Norwich bulletin., 1914-04-09
OUT OF THE. RUTS

OO1 UT ! | Doctor Homer rode with bowed | head, his hand resting lightly on the | reins. He did not need to guide his | horse, for the old mare had trudged over these country roads with her i master for the past 15 years and knew. every step of the way. as did the doc 1 tor himself He did not care to look at the landscape, so familiar to him. 1 He knew every tree and shrub, every i house and barn, in the 20 miles of his circuit. He was tired of it all. the routine and the sameness, the meeting the same. people day after day and year after year, and with no chance to rise. He had seen children grow up and marry. yet he remained in the same old rut. He knew the people so well that he had come to distrust every enc. He felt that he was watched and criticised and his most innocent acts condemned. Only yes terday he had taken Mrs. Banks across the river in his boat, because he knew she wanted to see her sister living on the opposite side, and he had heard remarks that made him angry. lie had taken lame Jennie Lyons to ride and it was reported that he was en- gagged to her.
 He hated his life-and people, too, What was the use of it all
 The horse turned of her own ac- cord into a lane leading to lonely little farmhouse. The doctor threw the reins over the horses back and alighted
 Good morning, doctor!" accosted woman's voice from the open door. I've been watching for you Jamie's awful bad this morning"
 "Ah, I'm sorry to hear it. Mrs. Choombs," answered the doctor in 8 sympathetic voice, for he was always kind to those in trouble. Well see what can be done for him.
 He approached the bed where the sick boy lay, moaning. He took the wasted hand in his strong one. and stroked the hair back from the childs forehead
 Well, Jamie" he asked, smiling down into the boys face, "are you feeling like long run this morning."
 He remained long in the darkened room, ministering to the sick child with a hand gentle as woman's, and trying to give comfort to the stricken mother for he knew her boy would never run and play again.
 -FHe finished his calls and returned to his home where he lived in bachelor quarters in a little house fitted up by himself artistically, for the doctor loved beautiful things. He opened a letter he had taken from the post office 1t was from an old college chum who was practicing in New York.
 I'm going to send you one of my patients, Wfll,'' the letter read, Miss Coales. She is in a nervous state and in need of a change and country air. want you to find good boarding place for her and take her under your spec ial care. Give her the medical atten- ton she needs and do all you can to make her stay pleasant"
 throwing the letter on the table. "Jim's sending me a nervous old maid to care for and to occupy my spare moments this summer. Thanks, oid fellowl I have enough Of that sort already. However, I have but few spare moments in my life. so reckon she'll have to do the most of her own enter tainingJ l wish he hadn't sent her to me"
 Nevertheless, the doctor good-na- turedly found a boarding place for Miss Coales, not far from his own home, and he drove to the station to meet her on the day she was expected to arrive. There were but three per sons who alighted from the train at the little country Station-BfH Jones, who lived a mile down the road, man with a drummeTs case, and young lady stylishly dressed in a neat trav- cling suit. Miss Coales must have missed the train. The young lady stood on the platform, waiting. Was there no one to meet her? Perhaps he could be of assistance. Stepping up to her he ,asked:--
 "Is there anything can do for you, Miss ?" . She looked at him gratefully out of great brown eyes. Are you Dr. Homer?" she asked.
 Yes he answered.
 T am Miss Coa2es,'' she announced. -'Dr. Brown told me I should find you here
 This! Miss Coales!
 As they drove along the country road he talked freely, even gaily, pointing out bits of beautiful scenery along the way. She spoke in a quiet refined voice that was restful to him and soothing to his troubled nerves.
 This is a beautiful land" she said, 50 much space so quiet and peace | full, so much of iti It seems to me one can live a larger. more complete life here than in the city. You are fortunate to have your work here, to be able to live here always and not feel that you are running away from things. as I am. just to gain little health"
 He did not answer at once. He was
 Yes" he said at length, Tt Is pretty enough. I like it in a way, but I'd like to get away from it all only, one has to stay where he's fixture, as l am
 She looked little puzzled but an sWered sweetiy:-
 You must be doing your work we'll for the people to want you to stay, and it's such a great, noble work, car ing for those in trouble, giving them healthi"
 He was wondering again. but he re- turned cynically:-
 "Oh, I don't know as they want me. I just stay on and they let me because they can't help themselves" He noticed with amusement the puzzled look on her face. The next day the doctor thought it would do Miss Coales good to take 8