The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1922-12-22

The long white hall of the hospital
ended at a small stone balcony. Carol,
reaching this balcony, stepped out
moment TO consult her card of direc-
ton. Room No. 210." Marilyn had
written, and 30 was assuredly the
/ last in the long line ana the Windows
of 30 looked out on this very balcony
Carol glanced within. Yes, that would
be Marilyn's wounded husband,
stretched so pitifuly on the narrow
bed. She sat down on q balcony
chair to read again the appeal which
had brought her to the hospital.
Poor Jimmie" so Marilyn wrote.
sit was not his fault that he was
smashed in that awful automobile ac-
cident. A wild party ran into his
car last Saturday when Jimmy was
driving at a safe speed. He was
picked up unconscious and hurried TO
the hospital Both other members of
his car were also injured, but Jimmie
the worst of all And there is he,
away in your city. Carol. dear, while
I am laid up with sickness here in
our home. 1t will be@some time before
1 may be able to go TO the lonely boy.
So this is what l ask of you, dear
old faithful friend OF mine-will you
look after him a bit? Stop in at the
hospital when you can and encour-
age and cheer him in your own sunny
way, 1t will mean lots TO me. And
when we are both better you just must
leave your everlasting study long
enough to come and pay US a visit.
Jim, when himself, is the dearest self
you ever knew. 1 suppose YOU are
slowly recovering from the surprise
1 write to stun you again. But
now remember, depend on you, and
/ am ever yours. in loving, grateful
debt, MARILYN OLIVER"
Carol smiled as she replaced the
letter in its heavily sealed envelope.
Wasn't that like Notwithstanding
still her loyalty? And she had been
loyal friend to the pretty, gay little
companion of college days.
Marilyn had been loyal. too. in ale
glance Marilyn had never known
what it was to be helpful BUT, oh
she had been lovable. Carol was not
surprised, not as much surprised as
Marilyn expected her TO be over the
fact of the hasty marriage. Marilyn
had met James Oliver during visit
TO an aunt and had married him be-
fore her return And this was to be
Carols first Introduction TO her
friends husband
Well, she decided as she arose to
enter room 30. she would do her best
70 cheer and alleviate. As she stood
hesitant in the white doorway she
noticed on the dresser a large photo
of MariIyn Carol, assured, entered
the silent room. The man on the bed
turned slowly his dark eyes toward
her 1t appeared that the bound body
could not be turned. She saw that
both patiently crossed arms were BAN
daged too, and she tried 70 smile, TO
hide the quick sympathy that threat
ened tears.
How do you do" asked Carol in
her brightest manner. "Marilyn, sent
me to see you. I used to be Marilyn's
roommate at school. We are the best
of friends Have you heard her men,
ton Carol Mooreg"
The dark eyes Of the patient
showed a gleam of interest. Il have
heard her speak of you," he said
''often. 1t is good of you TO come"
As the days passed Carol was as
tonished to see how much these hos
pital visits did help-not only her pa
thence but her whole scheme of life.
Her first thought on rising each morn
ing was the anticipation of the good
cheer she might carry TO lonely man,
lying bound motionless, In a narrow
hospital bed. And strange 1t was
how that cheer reacted upon herself
She went singing about her tasks. She
thought over the clever sayings of
Martyrs husband; recalled, with a
little happy thrill, the eager welcom-
ing glance of his dark eyes-their evil
dent regret at her departure.
Colby determined Carol went next
day to pay her visit Of farewell. Her
heart pounded in an unruly manner
as her late charge approached, dressed
ready for his departure
Dearest" he said quietly, "when
are you going to make me happy
as you have made me well Do you
not intend TO perfect the work? Look
at me; tell me, oh my dear MariIyn |
vr1U ha via ho xuavt ~, -.
silence. That little matchmaker has /
been trying to marry me of since L +
was introduced TO her as her bachelor /
brother-in-law. / am not sure that |
she did not think this thing out when
she sent you down here TO visit Jim. I
Fortunately, my brother was not so
badly injured in our accident as /.
he was permitted to go home after the
first few days and 1 moved into his
room because / liked the balcony
view
Carol leaned forward, tenseIy: she
asked her question.
"You-are not James Oliverr
Il" the smiling man replied, "am
Jack Oliver, Jim's brother
1t Is so good TO know" Carol said
sfter happy silence, that 1 am not
in love with a married man"
"You win be- the recovered patient
replied, 'as soon as our marriage can
be accomplished"
Sticking Together.
/
Why, I've always believed in him.