, then youth and healthy
living triumphed over shock and be-
reavement, and he came slowly back
to his sad and crippled existence.
He had been conscious for week
or more of his surroundings, and of
his bitter sorrows as we'll, when one
morning he asked Doris whose face
lit was he had seen bending over him
SO often during the last week: Have
you new doctor? A man with white
hair and comforting smile? Or have
II dreamed this face? ] have had so
many fancies this might easily be one
of them"
mo, it is not a fancy" was the
quiet reply. Nor is 1t the face of
a doctor. 1t is that of friend One
whose heart is bound up in your re-
covery; one for whom you must live,
Mr.. Brotherson."
81 don't know him, Doris. It's
strange face to me. And yet, it's not
altogether strange. Who is this man
and why should he care for me so
deeply?"
Because you share one love and
one grief. 1t is Edith's father whom
you see at your bedside. He. has
helped to nurse you ever since you
came down this second time"
"Edith's father! Doris, it cannot
be. Edith's father!"
Eyes, Mr.. Challoner has been in
Derby for the last two weeks. He has
only one interest now; to see you
well again"
"Why?"
Doris caught the note of pain, IL not
suspicion, in this query, and smiled
as she asked in turn:
"Shall he answer that question
HIMSELF He is waiting to come in.
Not to talk. You need not fear his
talking. He's as quiet as any man l
ever saw"
The sick man closed his eyes, and
Doris watching. saw the flush rise to
his. emaciated cheek, then slowly
fade away again to a pallor that
frightened her. Had she injured
where she would heal? Had she
pressed too suddenly and too hard
on the ever gaping wound in her in
valid's breast? She gasped In terror
at the thought, then she family smiled,
for his eyes had opened again and
showed calm determination as he
said
'T should like to see him. / should
like him to answer the question have
just put you. / should rest easier
and get well faster-or not get well
at all"
/ This latter he half whispered, and
Doris, tripping from the room may not
have heard it, for her face showed no
further shadow as she ushered in
Mr.. Challoner, and closed the door
to this moment for days. To Oswald,
however, it was an unexpected ex-
element and his voice trembled with
something more than physical weak
ness as he greeted his visitor and
thanked him for his attentions.
Doris says that you have shown
me this kindness from the desire you
have to see me well again, Mr.. Chal-
Toner Is this true?"
Very true l cannot emphasize
the fact too strongly"
Oswald's eyes met his again, this
time with great earnestness.
You must have serious reasons for
feeling so-reasons which | do not
quite understand May | ask why you
place such value upon life which,
If ever useful to itself or others, has
lost and lost forever, the one delight
which gave it meaning?"
1t was for Mr. Challoner's voice to
tremble now, as reaching out his
hand, he declared, with unmistakable
feeling:
Il have no son. I have no interest
In life, outside this room and the pos
sibilities it contains for me- Your
attachment to my daughter has Gre
Iated bond between us, Mr.. Brother
son, which sincerely hope to see
recognized by you"
Startled and deeply moved, the
young man stretched out shaking
hand towards his, visitor, with the
feeble but exulting cry:
Then you do not blame me for her
lwretched and mysterious death. You
hold me guiltless of the misery which
nerved her despairing arm?"
quite guiltless."