The Indianapolis times., 1932-06-23

WE'LL bilSIs LII. hlOWleS cOnSlQ-
cred, Il think 1t might be a good
idea. Nothing must happen that
could disturb her. You understand
that? If she should suddenly be-
come aroused-worried-any Slight
emotional disturbance Just now
would be dangerous.
On the other hand, think she'd
be pleased to know you're here.
Well?"
IN do exactly as you say, doc
tor, Cherry said earnestly. I'll
I'll be bravel"
The doctor looked across at the
other man. Il think you'd better
come too, Walter" he said quietly.
THE three mounted the stairs
4 and walked down the hall to
Mrs. Dixon's room. A nurse-not
the one Cherry had seen before
opened the door in answer to the
doctors light knock.
She's awake" the nurse whis-
pered and stepped back for them
to enter.
A single lamp, heavily shaded,
gave the only light in the room.
The shades at the windows had
been drawn and the furniture
showed only as dark outlines cast
ing black shadows.
Against the opposite wall, just out
Of the lamplight, was the great
white bed.
The face on the pillow looked as
colorless as the pillow slip. A tired
face. Expressionless. The gray hair,
drawn back severely. made the face
seem old. One arm lay out over
the covers.
1t was DR.. Knowles who stepped
forward. The tired eyes seemed to
widen a trifle.
Some one to see you," he said
quietly. "I'm only going to let her
stay a few moments. Cherry-?"
The girl knelt at the bedside
Her two hands, so strong and
young, clasped the mothers en-
feebled one. Mother! Oh, mother!"
CHEEKY breathed the words as
though they we're prayer. Her
head bowed down against the
covers.
Cherry"
It was the barest whisper, but
both men heard it. The girl lifted
her head. There were tears in her
eyes, but she was smiling.
"Oh, mother, dear, you're going to
get we'll now in a hurry! You
must"
A transformation seemed to have
come over the mothers face. MY
-little-girl," she whispered. But
she was not looking at Cherry. Her
eyes had raised, They turned to-
ward Walter Dixon, fingered plead
ingly.
Walter" she said slowly.
The man bowed at the other side
of the bed. He did not speak. Only
the eyes that had seemed a grim and
unrelenting few minutes before
WCAC NNAACQ Wy a bAl1A4 4lAlobs
There was moment of silence.
Then, as though summoning SUI
preme strength, the woman went
on waveringly: "Walter-forgive-
Cherry?"
Dixon's hand slid over the cover
let. 1t found his wife's. Then the
heavier, darker fingers clasped Cher
rvs. 1t was one of those electric
moments when the stiffness seems
alive with a thousand voices.
The mans words broke the spell.
"It'S all right, Alice" he said husk-
lily. "Everything'S going to be all
right as soon as you're stronger"
The nurses starched uniform rus
tied in the background. DR.. Knowles
stepped forward.
You'll have to say goodnight
now" he said with professional
flrmness. "It's time for Mrs. Dixon
to be resting"
For an instant Cherry's lips
brushed her mothers hand. She
clung to the fingers, then slowly
released them. Good might, moth
err" she said softly as she rose. III
be here in the morning.
Dixon did not speak again. The
two men and the girl fled out of
the room.
TN the hall, with door closed be-
l. hind them, DR.. Knowles fumbled
for his watch, found it and an
nounced hurriedly: We'll, I'll have
to be off. I'll telephone in an hour
or two.
"Sleep is what she needs now. II
she can get that, it's a big gain.
Goodnight, Cherry. Goodnight,
Walter!'
The doctors broad shoulders dis
appeared down the stairway. Cherry
raised her eyes timidly to meet
her fathers. Suddenly the girl was
in his arms, her face buried against