Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1922-04-27

"VVv~vvvVV~~v
THE airy Indifference Of the girls
manner and the stilted pomposity
OF the mans words made the quarrel
comedy; the ache in the girls heart
and the choke in the mans throat
made 1t tragedy.
Rainsford, his head high, thrust the
discarded diamond into his pocket and
strobe into the hall. It was at that
moment that the fussy little doctor
from the village came down the stair.
way.
There is no doubt, madam" he was
saying to Mrs. Kenton, who was close
behind him. 1T is well-developed
case of diphtheria and the very great
est caution is necessary"
The man In the hall below caught
up his hat and stalked to the outer
door.
Here. here, Mr.. Rainsford," called
the doctor. agitatedly, "you mustn't
do that!"
Mustn't do what?" he demanded,
throwing wide the door. :,
You mustn't go out. you are quar-.
0ntined."
"Quarantined"
"Yes, sir-quarantined," reiterated
the doctor. 'There is case of diph.
liberia upstairs and not a soul can
leave this house until-until I give
permission"
At Rainsford's dismayed ejaculation
Mrs. Kenton came quickly forward.
MY dear boy" she soothed, don't
let it fret you for moment. We
shall be delighted to have you with
u.s. Just think, you will be regular
godsend to US through oil these lone
~ days ahead: and Dorothy-it will
be so nice for Dorothy.
"But, Mrs. Kenton, can't-there are
reasons why l."
Rainsford paused irresolutely.
"Ncnsense-not a word! Come
run into the other room to Dorothy"
Hardly conscious of voluntary
movement, Rainsford found himself a
moment later facing Miss Dorothy
Kenton, who sat limp and silent, upon
the living room sofa.
"YOu heard?" ne asked.
She nodded her head.
pleasant prospect-for you," he OBJ
served.
But what-what are we going to
do?" she faltered.
His hands executed an expressive
semicircle.
But tits ridiculous" she contin.
ued, with some heat. 1.-THE idea of
our being shut up in the same house
In this absurd fashion now; IL 1t had
been before. why" she stopped. her
cheeks crimsoning.
For some unaccountable reason his
spirits rose.
; Cant help tits case Of quar-
antine," he rejoined,
At that moment Mrs. Kenton came
into the room.
well. well, children. this is an ex-
perlence. isn't it?" she exclaimed. II
don't suppose 1t will trouble you much,
though" she went on with faint
smile.
"What did the doctor say of ia
ther?" interposed Dorothy, with fever
ish eagerness.
Mrs. Kenton's face heightened.
'''Well, it's diphtheria-and that's bad {;
still, he says it's light case. We are
fortunate In having Miss Merriman-
she's a fine nurse. But do wish Doc
tor Kane was here. We've sent for
him, however, and IL he's in the city
he'll surely come. This is the first
time anything like this has ever hap
pened when we've taken cottage at
one of these summer places"
"And my being thrust upon you In
this absurd fashion is anything but
pleasant for you," asserted Rainsford.
"My dear boy" demonstrated Mrs.
Kenton, ''we're delighted! OF course
/ shall have to be with Mark more or
less, aud fear you two will be left
pretty much to your own devices, but
presume"
"Er-mother." Dorothy broke In
hastily. II can help, you know"
There's not q thing for you to do.
dear, except to make 1t as pleasant AZ
possible for our captive here.
The house was very quiet when
Rainsford came downstairs the next
morning. He fingered the books on
the center table, picked up a maga-
zine, dropped it, then wandered out to
the veranda, which extended around
three sides of the house. :.
SWELL, by Jove," he muttered wrath
fully, marching to and fro, "I'll stand
this thing just one hour longer until
I see Mrs. Kenton, then-I'll run for
I'll"
His feet were brought to an abrupt
stop at the extreme end Of the veranda
where an open door led apparently
into the Kitchen. kneeling before the
stove was Miss Kenton. f
Since when have you been fire.
worsl,,per? he asked. &.
Miss kenton laughed mer,ily. .s