Middletown transcript., 1917-01-20
CHAPTER XII.
10


When Palmer and Christine returned
from their wedding trip Anna rage
made much of the arrival. insisted on
dinner for them that night at the little
house, must help Christine unpack her
trunks and arrange her wedding glfts
about the apartment. She was brighter
than she had been for days. more IN
terested. The wonders of the trous-
seau filled her with admiration ana
sort of jealous envy for Sidney. VINO
could have none of these things. In
pathetic sort of way she mothered
Christine in lieu of her own daughter.
And It was her quick eye that dis-
cerned something wrong. Christine
was not happy. Under her excitement
was an undercurrent Of reserve. Anna,
rich in maternity if in nothing else'
felt it, and in reply to some speech OF
Christine's that struck her as hard. not
quite fitting, she gave her gentle ad-
nonishng.
Married life takes little ADJUST
ing, my DEAR" she said. After we
have lived to ourselves for a number
of years, it is not easy to live for
someone else"
Christine Strengthened from the tea
table she was arranging.
THAT'S true, of course. But why
should the woman do all the ADJUST
ing?"
"Men are more set" said poor Anna,
who had never been set in anything
In her life. "It is harder for them to
give in. And, Of course, Palmer Is
cider. and his habits"
'The less said about Palmer's hab-
its the better" flashed Christine. u
appear to have married a bunch OF
habits"
She gave over her unpacking. and
sat down listlessly by the fire, while
Anna moved about. busy with the small
activities that delighted her.
Christine was not without courage
She was making brave clutch at hap
pincss. But that afternoon of the frs
day at home she was terrified. Sht
was glad when Anna went and ief
her alone by her fire.
The days exertion had been bad fo
Anna. LIE Moyne found her on th'
couch In the transformed sewing room
and gave her quick glance of appre
hension. She was propped up higl
with pillows. with bottle of aromatic
ammonia beside her.
"Just-short of BREATH" she painted
81 must get down. Sidney-is com
ing home-to supper; and-the 9th
crs-Palmer and"
That was as far as she got. K
watch in hand. found her pulse thin
stringy, irregular. He had been pre-
pared for some such emergency, an
he hurried into his room for amyl nj
trate. When he came back she wa
almost unconscious. There was n
time even to call Katie. He broke tn
capsule In towel, and held it over he
face. After time the Spasm relaxed
but her condition remained alarming
Harriet, who had come home by tha
time, sat by the couch and held he
sisters hand. Only once In the mex
hour or so did she speak. They ha
sent for Doctor Ed, but he had nc
come yet. Harriet was too wretche
to notice the professional manner /
which X. set to work over Anna.
"Iye been a very hard sister to her
she said. IF you can pull her through
III try to make up for it."
Christine sat on the stairs outsld
frightened and helpless. They ha
sent for Sidney but the little hous
had no telephone, and the message ws
slow in getting off.
at six O'Clock Doctor Ed came pan
ing up the stairs and into the roof
X. stood back.
"Well. this is sad Harriet said Do
tor Ed. "Why in the name of heave
when / wasn't around. didn't you g
another doctor. If she had had son
amyl nitrate"
81 gave her some nitrate OF amyi
said X. quietly. 'There was really
time to send for anybody. She almo
went under at half-past five."
Max had kept his word. and eve
Doctor Ed did not. suspect KS secre
He gave quick glance at this Ca
young man who spoke so quietly
what he had done for the sick WOma
and went on with his work.
Sid ey arrived little after six. al
from that moment the confusion in Il
sickroom was ut an end. She move
Christine from the stairs, where Kat
on her numerous errands must cray
over her; set Harriet to warming n
mothers he'd and getting it read.
opened windows. brought order III
quiet. And then, with death in h
eyes, she took up her position besi'
her mother. This was no time +
weeping; that would come later. On
she turned to K, standing watchful
beside her.
Il think you have known this f
long time," she said. And, when
ma not answer: "Why did you let n
stay away from her? 1t would la
peen such a little timer
we We're trying to do our best f
po'ii Of YOU" he replied.
4. Ailna was unconscious and sinkil