Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1926-02-05
On the Doctors
Orders

By DOROTHY DOUGLAS

- advertisement In the personal
column a second time.
wanted, Lady Doctor to accom-
pany lady on sea voyage. State age,
etc. L. g."
Now, Doctor Ewart was not lady
but he was wanting sea voyage
badly-not only did he want 1t but
he actually required 1t after his three
strenuous years In hospital work. He
felt that he must build up his strength
before embarking on his permanent
practice In New York.
He wisely signed only his initial
when writing his letter Of applica-
ton, gave his correct age Of twenty
nine and also gave himself bit Of q
boost in the way of hospital expert
ence and CHEEKY disposition.
IF that doesn't get her then don't
get any holiday" he reflected.
AS matter Of fact, the sweet old
thing, when she received the answer
to her advertisement, looked out from
the golden lace frill Of her boudolr
cap, with much animation. One Of
the appellations was certainly due
her, but the second was not. Joyce
was most wonderfully sweet, but she
could only claim q scant twenty-three
years.
Joyce was, unfortunately, for the
time being a victim to the late hour,
jazz life. She was on the verge Of
nervous collapse, and wise parents
were trying to cure her In the most
tactful way possible.
They were sending her away from
companions that they felt were un-
worthy the better Joyce. They had
hoped that Joyce would find steady,
sensible type Of man and settle down
to the happy domestic life she was so
suited to, but he was not to be found
among the giddy crowd of the mo-
ment.
my DEAR ceunseled her mother,
1--WE would like you to take a leng
sea trip, free from any member Of
your family or your assoclates-some
entirely fresh personality who will
change the current Of your thoughts.
We want you to be strong and well
and able to tackle the problems of
serious life with a good grip"
Consequently, Doctor r. Ewart was
ushered into the drawing room Of the
Druce's Park avenue mansion, and 1t
must be confessed he faced the ordeal
rather well. There was charming
grin on his lips when he saw the
odfn lei In hn Of
bruce and the curlously interested
stare with which Joyce greeted his
entrance.
I'VE of course expected a lady"
said Mrs. bruce, trying vainly to keep
down the stir Of excitement that Doc
tor Ewart had caused In her mother
ly heart. you don't look like one
who misread a sentence"
"No, I'm afraid / just took long
chance. / couldn't think Of any really
sensible reason why a man wouldn't
be better In this position than a girl.
There is so much luggage and pass
port business to attend to If your in
valid is lnfirm-"
A sharp, muffled little laugh es-
capped the lips of Joyce.
Common sense Is all very we'll"
laughed Mrs. bruce, "but when 1t
comes to young patient who looks
like that" and she nodded toward
her daughter, travelling about the
world with doctor who-who Is a
man-lt just isn't being done-is itf"
Doctor Ewart blushed most con-
spicuous crimson and arose swiftly.
A grin, however, fitted into place.
"Tm so sorry" he said, "of course
it's quite out of the question-im-
possible, In fact"
Joyce was beginning to show signs
of nerves by being annoyed at the
way events had shaped "Oh, Of
anyone, and convention has to keep
me from getting we'll she fiared at
them In such sudden temper that they
cast swift comprehendlng glances at
one another and sealed a great bond
In moment.
The gentleness that he used with
fractions children came swiftly into
Ewart's voice.
MY dear child, If you had a wart
on your nose and squlnt eyes and
wore atrocious clothes the PROPOSE
tion would pass muster"
"Well, could manage the wart
easily but refuse to be squirt eyed"
laughed Joyce with the sudden change
to sunshine that brought back the
real girl and took the pain from her
mothers eyes.
Perhaps we can manage some
way" suggested Mrs. bruce. 81
thought your brother Ted was looking
wee bit peeked. No doubt he will
make a happy third to this ocean
voyage"
OF course Ted bruce jumped Mt the
chance Of trip before taking up
his office work after the college .wOr-
rles were over.
Perhaps a merrier trio never step
ped up the gangway of an ocean liner
than Joyce, her brother and her doc
tor on that sunny June day, light Of
heart and light Of luggage.
AS Mr.. and Mrs. bruce turned away
into their luxurious car they ex-
changed keen glances, then both
laughed.
"Tll give them about three months
He's fine chap" said Mr.. bruce
and his wife laughed happily.
However, 1t was "A scant six weeks
before the cable came and in 1t Joyce
expressed much.
Doctor ordered Immediate mar
rlage. obeyed. No more nerves
and very hnnnY ALI Of us"