The Washington herald., 1916-05-07

hands crossed upon her breast; but even
so he had almost to look twice to make
sure that II was really she, so pale and
emaciated did she look.
The noise Of his entrance had awakened
her. however, and she opened her eyes
to stare half incredulously a moment.
Then. with a glad little cry, she sprang
up and came toward him
GOOD heavens! You are III" he ex-
claimed why didn't you let me know"
well, didn't want to spoil your va
cation" she painted.
L am going to examine you for every
thing from elephantiasis to housemaid's
knee" r.
But all the time that he ws1 1kppIying
the stethoscope and putting her through
various tests he was gripped with a chill
knowledge Of the truth. There wac but
one hope for her-the Bullard operation
IT am going to send you over to the
hospital. my dear" he added lightly
AN old family doctor would probably
order a flannel bandage on you and dose
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"
! IAN operation?" She looked up at
him and paled slightly. "oh, George, is
! 1t serious?"
Not in the least, with a man who un-
derstands his business. I shall wire for
Doctor Davie Of Baltimore" naming an
eminent specialist.
He dispatched a telegram to Mrs. Sands
resigning his position in connection 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 un-
| loose her fursr we 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 rea-
! son for It,"
! Then he told her gravely of his wife s
serious illness and of the cxactions which
her convalescence would place upon him.
"Oh. I am sorry" She spoke with ev-
| cry manifesto ton 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 II on a sudden i'm
pulse.
Listen. doctor" she said. why make
this thing so conclusive? You say that
after Mrs. Bullard has sufficiently re-
| covered you want TO take her to Cali
! fornia for four or five months. Very
well. do so; but that is no valid reason
for you to give up your post with the
| hospital"
He hesiteted a moment; then he shook
! his head.
! oh. George" she pleaded twining her
arms about him, Il can give you all the
! world, l can make you the greatest sur
geon of your generation. Don't let your
self be led into such a sacrifice. Don't
stand by a decision that you will repent
/ oil h. of fp q
/ See! I am utterly 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 perfume
she exhaled rose to his nostrils, and with
| it the old infatuation which he thought
| he had cast of swept over him like a
wave. His arms tightened about her,
and with a half articulate tumble OF
words he kissed her passionateIy.
The moments passed unheeded. Time
! was forgotten Then their oblivion was
broken in on by the jangling staccato Of
| the telephone bell
With a low startled exclamation, Bull
! lard stood back from the woman and
shot a quick. inquiring glance at the
clock II was fifteen minutes past the
| hour set for the operation.
| Again the telephone rang; but he made
70 move to touch it. only staring at il
dumbly, apprehensively, as II fearful OF
! the message that 1t 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 yet?" Mrs. Sands heard
! him repeat in surprise. she refuses to
/ go on the table you say, until I get
there"
| He paused moment then added:
| Very well. tell her I'll come at once. %
! And setting down the telephone he
caught up his great coat and
| hat. Struggling into the sleeves Of
his coat he jerked a quick direction
over his shoulder TO Mrs. Sands. Wait
here until I get back. must have a
talk with you" Then he hurried out.
He covered the blocks from his house
! to the hospital with racing speed. He