Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1922-09-08
The Kind
He Hadn't Met
BY JUSTIN WENTWOOO

Charles MurSatroyd was out of his
element, iuld he made no bones uhout
it when he woke To CONSCIOUSNESS, IN
the best private room Of the hospi,a!,
10 find that he had fractured two ribs.
one leg. and collar bone in the auto
accident, ana WAS doomed to n stay
that seemed almost eternal.
II" hated the routine, and he COULD
not understand why the nurses did not
run 10 obey him.
Il tell You l must have a drink, Miss
Mullins. he decla,ned. Il AIN used to
1t. Ill become physical wreck with
out it. It's medicinal-i;'s-"
ON, Doctor Richards, Mr.. Mur.a.-
royd thinks it's time he had another
drink" said Miss Mullins to the house
surgeon. as he came into the room.
well let you have one after din
ner," said richards. How're YOU
feeling:"
"Ferlins? There's no feeling about
this place" growlrd Murgatroyd. "ut
all the Incompetent fools I've ever met,
that nurse of yours heads the list"
Miss Mullins smiled. "rcrhups Mr..
Murratroyd viii! think more kindly
OF us when he gets hclirr," she said.
MurGatr"yd WAS helpless in her
hands. She made him take castor oil.
She wouldn't let him shave with his
left Hand. She. in sh"rt. bullicd
him i'll her quiet. efficient way, and
Murgatroyd grew more and more puz-
zled about It,
Il can't understand you. Miss Null.
Inns" he said a week or two later.
Here I've been cussing you in blue
streaks and you've never turned 4
hair"
"We're trained to stand cursing. Mr..
Murgatroyd." answered Miss Mullins,
little primly.
"Why are you so stand-offish? You
folks don't seem human" he growled.
Don't you think what you call hui
man may be little inhuman, Mr..
Murgatroyd?" she asked
what do call HUMANE"
"Why-why, hitting it up, and-and
drinking and having good time"
said Miss Mullins quietly.
Murgatroyd Sneered. $50 my repu.
tation has preceded me, has it," he
demanded.
You must forgive me, Mr. Murgat.
royd."
what have you heard about meg"
"Do you really wish ME to tell you:"
Observation-Disclosures"
"Oh, Mr.. Murgatroyd. LIN taking n
liberty. I know. but-but l know Nnu
gave fifty thousand dollars to the
Children's fund, and"
Just within. Well?"
And ii seemed SO sad, so unhappy
that YOU should live without-without
understanding life. Those thinss
aren't life, drinking and-and you.
you know what l mean"
"Women, Ell? See here, Miss Null.
Inns, I've never yet met the woman
whom Id raise my little finger for.
They're all alike, after the money and
the gay time"
Some may not be-" Miss Mullins
looked ut him fearful. angry, reso
lutely
Murgatroyd stared at her. Maybe
you're right" he muttered.
The day before he was to leave the
hospital he said to her: Miss Null.
Inns. we've got to be pretty good
friends while I've been here. And
I've been studying you. Will you for.
give me II / say that I was base
enough. when you first spoke to me
about things to judge you as I should
have judged the other women OF my
acquaintance"
"iOu mean, Mr.. Murgatroyd?
Il thought you were trying 1t on.
Don't be angry with me for saying
that. I've repented In dust and
ashes, and that's In the nature Of a
confession. Miss Mullins, do believe
there are different women In the world
only l haven't been lucky enough to
meet them. And I'm so glad I've met
you and l want to show it by--by ask.
Ing you If you'll-marry me-
Miss Mullins cried little. Il am
go sorry" she faltered. a."
$50 the proposition doesn't appeal
to you?' he asked.
'Im engaged to Doctor Richards"
Murgatroyd was silent. Suddenly
he burst out furiously.
"Iou were playing with me, then -
Il wasn't :"
"What did YOU want te preach TO
me for? / tell YOU all you women are
the same. You were leading me on. in
your own way just us those Othur wom
en- led me on in theirs"
please, Mr.. Murgatroyd."
There, I'm sorry. Forgive me. And
will you please leave Inc a litt!e?"
asked Murgatroyd humbly.
And he sat still in his chair for
long time wondering. Certainly he mad
lived blindly, as Miss Mullins had ssjd