The Little River news., 1916-11-15
DICK AND THE DOCTOR
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By LOUISE OLIVER.

Agnes was watching the door and had her little speech all ready for the doctor when he came in.
 She was to say: Good evening, Doctor Leonard. My table is right here and I have a place just waiting for you. Won't you please come and sit down?" She would place a hand hospitably upon his arm as she had seen other women do when coaxing male acquaintances to patrOnize their supper tables at the bazaar or urging them toward booth where they had wares to sell
 Several times she had tried her speech on the doctor by long-dis- tance process-that is, whenever she saw him from her window come out of his office across the street.
 This place is reserved!'' she spoke evenly, but her heart was humping. Mrs. Grimes was seating fat lady in the chair she had chosen for her doc tor. "Oh," snapped Mrs. Grimes. Ag- nes tilted the chair back to it's place and moved a vase of flowers bit nearer. Then suddely she heard his laugh outside. In an instant she was beside the door.
 Good evening, Doctor Leonard. My table is right here, and I have place waiting for you" Her voice sounded strange and far away. This was where she was to lay her hand upon his arm, but somehow the muscles seemed to stiffen and her arm would not bend After all her rracticing she couldn't do it!
 Thank you,' he answered, looking past her at the well-filled tables. Then, half turning to someone behind him, he continued: Have you two places, Miss Brown? I have a friend with me, you see"
 Agnes did see them. The friend was girl, the girl she had seen riding with him once or twice recently, and who had caused her sleepleSs nights and anxious days concerning her iden tity, and what she might be to Doc tor Leonard. She was beautiful and wonderfully dressed tonight, and her blue eyes took in the big room with 8 glance of amusement.
 It smells good, anyway, doesn't it Jack?" she laughed. Come on; here are two places over here in a quiet corner" She led the way and the doctor followed.
 To Agnes the lights seemed to go out and her eyes blurred.
 Miss Brown!" It was Mrs. Grimes sharp voice. Well have to have this place, I guess. And will you serve those two ladies, if you're not busy?''
 "All right" answered Agnes, nov ing toward the kitchen. Nothing mat tered now. She served people after that like an automaton taking orders bringing in plates with the precision of machine.
 AS soon as she could be spared, she escaped from the noise and ciang of the dining room. Once out in the quiet hall, she pushed open the first door she came to and found herself in the quiet, restful twilight of the church. One light burned dimly near the organ.
 Burning tears came to her eyes and her shoulders shook with sobs.
 Whats wrong, lady?" piped a thin little voice beside her.
 Agnes looked around startled A ragged boy with white face and big dark eyes was staring at her sol emnly.
 'Why-how did you get in here?' Agnes, 'covertly wiping her eyes, was suddenlysashamed of her tears.
 T saw the people come in, and it looked warm. They won't let me in where the stuff to eat is, so I came in here. Whew! It's cold out!"
 Whats your name?"
 Dick Stebbs!"
 Have you had your supper?"
 Nope. Bertie's sick, and they ant nothing in the house. l got out of the hospital yesterday-a wagon hurt my leg-and when l went home Bert was sick, too. There's just him and me-
 Come along with me, Dickie. I'll get you nice supper. The room was emptying, tables were being cleared around them and the noise now was mostly in the kitchen, where there were sounds of cleaning up.
 Hello, Dickie.' said a man, coming up.
 Hello, doctor!"
 How did you get here, and how's the leg?"
 All right! The lady brung me in Gee, this chicken is o. K"
 Doctor Leonard turned to Agnes.
 'I-I found him out in the audito rum hungry and cold" she said in a low voice. 50 I'm feeding him.
 The doctor watched her minute without answering. He was thinking Why, this little Brown girl is a beauty. What is it l wonder-that makes me want to know her better And so few girls have time these days 1 for 1itt1o kiDdnaacca Iikn thiSi An