Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-05-30
| WHEN DUTY CALLS
BY FLORENCE M'LAUGHLIn.

II was nine O'Clock. and the boarslers
| at THE Pines" were comfortably seat
ed on the piazza, reading. sowing and
chatting. when suddenly their attention
was attracted by a loud honknS at the
gate. Almost simultaneously the door
of the house opened and slip of a
| girl about twenty ran out and down
the steps and joined the young man
who had jumped from his car and
was coming eagerly toward her. To-
| gether they hurried down to the wait
ing roadster and in less than minute
were out Of sight down the road.
We'll, what 10 you know about
lhat?" drawled Miss Hines. stenog-
raphcr from Boston. I'VE might be
sticks or stones so far rs she is con-
ccrned. That doctor is the only per-
son around here that she has any eyes
for
well. you should worry about that"
said her sister telephone operator,
you know very we'll we amt in her
class anyway"
"YeS." chimcd In Miss Winslow. look
ing up from her tatting. 'They only
''SS StiNh oiiiSl wv" "'chS aSO, anu
anyone can see that he Is dead In love
with her. She will break his heart and
then 20 Off and marry someone else.
and"
"Oh. for heavens sake. let the poor
girl alone" Interrupted Lawrence Mar
tin rudely. II guess Doctor Vain
wright can look out for himself. She
couldn't fool him any If she tried. and
for one don't think she is trying"
and picking up his book he sauntered
off down the road. thus turning the
tide Of the conversation to himself.
Meanwhile. Jack Wainwright and
Madeleine Ross. blIssfulIy unconscious
Of the criticism they had aroused, were
spinning along the pleasant country
road, both In a delightfully."- happy
frame Of mind.
This Is certainly great day for our
ride" he said. Lets see, we Will reach
Boston about twelve, have lunch. get
the ring, and he back here by SIX.
What will your friends at the boarding
house have to say when they find out
that you have really decided to marry
country dOctor?' he asked rs they
entered the village and stopped before
the post Office. But before she had
time to answer. the postmaster rushed
out excitedly to the side of the car.
Don't get out, doctor" he said, "II"rc
Is your mail. / telephoncd up to the
boarding house and Mrs. Brown said
you had come this way, so have been
on the lookout for YOU. There has
hnor I. fJ,> L,.;<l
Doc, and they want you over there
just about rs quick as you can drive
that car of yours. don't know any
particulars but they are awfully ex-
cited over that way. Mrs. Perkins
called up from her house."
can accidental right, FIJI go right
over" The doctor was serious Mt
once. the boyish happiness III his face
changing to a look Of grave concern.
THANK vow, Mr.. Milk" And turning.
his ear around without n look Mt the
girl beside him he began to Drive rap
idly in the direction OF the bridge.
"JNci1 Wainwright" she almost
screamed, "are you going to Boston to
buy an engagement ring. or are you
going over to the bridge to see some
body who had to get hurt today Of all
days? won't be second to anything
or anybody. and you might just as well
realize 1T now rs any time"
"WeT!" exclaimed the doctor as he
turned and looked mt the little temp
est beside him. "You heard what the
postmaster said and. OF course. you
would not want me to leave person
to perhaps die just on account OF an
enga cement ring. would you? We can
60 tomorrow to get that, you Know.
but this accident can't wait. Why.
Madeleine. don't you see how 1t is.
and can't you accept it? or course
am sorry"
sorry! Ym net very sorry! I'll
give you one more chance. Either turn
your car around now and take me to
Boston or yor need not buy me an en-
.gagemcnt ring" The car went stead
lily ahead and the bridge came i'm sight.
There was n crowd outside tine Per
kins farmhouse, and Doctor Vain
wright drew mp and stepped out. "Just
as you wish, Madeleine" he said quiet
~. Il know you are angry and unrea-
sonable now, but think it over.
Finally. after perhaps half an hour,
Mrs. Perkins small son came running
oHt to her. doc Wainwright wants
you TO come right up to the house.
Hes got to give ether and wants you
30 help him" Madeleine followed him
as quickly as she could. The doctor
met her at the door. He was coat
less, his shirt front was mussed up and
he looked worried.
"Hurry, dear" he said. 81 need
help. It is serious. but not dangerous,
as I got here just in time" and Doc
tor Wainwright led the way into Mrs.