Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-27


Little Lois became the one object in
life upon whom he now centered his love
ana care For a time he was fearful that
the child might inherit the constitutional
weakness of her mother. and his constant
anxiety eXacted unusual and unnecessary
medical care in behalf of the baby AS
Two years passed by. however and the
child grew stronger and happier day by day.
Dore began to direct all of his plans to
be content to spend his life for the care
ana happiness of this dear companion
On account of the little one he removed
from the city to a pretty suburb where
fresh air and green fields would give to the
child freedom and health not available
in the crowded city. He rented a little
woodland cottage and hired a motherly old
woman as housekeeper and nurse for Lois
his professional duties as an architect
held him to the city, but every weekend
was spent in the company Of Lois.
In all of the years Dore had not heard
of Miss Benson. He thought of her often.
however, and wondered how fate had
treated her OF course, an attractive
woman like her would have married long
since. He valued the memory that placed
her high in his estimation, but felt that
so far as any. mutual interest was con-
cerned, his hopes and affection were like
an oft-remembered story in the old-tlme,
entombed.
Dore was absent at a distant city on
most important business mission when
a telegram reached him signed by his
housekeeper. announcing THAI little Lois
was ill., but in good hands and that his
immediate return was not imperative Dore
wired back to advise him daily of the
child's condition. The reports were so
vague, simply containing an assurance that
Lois was well cared for, that he traced
a certain mystery about the same which
troubled him. He hurried through with
his work and started for home.
He was met at the depot by the doctor.
The latter, after some circumlocution, ex-
planned the situation to him. =.
''Your wish to see your little child is nat
ural Mr.. Dore," he said, but that is i'm
possible for the present"
'"rhen she is critically Ill !" exclaimed
Dore anxiously.
II think not but she is quarantlned."
"A contagious disease?'
"Yes. Your housekeeper deserted her in
a fright at the first. Fortunately, l found
a most expert young nurse. Her patience
and skill have done wonders in bringing
the little one to stage or convalescence.
Fortunately, too, the nurse escaped con-
tagion. BY next Monday l hope 1t VIII be
possible for you to see Lois
II was a period of anxious waiting for
Dore. He was filled with' grateful joy when
he was told that the house had been fumi-
gated and he might clasp his darling in his
arms at last.
Lois came running toward him as he
stood in the open doorway She babbled
forth her childish delight. She told of
dear aunty," and how kind she had been
to her, and she left him 10 run 10 Iady
advancing from another room-Mary Ben
son. -,
smilingly extending a welcoming hand 10
the amazed Dore. He bowed his head and
h,d the grateful tears that filled his eyes.
w Always the same kind gentle faithful
n tho last! You must have sought Lois
out" .,. ,tar,, ,os,,,,
a. 80, not deserve all that tribute, after
vour noble adherence to duty?"
could n0. s her os 60 hs s"d . sss ona as 1s
wish r. Their sn,d i0ss of an ait.stion. @ and new
~ ~ SSrsnlty and happiness came TO
< iSs9 pcro ~ thpee n l2yea x. \. n