The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-05-05
The Face at the Pane.

The Face at the Pane.
March, passing down the street, was
deep in thought and his face looked
as though he were somewhat worried.
and in truth he was, for TO have
Flying Man, and woman with whom
one is very much in love, upon the
mind at one and the same time, and
both behaving unsatisfactory, is
trouble enough for any man. Not
word had he heard from Doris since
the night he had left her at the door
with the words in his ears, 'If l really
need you / will let you know" and
his obstinacy and jealousy had pre-
vented him from communicating with
her in any manner as long as his rival
remained beneath her roof. He had
not expected that she would really
need him in the physical sense, of
course, yet one may need another in
many different ways, and it piqued
him that she, knowing how eager he
would be to come had not made some
excuse for needing him that he might
go and see her, or at least talk with
her over the 'phone. Perhaps she had
been in love with Tolliver all along.
He had half suspected at times that
she was, and now that she was help
ing to nurse him, was seeing him
many times daily, was reading to him
and being read to by him and having
long and confidential talks with him
under propitious circumstances, it
would not be at all startling if the
tender passion bud were swiftly bloom
ing into full flower. Confound TOLL
yer, anyway. Was he going to stay
there forever? Why didn't he send
for his trunk and be done with it? He
ought to be ashamed OF himself for his
insolent abuse of common hospitality.
Head down and frowning, he ran
abruptly into a man at a corner and
with muttered apology looked up.
Clay, a half smile on his handsomish
face, was regarding him with small
attempt to conceal his amusement.
This is a poor time for one TO go
about with his head down in that
fashion when everybody else has got
crick in his neck from looking up.
You had best take care The Flying
man 4AA SCL yOu IL yOu uOu WAUGH
out" he said in his even and rather
musical voice. Quickly Allen swept
him with his eyes. He had never ap-
peared in better health, stronger or
better satisfied with things in general
March thrust out his hand and Clay
taking it with a mechanical motion
released it instantly.
Glad to see you out again." ex.
claimed the former ferventIy. Once
again an amused smile fitted about
the others lips.
Thanks he returned drily.
you are looking very well indeed"
Tolliver bowed
1T would be strange If I did not
after the nursing and treatment | re-
ceived. Take my word for it, man. II
you ever become injured prevail upon
Miss Fulton to look after you. If she
will do SO you will not have suffered
in vain" The faint look of displeas.
ure that ran across March's face did
not escape the convalescent ones eyes.
and again, he baited him out of pure
enjoyment.
Nothing will put sick man on his !
feet so quickly as to have an inter |
ested and interesting woman minister |
ing to him. Do you know l almost |
regretted that | was not laid up |
longer? But as it was l got out even !
before they wanted me to. Didn't |
want even to appear to be taking adj |
vantage of their kindness, you see."
Although the speakers manner was
open enough, there was nevertheless
subtle righteousness in his tones
that March instantly detected and in
wardly resented. Lets see-ten
days." he returned refectiyely. THAT
is a pretty long while to be laid UP
with cracked rib, isn't it?" Tolliver
agreed with him at once.
Il should imagine so But you see /
have been away from there for the last
four days-was there less than a. week.
What? Is it possible that you did not
known? He opened his eyes in a look
of mock surprise at the others evil
dent lack of information. March felt
like fool
No, / knew nothing about it, he
was forced to admit 81 have been
very busy with my own affairs. But
must be on my way. See you again,
Tolliver"
Indeed you will. March," was the
slow retort With farewell nod each
went his separate way.
So Clay had been gone from the Full
ton home for several days and he had
not known it! He became angrier
than ever True, he had told Doris
that he would leave the field to her
and Clay as long as the latter re- :
NAMED in their house as her patient,
but how in the name of common sense
was he to know when the patient left
unless he received word? II Doris {
and himself had been short time &C,
luaintances things would have been
different and he would not have ex- !
oected her TO let him know, but as it a
vas they had known each other for =
rears, had been the best of friends Z
Turing all that time and in way con c
1dants long before he had begua TO Q
make love to her. Therefore. elimI-
lating the love element, she might at
east have let him know as a friend
hat her patient had recovered and <
AIKEN his departure. He felt az
.rieyed. Should he call her up now y
nd ask permission to call? His first
Inclination was to do SO, then remem- :.
'ering CIay's sly insfnuations of her .
emder care he grew resentful again