The Washington herald., 1916-11-06

Herbert Urner.
1t was after midnight when Helen was
awakened by unaccustomed sounds. What
was It? She sat up in bed. gripping
tensely warren's sleep-relaxed arm.
A stified sobbing! A distinct moan! It
was from the maids room.
"Eh? what're you up for?" blinked
Warren. aroused by the sudden glare.
"Listen!" Another whimpering moan.
TITS Jane-she must be sick
Shiveringly putting down the windows,
Helen threw a robe about her and slip
pered out to James room.
The transom was dark. but when she
opened the door, the moonlight showed
the girl lying across the bed fully dressed.
With the slzzling radiator and closed
window. the room was sickeningly hot.
Turning OF the heat, Helen threw up
the window. switched on the light and
came to the bed with an anxious:
"Why, Jane; what's the matter?"
The girl rolling over. exposed a red
dened, tear-stained face. She stin had
on her coat. Her hat and handbag had
fallen on the floor. Her loosened hair,
struggling over her flushed face, added to
her dishevelment.
1t had been her afternoon off. Though
went to bed, as It was still early, she
had not been worried.
Are you sick, Jane? Has anything
happened?"
''oh, I'm goin' to die. I know I'm goin'
to die-Oh!-Ohw clutching convulsively
at the pillow.
Helen felt her hot forehead and tried to
loosen her clothing. but the girl forced
her OF.
back to the bedroom. IT don't know
what's the matter with her"
The next moment. Warren in his bath
robe, was bending over the moaning girl.
But he could get no coherent response
to his questions.
Feel her head" whispered Helen
What do you think It is?''
"She's got fever. all right. Wen not
take any chances. Get her to bed-1ll
phone for the doctor"
But Jane was pervereely opposed to
being undressed. with difficulty Helen
got of her coat and skirt.
'"The doctors coming-heI give you
something to stop the pain" soothingly.
Now. let me take OF your waist and
undo your corset. Where're your night
gownsr'
The girls bureau drawers were a jum-
BILE Of rumpled aprons, shirtwaists, and
net underwear. There was only one
nightgown. badly worn.
Get one OF my nightgowns-the second
drawer from the bottom
There you are" when Warren flung
a lacy garment through the door. Doc
tor'Il be here in half an hour
"Oh. mono, that's a combination! A
side next the window.
Get a plain one
This time 1t was one Of her best French
gowns that was thrust into the room
- 49,
reluctance she slipped It over the girls
head, and got her properly into bed. She
was still moaning and clutching at the
head rail.
Gould it be scarlet fever?' in an un-
dertone as Warren came in. Look how
flushed she is
Now. We'll not do any diagnosing till
the doctor comes"
Helen, trying to make the disordered
room presentable, hung up James clothes
in the crowded wordrobe. Strengthened
the dusty trinkets on the dresser. and
showed under the bed several pairs OF
shabby shoes. Though neat about the
rest of the house, in her own room Jane
was most untidy.
Mono" moaningly, "I tell you don't
want no more"'
"Oh. she's delirious, Dear. II she's 60
ing to be really sick. we can't have her
mere we IL nave u sehu Hef ~ 'ho hoS-
pital"
Mice charitable remark" shrugged
Warren.
"why, we couldn't give her the proper
care" flushing Shed be much better OF
at hospital"
Maybe she would. but you're thinking
a whole lot more about your own con-
venience than YOU are about the girl
Helen felt that her remark had been
tt,f Vo oI
chose to distort her meaning.
I'll get the icebag-her heads so hot"
Hold on! We don't know what's the
matter" cautioned Warren. Better not
do anything; the doctor'n be here in a
minute"
Then you stay with her while I dress
I can't see him like this
Now for heavens sake don't doll up
He's not coming to see you.'
Hastily Helen tucked her night plated
hair under a boudoir cap, and discarded
her bathrobe for a negligee.
When the doctor came, Jane was still
mumbling incoherently. AS he stopped
over her frightened at the strange face
she tried to push him away.
Here, here: lie quiet!' sternly.
Helen looked surprised at this note of
harshness. 1t was most unlike his ac-
customed professional suavity. Was it
she wondered indignantly.
How long has she been with you
Mrs. Curtis?"
Just a month" answered Helen, draw
ing up the sheet thrown on by James
restless arms.
Has she been-has she had any Of
these attacks before?'
why. no." wonderingly. What is"
IF you'll get me = glass of water" !"
parrying her question, as he took a small
vial from his leather case.
While Helen ran the water in the pan
try, she heard the doctor and Warren in
mumbled consultation, but when she
came in they stopped abruptly.
Stirring a powder into the glass, the
doctor raised James head.
Drink this!'
The girl pushing the glass away, flung
out her arms.
BE quiet" with sharp severity. Drink
this, quickly"