The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-10-17
The TruanG Soul

the mouse sOftly, and to escape the
landlady's attentions Joan went has
tily toward Lancaster's house.
| She had passed it almost daily on
her journeys to and from the hospital.
1t was an ordinary brick house in a
new block at the north end Of the
park, and commonplace enough. but
now, to her excited eyes, 1t seemed to
reflect the grim personality Of its
owner in the staring windows, with
the shining door knobs Of brass, and
the brass name plate. Her heart was
beating with panic. and II was with
difficulty that she contrived to press
the bell and to remain until the door
was opened.
sullen. understood man with square
shoulders, who scowled at her as he
stood blocking the passage.
doctor Lancaster" asked Joan. 3
HE doesn't see patients after five."
answered the man.
Il must see him. 1t is important"
faltered the girl.
swell. I'll find out If he can see
you," the fellow grumbled. "Walk in
if you want to-"
He had. not recognized Joan's uni
form beneath the cloak She gave him
her card and went into the waiting
room. There the sense of the terror
which made that place Its domain, the
accumulated fears Of all who had ever
waited there for the approaching ver-
dict. seemed to leap out at her.
Then Joan heard Lancaster's voice
in the next room, which was divided
from he waiting room by folded
doors. 1t was audible as a bass
rumble. emerging occasionally into a
distinguishable sound. Lancaster was
talking with somebody. and he was
growing angry. That was an Ill omen
of what was to come!
Joan braced her nerves. She was
anything but coward. and, having
made up her mind, she intended to
carry her scheme through.
Suddenly Lancaster's voice was
| raised in violent alteration.
"A nice mess you've made Of every
thing!" he cried. 1--WE tolerated you
too long. I've been a fool, but I've
finished with you, now. Go back where
| you came from"
Another voice spoke in indistinct
| tones. It was that of man. and 1t
was almost abject In contrast with
| LancaSter's violence.
"I've finished with you, tell you!"
cried Lancaster. 1--WE borne this bur-
den long enough. You can get out Of
my house. You can get, out of my
| life"
1--WE borne it long enough. too," re-
piled the other. doggedly. who
started it? Who made the first pro-
posal?'
II did. out of kindness to you. And
how have you repaid meg'
by placing myself. soul and body.
at your service" retorted the second
man, aroused into some show of spirit.
.Who picked you out Of the gutter
and set you on your feet?" rejoined
the doctor Answer that! You can't !!
You know you can't Where would
| you be today If 1t were not for me?"
The second man said something in a
| low voice.
Myers? A lot I care about that |"
retorted Lancaster. II tell you
| what's that?" The white attendant
was speaking at the door. Joan rec
| ouuizad hiS raSninO vOiCn
"No! MOI" cried Lancaster. vio-
lently. ~ see nobody Why can't
these women come during my hours?
Aren't they posted plainly enough
upon the card in my window? Tell
her?-what? Important? Well. let
her wait. then. until get ready to
see her."
The mans steps died away along
the rear end of the passage. Joan
heard the two men talking again.
Then the sounds ceased. She heard
the floor in the adjoining room creak
beneath quick tread. Lancaster was
coming in! Her fears gave her reso-
luton. She would anticipate that
movement, see him. insist. She left
the waiting room and went into the
hall.
1t was hung with little pictures OF
uniform size. each exactly like Its
Ineighbor 1t came into the girls
mind. even during those few hasty
steps, that this was essentially a
mans house; woman would have ar
ranged things differently, have given
the place personality, have; made her
presence felt somehow. even In the
decoration of this dark passage. The
atmosphere was that of an institution.
not Of home.
Then she was standing with caught
breath at the door of the consulting
room. which was little ajar. as If the
catch had become unfastened. She
knocked. opened 1t. and went in.
| II Is It legitimate for pretty
girl to vamp her way. when or
binary methods fail? What do