South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-06-21
4 Vacation for Ruth
By Ella Randall Pearce

comes?"
The child's heavy eyes turned 70
the tnder face bending above her.
/ Suddenly she flung herself into
Ruth's ready arms.
of I'm sick. don't let them take
me away 20 the hos-pit-tle." she
whispered. Uncle Wally'd be aw-
I full mad"
Why. my dear little girl, No
body's going 20 take you away. But
you'll catch cold sitting here; and
then Uncle Wally'd be mad. I'll go
with you and stay so you won't be
lonesome. And perhaps 7 know
something 70 do for sick folks. too
How would you like a nice hot
drink. You can watch me make H.
Margiei
Ruth, me Wallace Dean at
the door OF his suite. coming from
the adjoining room occupied by his
little niece.
"Margie's sick, Mr. Dean.
Measles, I'm sure. I supposed YOU
would want 20 send for your own
doctor; but I've already given first
aid"
She smiled shyly. for Ruth Morris
! had never felt quite at ease with
this dignifed. absorbed man. He
occupied the handsomest rooms in
/ the house, and all she knew Of him
was that ne was a rising business
man and had burdened himself with
/ the care OF his dead sisters child
because there were no other near
| relatives
Ruth's interest and sympathy had
/ long been active; and now. looking
/ into the mans troubled face, she
was eager to help him.
II don't believe she's going 10 be
very sick-not seriously" she assur-
ed him.
But she viii need care Some
one with her all the time. And I
cannot be away from the Office just
now" Wallace Dean pondered
sravely. you see. Miss Morris. my
/ little niece is a bit capricious. She
does not make friends easily. And
when she doesn't like people"--
His gaze met hers earnestly. You
are the only person in the house she
/ has been friendly with"
Ruth's eyes began 10 shine and
/ her delicate cheeks took on a
warming flush.
Would you feel better II I were
to take care of Margie-stay with
/ her." she began hesitatingly. Il
know something of nursing. Mr..
| Dean"
you? But you are in business"
Laid off for two weeks" ex-
planned Ruth Slibly And I'd just
as soon. if you'd like to have me-
/ frightened.
"Tn pay you well for the SER
Wallace Deans dark serious face
vice. Miss Norris" he said with
hearty emphasis.
"Oh. wasn't thinking Of that"
returned Ruth quickly.
Little Margie was trying pa
tient While her illness was at it's
height. she eXaCted constant care
and attention: and as a cOnvalescent
her demands for diversion were I'M
ceasing. But there was a quaint
charm about her, and she had her
lovable moments when she seemed
nothing short Of angelic.
Ruth found herself growing very
fond OF her small charge. And she
also fund herself in a depleted state
OF health at the end of her self
imposed duties.
The doctor who attended Margie
scanned her critically one day.
4
ter the nurse? p" he asked kindly
"Yon't can't fool me. Miss Morris
I've been watching you right along
Take a vacation"
I've used up my vacation" MUIR
INJURED Ruth.
Then he questioned her closely.
And later in the day, though Ruth
did not know of it, the doctor and
Wallace Dean had d long interview
in the formers office.
Miss Norris" began Dean that
evening. her last evening as a nurse
companion 70 Margie. Il said
awhile ago I would pay you we'll for
your services. I did not know then
what a generous service il was.
But I'm going to try to show you
how grateful 1 am. I'm going TO
take you in charge. now"
What? Howe" stammered Ruth,
blushing rosy red.
The gravity had left Wallace
Deans face and his eyes were spark
ling. His lips wore a smile she had
never known could be so gentle.
Il am going 10 send you away