Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1923-02-14
HER HUSBAND
BY MOLLY MATHER
USs - - . - ~
20, 1922, Western Newspaper Union.)

moment to consult her card Of direc-
ton. Room No 210," Marilyn had
written. and 21O was assuredly the
last in the long line and the windows
Of 21O looked out on this very balcony.
Carol glanced within. Yes, that would
be Marilyns wounded husband,
stretched so pitifully on the narrow
bed. She sat down on Il balcony
J chair to read again the appeal which
had brought her to the hospital.
poor Jimmie" so Marilyn wrote,
lit was not his fault that he was
smashed in that awful automobile ac-
cdent wild party ran into his
driving at 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
l am laid up with sickness here in
our home 1t will be some time before
! may be able to 60 to the lonely boy.
SO this is what l ask of you, dear
old faithful friend of mine-will you
look after him bit2 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. | suppose you are
slowly recovering from the surprise
of my unexpected marriage, when
write to stun you again. But
now remember, l depend on you, and
! am ever yours, in loving, grateful
, debt, MARLIN OLIVER"
Carol smiled as she replaced the
letter In its heavily sealed envelope.
Wasn't that like Misunderstanding
still, her loyalty7 And she had been
loyal friend to the pretty, gay little
companion Of college days
Marilyn had been loyal, too, In allie
glance Marilyn had never known
what it was to be helpful. But, oh !
she had been lovabls. Carol was not
surprised, not as much surprised as
Marilyn expected her to be over the
fact of the hasty marriage. MarilyD
had met James oliver during a 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 210 she would do her best
to cheer and alleviate. AS she stood
hesitant in the white doorway she
noticed on the dresser a large photo
Of Marilyn. 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 to 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 MOoreT
The dark eyes of the patient
showed CLEAN of interest. 81 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
tience 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 narrow
hospital bed. And strange it was
how that cheer reacted upon herself.
She went singing about her tasks. She
thought over the clever sayings of
Marilyn's husband; recalled, with
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. Marilyn
will be glad" he went on ignoring her
silence. THAT little matchmaker has
been trying to marry me off since
was introduced to her as her bachelor
brother-in-law. l am not sure that
she did not think this thing out when
she sent you down here to visit jim
| Fortunately, my brother was not so
badly injured In our accident as l !;
he was permitted to go home after the
first few days and l moved into his
room because l liked the balcony
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