Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1919-12-19

1--WE should, and we SHALL" came the
quick reply, as Mrs. Bruce gazed into
the earnest, longing eyes of the girl of
fourteen, and read there truth and in
nocence and soulful appeal to all
that was maternal and sympathizing
in her nature.
1t proved to be wise and fortuitous
choice. As the children came along
Rhoda proved to them true and low
ing sister, nurse and friend
Then came test of the fidelity and
self-sacrifice of the girl just merging
into young womanhood. Both of the
children were taken down with a dan
gerous contagious malady. The house
was quarantined. Rhoda braved the
perils of infection. Day and night she
was the constant attendant of Don
and Eta. She found SO sure loving
place in the hearts Of those she had
benefited, that her eyes beamed with
joy and happiness whenever she was
in their presence.
The physician who attended the
| children was Albion Merritt He had
entered the profession the protege of a
wealthy man, and had acquired a
clientele of prominence, and a large
income. 1t was when the little ones
were convalescent that he had come to
Mr.. Bruce, who was q close personal
friend.
Bruce" he said, 81 cannot find
words to express my admiration and
respect, yes, and something deeper, for
that sweet little heroine, Rhoda, whose
studious care of the children, far more
than my ministrations, is responsible
for their recovery"
EYES," answered Mr.. Bruce with
genuine feryor in his tones, "She is
jewel of worth and consistency. Both
my wife and myself realize what we
owe to this poor waif who has en-.
deared herself to us as though she
were our own daughter
Doctor Merritt proved his expressed
sentiments by very often visiting the
Bruce home after that. The children
loved him and he would drop in for an
hour or two and play with them and
talk with Rhoda and listen to her sing
ing at the piano, for music with Rhoda
was her one great passion. There
never was a visit on his part that
Rhoda did not greet him with beauti-
full, tender flush upon her fair, express
sive face, and one night her kindly
benefactors INDUCED in playful badi-
mage when she accompanied Doctor
Merritt to the door.
doctor Merritt has become quite a
beau-eh, Rhoda?' intimated Mr..
Bruce.
''Three times in week." spoke Mrs.
Bruce. "Rhoda dear, he is loyal
chevalier."
please DON'T" pleaded Rhoda, look
ing serious, shy and embarrassed. "He
is only great good friend to alNof us,
and he has so encouraged my sinring
that it has made me more anxious Tan
ever to please him."
Early in November Mrs. Bruce, the
children and Rhoda went to the
Florida winter home where the family
spent four months of the year. There
were anticipated happy days in the
pretty bungalow when Mr.. Bruce
should join them later on. 1t was just
two weeks before Christmas when Mrs.
Bruce decided to take trip North and
remain with her husband until the
holidays, when he would be ready to
accompany her to Fair Villa. 1t was
a few days after her coming that her
husband said to her: Laura, Doctor
Merritt has fairly haunted the house
evenings since you went away. met
him today and told him of our plans,
and he was especially pressing in his
inquiries about Rhoda. / presume he
will be here this evening to ask you
about Rhoda," but the young physician
did not materialize as expected, and
the next day the Bruces understood
that he had left the city,.
It was two days before Christmas
when the dreadful news came of the
disaster in the South. Fair Villa had
been practically swept off the map;
their winter home had been carried
away by the raging waters. kilograms
contained vague and distracting de-
tails. They had no reason to hope
that their loved ones had escaped the
general fate of those who were miss
ing among the former residents of the
little inland town. They We're now
ready to go South and seek trace of
their two little children and of Rhoda,
in whom they had so trustingly left
them in charge.
ut must be the taxi" spoke Mr..
Bruce, arousing with sigh from his
painful reyerie as the doorbell rang,
but he crossed the outer threshold to
come face to face with Doctor Merritt.
The manner and words Of the latter
were Earring to the bruised sensibili'
ties OF. the bereaved father, for the
young physician Was radiant of face.
His eyes suggested fervent exhilara-
ton as he greeted Mr.. Bruce with riot
Gus embrace and waved his hand gay
ly to Mrs. Bruce, who had followed her
husband into the hallway.
ga Glad and merry Christmas to