Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1918-04-12
Her Strategy
(copyright. 1918 western Newspaper Union )
By MILDRED WHITE

AS the new doctor passed down Main
street, admiring glances and friendly
greetings came to him from every side.
Though he had but lately come to fill
the place of former classmate gone
to war, Bruce Macdonald had quickly
gained the confidence of the commu-
nity. But in one manner he disap-
pointed, positively he persisted in re-
fusing all social invitations.
His life was to be one of duty, not
pleasure, he announced. And inter-
ested maidens lamented.
There were few desirable men left
in the suburban town, and they had
counted much upon the diversion OF
his brilliant companionship. The rec
ord of "brilliancy" preceded him. Had
not his pictured face appeared in city
papers in connection with various
worthy activities? But all unheeding,
the new doctor passed indifferently up
on his way, that is-until his foot
stumbled against some object lying
directly in his path on Main street.
Curiously, he stopped to pick it up,
the crumpled object was a woman's
rubber. Small, high-heeled and new
1t was, some one had evidently dropped
it, perhaps entering an auto, and had
not noticed it's loss. Doctor MacDon-
aid turned the rubber over in his hand,
there upon the white lining were linked
initials and an address,. J T. he deci-
phered, "a Main ST., West; "A must be
why, it was just opposite. 1t would
delay him but a moment to run up the
steps and leave the Shoe at the door.
A maid opened the door, but when
he would have delivered the rubber
into her care, she withdrew, leaving
the young doctor standing in sunny
reception hall. But he had not long
to wait, down the stairway came swift
feet, a girl stood before him. Abb
sOrbed, as was his custom, in thought
Of professional duties, he might have
neglected to observe this young wom-
ans many and evident charms, had she
not delayed him by protesting doubt
as to the rubber's ownership.
'"This address is plainly written up
on the inside" he told her. But I'm
that moment of delay, her eyes twin
king with some hidden merriment,
caught and held his own bewildering-
ly.
$50 kind Of you to trouble" she
murmured
"No- trouble at ALL" the doctor re-
turned, and still fingered in the hall.
Confusedly he picked up the MORN
ing paper lying upon the vestibule floor
and handed it to her.
The girl gave little cry of distress.
"Oh, do you see the heading?" she
asked. "More Of our boys leaving for
the front. Isn't it all-dreadful?" Her
sympathetic face questioned him. "And
you," she said. "are you-?"
The doctor shook his head. st am a
little beyond the age limit" he an
swered, 'and am taking Doctor
Smiths place here during his abb
sence."
Eyes, know" the girl replied, she
smiled, 1--WE soon learn all about
strangers" Impulsively she put forth
her hand. 81 am glad to meet you,"
she went on frankly cordial, "you see,
your fame had travelled before you.
We have been counting greatly upon
your help in the Red Cross lectures,
and all that"
Doctor Macdonald was embarrassed,
it was such public affairs to which he
had been obliged to give resolute re-
fusal. "My regular work takes every
moment of my time," he murmured.
The owner of the little rubber was
plainly disappointed, also she was de-
termined to be cheerful in her disap-
pointment.
"Oh, we shall no doubt find some
one else," she said. Her bright gaze
fell upon him. Though of course we
would have preferred our own resident
physician
The doctor hesitated with his hand
upon the door knob, the charming girl
hesitated, looking down upon her re-
covered shoe.
eff you had not found this she re-
marked, 81 might have been obliged to
remain home from tonight's Red Cross
meeting Good morning, doctor, and
thank you"
Suddenly the door opened from out
side and tall youth burst into the
room.
''Great Scott !" he exclaimed.
"Billy!" cried the girl, she gave him
little shake. Doctor Macdonald"
she introduced, this is my brother"
The doctors face expressed amused
establishment at the boys continued
perplexing stare. But when he had
gone, that youth dropped in mock help
lessness into the nearest chair.
"You are a wonder, JOSIE" he said.
sHow did you do it? Here it was on
ly last night that bet you five pound
box of chocolates, you couldn't get
acquainted with Doctor Macdonald.
You came right back, that you would
bet he'd call at the house In day or
two, and here he is, first thing this
- u.