Putnam patriot., 1913-01-24

parture.
 "If I make haste" she hurried away, I'll catch a train. Good-bye-and thana you so much!"
 Cosgraye watched her go, raising his hat as she looked back after boarding a car. Why hadn't she giv- eh him her name? It came to him Fuddenly that she looked like a person or Importance herself. Struggling a little at his susceptibility and intense desire to know her. he went back into the store, back into the toy depart ment and the saieslady he had heard her speaking with in way to denote that they had met before.
 It wasn't just the thing to do. he knew. But after what Cosgrave con sidered the utmost adroitness. and which left the saleswoman with mirthful sparkle in her eyes, he came away with the news that the lady in question, who came there each year and played Mrs. Santa Claus, was Dr. Mary Joyce of Burley.
 'Dr. Mary Joyce" he said the name over and over to himself as he went home. Why. 1t smacks Of the Christmas joyi" Then he wondered why the very fellowship of their pro fessions should not have induced her to tell him who she was.
 In his office, Cosgrave called up particular friend and colleague who lived in that same town of Burley. Without preamble he went straight to the point, although he did laugh at himself as he did so.
 Kennedy" he called, do you by any chance know a lady from your place by the name of Joyce?
 "Oh, hello, Cosgrave!" believed a big voice with a fiuting brogue. Did you know 1t was 12 o'clock, man! And that life and death messages only should disturb a busy doctor from his sleep at this hour?"
 Cosgrave could imagine the chuckle of amusement that went with this, but he was not to be deterred by 1t.
 You didn't answer my question. Kennedy" he pursued. Do you know Dr. Joyce?"
 q do that" the answer was prompt. "Shes the salt of the earth, aside from being most beautiful. And more than that, in world of women and children she Is doing a mans work In wonderful woman way. And furth- tell you that men don't exist to her. Sure she has a heart like basswood ball where men are concerned" He paused and asked: Anything else you wanted?"
 How are all the little Kennedys?" Cosgrave laughed.
 "Finei" Satisfaction edged the deep voice with greater depth. I'm dressing the tree. Say. come up and spend Christmas with us? Sure. it's only a stones throw to pr. Joyce's house"
 Again Cosgrave laughed into the phone. Kennedy" he said, you're wrong. Can't one physician inquire into the merits of another? Good bye! Run in and see me when you can"
 The next moment he had rung oil.
 But the next he was slipping into his coat again. And presently in a florists shop he was writing a little note-to be sent with dozen Amer ican Beauty roses. It read:
 "Plucked on the Road of Cheer From one samaritan to another-with the seasons greetingsi"
 Then with eyes that flashed as a boys do when he takes dare, he went back home and called up Dr. Kennedy again.
 Oh. Kennedy" he laughed heartily, q forgot to say that l accept your invitation. Could you"-he coughed- GOT rather, is there any way possi- ble-"
 There is," the big voice mocked, even while it rang with decision. "Dr. Joyce is having dinner with us her self. She's the youngest ones god mother. Come on!"