Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1920-12-22
His Desperate
Hour
BY BENTLY PHILLIPS
10 1870. Western newspaper unlon.l

AIitilGtiit W ~ W. > Ills III many
years had been one OF the happy mo-
ynents of his day. Long and faithfully
bod Nathan loved Millicent though he
had never dared to tell her so. For
tnne seemed to have parted them re-
lentlessly and the patient man grieved
tbat he could see no future of prom
tee MilIieent from the days of her
girlbood had known every advantage
tbet successful village banker could
Owe his daughter. while Nathan after
earning his way through school had
fallen. as II were into the harness of
his invalided father, caring for the
small and never prosperous farm that
was their home.
ANY opportunity Of advancement
which he might have had was blocked
nv present need. No person could be
hired or persuaded to look after the
exacting old cripple, and Nathan had
over heen kind. So resignedly, he took
nm his burden. burying under plodding
work his hearts eager desire. The
few brief visits which he allowed him
self at MillIcents home were joy spots
in his life to be lived over again in
memory during lonely hours in the
house on the hill, 1t was long since
Nillcents father had died leaving her
quite alone and Nathan wondered with
sweet hope stirring his heart why
she had not married.
Miss Miliicent," the young girls
,,,,,-. o.t flnd hpr
She was beloved of them all. Ma
than painted the farmhouse shining
white. In summer roses clambered
over its neat door posts and from
year to year the little place grew more
inviting under his care. When his IA
Their was sick Mlllicent would come up
the Hill TO call.
Nathan was not himself that sum-
mer. Encouragement is not good
tonic, md when he visited the old viii
iage practitioner he was not surprised
to learn the truth. His heart showed
disturbing symptoms.
"Too much hard work, boy" the old
doctor said to him.
Nathan sighed ms he went his home
ward ay. SO this was to be the end
Of his ure dreaming. All at once he
felt the need of sympathy and comfort.
Nathan turned in at Millicents gate
way
So entering the room he told his
trouble abruptly. reientlessly watching
her face the while.
AZ came tonight" he said. "from Doe
tor Linley's | have heart trouble.
Nillicent: pretty badly the doctor
seems to think"
Nathan laughed shortly.
Reckon I'll go like Dam" he said.
Millccnt grew wh.te For moment
she had difficulty in speaking "Oh,
Matt" she said then, II don't believe
it's as bad as that. Doctor Linley is
old You know. and has old ideas. Doc
tor Benton is coming from the city to-
morrow to see me. Promise Nat that
yon will come over while he is here"
Nathan turned away. He had heard
Of this city doctors recent visits to
Millicent's home. That fact lately had
added much to his unhappiness.
Good night" he said sadly and was
gone. The voice of the invalid father
called Millicent next morning over the
phone
Nathan is sick" said the frightened
old man. land | thought maybe you
would come and help u.s."
Miss Millicent's car made the hill
quickly. Nathan was very sick indeed.
she could see that. His breath came
short and painfully. with an effort he
heckoned her to his side. Constraint
and humility forgotten in his des-
perate hour, Nathan grasped the
hands of the woman he loved.
Now that l am going" he said. 81
must tell you. 1t cannot hurt you now
10 know-that loved you always, Mil
ncent-far too much to ask you to
snare the waste of my life"
Nathan" the woman cried choking
~ She turned toward the door. doc
TOR Benton Is coming" she whispered.
LEFT word for him TO follow. But
oeiore he comes, oh. my dearest,
want you to know that never has
shere been moment when would not
nave come to you gladly to take my
pace here as your wife. Nathan! Ma
.hah Why has 1t taken an hour like
ms to unlock your lips, the hour that
is too late?"
when the doctor came from the sick
mans room Miss Mlllicent met him
uear the door. Dumbly she wanted his
verdict The young physician smiled
reassuringly.
Indigestion" he announced. Been
eating badly cooked food. He'll be all
right in the morning."
But" faltered MiIllcent, Doctor
,-lhley warned Nathan about his
heart"
DOCTOR Linley," the younger man
sonhdently replied. SIS mistaken old
,osy' Your patients heart is perfect
sound. VIII you be able now. Miss
siiiicent, to settle arrangements for
ue sale OF your house or must l come