The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-05-27
Euening Story
Seeing Within.
Ely CORONA REMINGTON.

hl OORO4NA
Pauline cambridge looked up from
the magazine she was reading into the
eyes of Doctor Wheeling.
II just walked in said the young
man. smiling.
Il see you did, replied the girl as
she rose and extended her hand which
ton. Pauline tried to cover her en-
barrassment with flippancy.
Jack, don't be so-touching,' she
smiled.
Cant help it, he, answered. 'but I
didn't come here this time to propose.
i have something else serious on
hand"
what is it?" asked the girl. her
manner changing at once.
Il have a pitiful case down on Oak
street-a dear, little, old lady, who's
pretty bad off and / can't get a nurse
for her anywhere. Her husband does
his best but he's so awkward and
clumsy that he's worse than nothing
Couldn't you come and help us thru
the night? l know it's a whole lot to
ask, but, somehow, L always think OF
turning to you first when I'm in
trouble
why, I'd love to go il mother'u let
me-" Pauline declared.
Good, 1 knew you'd do it, he said
warmly. Leave your mother to me;
I'll manage her-only wish YOU were
as easily managed he ended rather
bitterly.
Jack. please don't let's talk about
that any more. L can't help it; mar
riage simply doesn't appeal to me-
that's ALL
A few minutes later the two were
in the doctors little red car headed
for the patients home on Oak street.
Tell me all about it," asked Pauline,
land what l am to do
She's just a sweet, patient, little old
lady who hasn't long to live"
''Dyingi" said Pauline blankly, her
face turning white.
I'm afraid so. l was hoping she'd
last little longer, but she's been sink
ing all day tho still conscious"
When they reached the house and
cautiously approached the patients
room tears rushed into Pauline's eyes
as she saw the bent and worn out
frame of an old man ~huddled in
pathetic despair on his knees by the
bedside.
Martha" he sobbed, "if there we're
ionly some way L could tell you what
IT'S meant to me to have you all these
years. You've been my life, my very
life; my companion thru thick and
thin, thru good luck and bad-al%a5s
my cheering companion and help
mate"
The tired, withered, little hand of
the woman feebly attempted to stroke
the white head beside her.
''And you" she said weakly, you've
been my wonderful lover and husband
thru all these years. Our bodies may
be nearly worn out, but nothing else
has changed
They both remained silent and the
doctor and the girl slipped into the
room.
"Ah. that's good of you to come
back" said the old man, rising.
And 1 brought a real helper, a
veritable angel of mercy with me-"
smiled the doctor as he introduced
Pauline, who went over and impul-
siveiy kissed the old man.
Pm just going to call you Para
Williams she said as she moved to-
ward the bed and started smoothing
things out.
Doesn't that feel better" she asked
as Mrs. Williams smiled wanly up at
her.
yes" she answered gratefully.
but my husband-my husband must
be made to eat something"
Pauline hurried into the kitchen
and prepared two poached eggs on
toast, then coaxed the old man to
come ain with her and eat while the
doctor watched over the patient
Now, Papa Williams, you'll lust
have to eat something, because I'm
hungry and 1 can't eat without you,"
she begged.
Child. you don't know what IT is
what wonderful thing it1s-this love
between man and his wife-and
each year it grows bigger and greater
and more magnificent" he ended
brokenly.
But think what it's meant to you
to have it all this time" she said
tenderly, caressing the stopped FORM
And you won't be separated so very
long" she ended consolingly.
mo, I'm sure of that. A thing like