Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-22
THE RIVER OF DOUBT

l Why had she allowed him to talk. like that to her tonight? Would he have
 neglected her as the doctor had? The
 man saw the questioning look and made bolder by the memory that she had once loved him he took her hand
 Pauline" he whispered as he led her to the library, T can't be silent any longer. kcan't stand 1t to see you
 neglected in this way. You look per-
 fectly beautiful in that gown, and you
 should be in your place in the fash ionabde drawing rooms, where society
 is waiting for you. Why not leave the
 doctor. Come with me-rl devote my entire life to you I'll make you happy, Pauline, forever"
 T can't so Harry But why not?'' he still persisted "Ofacourse. know there'll be talk for will be all over and you'll be happy
 dear, perfectly happy" Once more she saw the crowded ballroom, the stylishly gowned wo-
 men and she was among them. leaning
 upon the arm of the handsome man at
 her side. But then the vision changed and she saw in it's place the tiny baby lsface with laughing eyes and two little arms outstretched as if to save her
 from herself
 whispered: Come now; my car is waiting outside. Comet"
 The loneliness of the past over
 whe1med her; here was a brighter fu-
 ture within her reach.
 ''I'u go now" was all she said. Silently she rose and got her wraps,
 then a hastily written note--one glance
 about the room, as if taking a last
 farewell, and she moved toward the door.
 Suddenly the telephone rang again,
 Mechanically she answered it. Her
 husband was speaking to her-"Paul- inc, dear" he said, 'Tm sorry I couldn't get home in time to take you
 to the reception. I've had a hard case,
 and even though I did my best, I have
 lost--the mother died in spite of my efforts. The baby is here with the dis trict nurse, and she'll take the little | one to the asylum in the morning I'm here in the drug store waiting for the car. I'll be right home" In a. small fraction of a second she crossed the river of doubt once more Her husband still thought of her, even 1 when out on a case-he was sorry that ! he had to disappoint her, and there was l that tiny bud and sunshine to make it | blossom and grow.
 Ed" she almost whispered, bring | the baby home with you" and she did
 not wait to hear the reply. She turned to the man who was pac- | ing impatiently before the door. '1Good-by, Harry" she said, as she T
 tonight--my husband needs me, here | there is work for me to do." 'But you gave me your word he still persisted.
 T gave you my word when I was on | the banks of the river of doubt, but l
 am standing now by the fountain of | love and hope. Good night"
 Left alone she returned to the fire- side and silently she tore up the note | to fragments and cast it to the eager | flames There was a step on the walk and once more the doctor had returned home. Tenderly he bore the tiny bum dle to her side, and she turned to re- | ceive it.
 You know what it means, Pauline ?s he questioned as he placed the sleep | ing infant in her arms; there will be
 no time for receptions now. You're l giving them all up for this little waif Are you sure you will not regret it?'' She did not answer. but silently led ] him from the room upstairs to the | dainty nursery, where she laid the sleeping baby in the crib. l 'T understand. I am happy now dear" she whispered as he folded her in his arms. T have all I want!"- Boston Post.