Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-01-05

II was now close to one forty.live in
the morning, hut | felt no weariness.
Ny body seemed 10 he made Of iron.
my nerves OF steel.
Alexandra" said |, you must eat
little now If summon the house
keeper. Mrs. Sprasg. and have her
make you a little chicken broth. could
YOU take it,"
She nodded. half asleep Well
pleased. departed 10 arouse The old
woman After some rappine, ! got
her out OF bed She blinked through
her glasses believe the old Crone
went To bed with them oI--and finally
understood what ! wanted. A little
argument was necessary TO bring her
10 obey: bu, after few minutes dis
cussion. into which she insisted on
bringing the name Of her son Joel and
some references 10 his unfortunate
mental weakness. exacted a promise
Of broth
returned to Alexandra. who was
now doing. and looked with wonder
at the long. dark lashes shadow!ng
the wondrous bloom of the cheeks,
and at he face which had become II
revelation Of what the human c0un-
lenance may be in its perfection. For
awhile lost in thought, | stood there
at the foot OF the he'd, rapt in my con
temptation.
From this Mrs SpragG's knocking
aroused me opened the inner
caisson-door and took from her the
tray with the bowl of broth.
Hope she'll like it," remarked the
old woman rather sourly. 1T amt
over an above nice to be houted out
o bed this time o the mornin' Tor no
body. That makes twice tonight.
Lord know, if Id sensed what was
comm never should have took this
Job. nor my JOEL neither. He says h
never in all his born days see such
wood 10 saw"
"Shh-h'" cautioned Alexandra 8
,aking Il nap, think She's out OF
her bandaees at last The work s
all done DO YOU want TO see herF'
why | cal'iatc So" Mrs,
Sprage conceded. wipinG her glasses
On her pink flannel night-drcss, which
he had refused 10 change for more
substantial raimcnt, and replacing
them on that keen.bridsed nose
"Come here, then. directed. lead
ing her to the foot Of he bed.
The old creature stared with an cX-
preston Of amazemeni and alarm
never Vet have seen equaled Her
corded hands knottcd on the white.
iron bed-raiI, her jaw dropped. and
her toorhloas gums appeared,
Alexandra opened those beautiful.
Understandable cscs Of hers. and with a
smile in heir depths, said gently:
Mir. Sprass. thank you for your
kindness, | shall ask IN" doctols 10
undertake your case next How would
YOU enjoy being huttertly9'
The odd WomanN grip relaxed. she
gazed Wild.eEed at Alexandra, then at
ne; and finally, turning without Il
word, ran clean out Of the ward ana
away with Shrill laugh OF hystoria.
Poor old soul, Good, simple crea.
turc'" observed Alexandria and smiled
IGE with her lips as well--a smile
that added fresh charm 10 her lowell.
ness. Prom the very first She has
been quite convinced that we were all
insane here, and that this work has
been the work OF madmen and devils
Now she knows It :"
had 70 laugh
yes" said |; probably she and
her Joel will talk it all over and con
denim us utterly. But no matter, II
they only stay. We can survive thoil
judgment.
Now, Alexandra. take this broth
and then rest once more. Before Ions
it will be morning now, and Brodour
will be here, I'm certain"
She answered nothing to this
though fancied saw her color quick
en- Il little at mention of that name
She ate with some relish, then once
more lay back to sleep.
Blu, sleep would not come. 4 Ger
lain resilessness had gained on her ;
trifle: new look had become visible
in her face, as il some slight fever
We're making itself felt.
or this. however. thought nothin z
Even q degree Of Two would not have
been unexpected under the circum
stances.
As | sa, beside her, smoothing he
forehead TO induce slumber a suddei
idea came 10 my mind All AZ once.
remembered the doctors plan o
photopraphing the patient when sh
should emerge from her chrysalis, AM
thus of preserving for all time the in
valuable record of her first appear
ance after operation.
llad'either man been there. | reaI
lied. those pictures would certainl
have been taken. Their value coul
hardly be overestimatcd ljrodeur ha
more than once spoken 10 me ahou
them Though this work lay entirel
outside my line of duties. yet a regar
for the spirit. not the mere letter. q
my service seemed TO dictate that
should try 10 carry out this work q
we'll
Only a few minutes OF thought cor
vinced me | must at least make the a