The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-10-24

efsA "a ~ ! Z !.
..I--why. yes. suppose I.must be-"
she answered, looking at Lancaster In
growing establishment, mixed with q
little fear. ~
Sand you have sympathy for the
unfortunate? You-you said some
thing like that just now-about wish
ing to be of help to others. Are you
loyal and staunch?"
Il hope am" said Joan uneasily.
IF one is loyal to others. one does
not fear ones own misfortunes," said
Lancaster. "They rise out Of some
trail far enough back into ones self.
I've learned that, heaven knows Miss
Wentworth" he ended suddenly,
would you consider temporary po-
sition while your case is under inves-
tigation by the board?"
"But they meet in day or two. and
then"
Would you consider It," repeated
Lancaster. IF you could be OF greater
service than you know? Suppose I
said to you as I am saying now. that
you seem to me the best suited. by
loyalty and good will, to help. of all
the nurses know. would you accept?"
"Then, Doctor Lancaster" cried
Joan triumphantly, IF you have that
opinion of me you have no excuse for
not getting the board to reinstate me-"
The man faltered as she looked at
him. He was no longer terrible to
her. He seemed to have put off some
hateful armor that he assumed. and
revealed weakness that none had sus-
pected. Pity for him. vast and
heartfelt pity whose cause she was
unable to divine. began to stir the
girls heart.
II pledge you my word to do all
can for you," said. Lancaster. But
you must help me In turn. need you
for this purpose. want you to go
into the country for month. It will
rest you. too, and you are run down.
Have you ever heard of the Lancaster
institute in Drexham county,"
II think So" answered Joan. rather
doubtfully.
: at is hobby of NINE My father
established 1t twenty-five years ago
for the hill people. but the funds be-
came squandered, and 1t is not in
good shape. However. it does some
good. and 1t is the only place of its
kind within a score of miles Doctor
Jenkins is in charge. and IL run
down there every now and then TO
keep him up to the mark. There is
a matron there. The cases comprise
little light surgical work occasion
ally. an alcoholic or two after pay
days for the mining element. pneumo-
mia in its season. and-yes, there's a
demented woman there, but she won't
come under your care. It's in the hill
country. How would you like to go?"
II don't. know what 10 say" an
swered the girl.
But you have no attachments in
Avonmouth?" he asked. looking hard
at her.
Nobody. But. Doctor Lancaster,
all my thoughts are bent on my re-
instatement."
''I'll do my best for you If you will
help me out with this case" he an
swered "And you will get strong
in a month and take up your work
again with a light heart. You will
have a small remuneration, and your
fare, of course. You'll goY
''Tll go, then" answered Joan.
"Then listen to me-" he said again.
speaking with lowered voice and
glancing back in apprehension toward
the inner door. II shall not see you
before you start, but l rely on you.
You must leave on the nine O'Clock
train tomorrow morning. And you
must speak to nobody about this I'M
dertaking."
81 shall say nothing, Doctor Lam
caster. And have to thank you with
all my heart"
He frowned at her. And the curious
indecision in his manner, the furtive-
ness of the man, which still disquieted
the girl, was In extraordinary contrast
to Lancaster's appearance in the
theater that morning. TO everything
that she had associated with him. She
was utterly bewildered
AS she rose Lancaster came very
close to her. and now his voice was
little more than a whisper.
"Tll wire to Mrs. Fraser. the ma
tron," he said. sand I'll have the
buggy meet you at the statfon-Lan-
caster station, Miss Wentworth. And
| wish"
But the door opened, and the white
attendant slOuched into the room. He
stared insolently at Joan. Doctor
Lancaster" he began.
"Fll see you when l am alone.
Myers" answered Lancaster.
Doctor Lancaster. will you please
give me few moments Of your time"
said the man urgently; and under
meath the plea Joan seemed to see the
insolence and contempt in his heart.
Suddenly the idea came to her that
this must be the man whom Lancaster