The Meeker herald., 1923-01-13
CURED
sy MARTHA N. BARTLETT

WSoS ~
9. S::, by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate.
Every night. while the world was ad
justing Its sleeping mantle II devo-
tional service WAS held In Nella Up
tons home. The little girl always lis
tened to the conclusion of her fathers
prayer: "And keep us from all dnnger
and accident-all calamity and heart
wanderinxs."
Heart wanderIhgs =" thought brown
eyed Neila. What does that mean?
My heart cannot travel over the earth,
into Europe and Asia. unless l go with
IT,"
She found the explanation of one
phase. at least. after she married John
Worthington--a machlnlst Of cXemp-
larry habits.
For IA year they lived In great hnppi-
ness. Then Nclla became sick. II WAS
serious enougll-tOnsllitls and the ac-
compnnying weakness. A maid wns OBJ
tained at so per week.
Young Doctor SkeltOn came daily.
During Nella's convalcscencG she
looked forward eagerly to his regular
NlSlts- ~ It ~ u was p'N"'
ure of seeing some one from the out
side world. Then. after II while. when
his footsteps sounded on the walk. her
heart wonld beat so wildly TINT she
felt she must hide from his sight.
And always her pulse must he count
ed. "Why. this will never do lie said
one day. "Your pulse lis way nbove
normal Have you had any undue eS-
citement?"
"Oh. no." she replied. nothing eN-
citing. unless winding the clock and
putting out the cut at night come
under that head"
"WeII, we'll. | must look after you
and see that you get strong" lie held
her hand as he again counted her
pulse. 'Ah. you need more nourlshlng
food" He then went Into the kitchen
and gave explicit directions Ia the
maid. writing n list for her guidance.
Tender lamb chops. chicken. Juicy beef
steak. baked potatoes. oysters. newly
opened. the freshest eggs. dessert
something dainty, Il pineapple geiatine
with whipped cream was very tasty.
Az the figure Of the doctor disnp'
peared, the maid drew herself erect.
put her arms Rklmbo. and ran out her
tongue for the benefit OF the door
knob.
One day. wishing I" thoroughly ex.
anime Nella's throat, the doctor washed
his hands. and dried them on n Turk
Ish towel. Afterward Nclln touched II
lovingly-then she held II to her face.
The fragrance Of q choice Havnnn still
fingered. She pRsslOnately clnsped the
towel to her heart and whispered
tensely: "I love him, oh. how ] love
him."
When the DOCTORS visits ceased,
Neiln went about the house In a dnze.
She could still feel his presence-the
touch OF his wonderful hands on her
wrist. She contrasted those hands. ="
soft and clean. with the hurd. work
stained ones Of her husband. The
doctors manner was tender and defer
entiaI, while John was occasionally
rough, and lately he had been saying
things under his breath. The secret
love was such an npIift to her soul.
Two weeks passed. and then one
The handwriting was not familiar. but
In the upper left hand corner was the
professional address Of Doctor SkeI-
ton. A bright Hash oversprend her
face.
"At last" she hreathed. "he is de-
cIsring his love for me-" With sllhk-
ing fingers she opened the envelope.
What was this?
"Dr. Harold Skelton-In account
with Mrs. John Worthington. 30 visits
at 81 per visit. $1,000"
For n whole hour Nelln sn' M the
table staring into vacancy. One hun
dred and hve dollars! John was har'
ing q hard time. with work cut to three
days a week. Often he looked slnm
and worried.
Finally Nella reused herself and
went to the kitchen. To the girl she
spoke briefly: II really cannot AFFORD
to keep you amy longer. know a
woman, however. who needs maid ht
once, 10 YOU will not be inconvenicnced
by this short notice"
Soon Nella was dressed for the
street. She hastened to the business
office Of Taylor 4 Co.. where. before
her marriage. she had been employed
rs stenographer. One hour later she
emerged with radiant face. Mr.. Tay'
Ior had promptly engaged her nt $50
per week.
That night John found happy little
woman preparing his supper. She
told him OF her intention to earn
money.
'"Why, Nelln :" he exclaimed, with
his arms about her. what does this
mean: Are you Sure you are well
enough TO work."
To which Sella answered, resrrrins
part of the meaning for herself: "oh.
res, John. I'm cured. Entirely cured.