Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1916-08-11
back with a half-suppressed exclama-

back with half-suppresSed exclama-
ton.
She was lying on the bed asleep in
pose that was characteristic of her,
her hands crossed upon her breast:
but even so, he had almost to look
twice to make sure that it was really
she, so pale and emaciated did she
look.
The noise of his entrance had awak-
ened her. however. and she opened her
eyes to stare half incredulously mo-
ment. Then. with glad little cry,
she sprang up and came toward him.
Good heavens! You are I'LL" he ex-
claimed. why didn't you let me
know"
well, didn't want to spoil your va
cation" she painted.
Il am going to examine you for
everything from elephantiasis to
housemaid's knee"
But all the time that he was apply
ing the stethoscope and putting her
through various tests he was gripped
with a chill knowledge of the truth.
There was but one hope for her-the
Billiard operation.
I'm going to send you over to the
hospital, my DEAR" he added lightly.
IAN old family doctor would probably
order a flannel bandage on you and
desc you up with prescriptions, but
there's condition have found which
it seems to me can be reached better
by the knife than anything else"
can operation?" She looked up at
him and paled slightly. ooh, George,
is it serious?"
mot in the least, with a man who
understands his business. shall wire
for Doctor Davie of Baltimore" nam
ing an eminent specialist.
He dispatched a telegram to Mrs.
Sands resigning his position in con-
nection with the new hospital.
Two days later, within an hour OF
the time set for the operation, and
just as he himself was about to start
for the hospital, Sylvia walked into
his Office.
Doctor" she said, plunging into her
subject before she even stopped to I'M
loose her furs, eve just simply can't
let that resignation Of yours stand, and
no personal question between you and
myself can be allowed to serve as a
reason for it"
Then he told her gravely of his
wifes serious illness and of the ex-
actions which her convalescence would
place upon him.
ooh, I am sorry!" She spoke with
every manifestation of shocked regret.
She rose as she spoke, gathering up
her muff from the table where she had
laid it. But as she moved toward the
door she turned as if on a sudden i'm
pulse
Listen, DOCTOR" she said, "why
make this thing so conclusive? You
say that after Mrs. Billiard has suf1i-
GENTLY recovered you want to take her
to California for four or five months.
Very we'll, do SO; but that is no valid
reason for you to give up your post
with the hospital"
He hesitateG a moment; then he
SHOOK MS noaQ.
ooh, George" she pleaded, twining
her arms about him, 81 can give you
all the world, can make you the
greatest surgeon of your generation.
Don't let yourself be led into such a
sacrifice. Don't stand by decision
that you will repent all the days of
your life. Come to me! See! / am ut
terly abasing my pride. Come to me,
when you will, how you will; only
promise that you will come. You'cant
let yourself sink to a level such as
this" She swept the small Office with
a gesture. Then-her head was
against his breast, the delicate per-
fume she exhaled rose to his nostrils,
and with it the old infatuation which
he thought he had cast off swept over
him like a wave. His arms frightened
about her, and with a half articulate
tumble of words he kissed her passion
ately.
The moments passed unheeded.
Time was forgotten. Then their
oblivion was broken in on by the JAM
Cling staccato of the telephone bell.
With a low, startled exclamation,
Billiard stood back from the woman
and shot a quick, inquiring glance at
the clock 1t was fifteen minutes past
the hour set for the operation.
Again the telephone rang; but he
made no move to touch it, only staring
at it dumbly, apprehensively, as If
fearful of the message that it bore. At
last, though, he forced himself with
an effort to pick up the instrument
from the desk and lift the receiver
from the hook.
Nothing done YETI" Mrs. Sands
heard him repeat in surprise. "She re-
fuses to &c on the table, you say, until
| get there?"
He paused a moment, then added:
every well, tell her I'll come at once"
And setting down the telephone he
caught up his greatcoat and hat. Strug-
Cling into the sleeves Of his coat he
jerked quick direction over his Shout
der to Mrs. Sands. Wait here until ]
get back. l must have a talk with
you" Then he hurried out.
He covered the blocks from his