The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-05

policy were not long in being felt. Not only did his actual practice fall off immediately to Q mere trickle of patients. Some of his old friends and patients passed him hurriedly on the street, without pausing for the usual interchange of greetings and gossip, as though they were , conscious of eyes on them. Callers at the little consulting room became fewer and fewer. Tobey, the doctors dog, slept for longer periods on the mat without Interruption.
 Once Mary called to say that she had letter from Tony. She was fearful as she broke down, "Oh, Doc, I'm so sorry! know what's happen ing, and - feel that If 1t hadn't been for me and Tony"
 Don't know what you're talking about" bumbled the doctor in mock -gruffness, batting her shoul- der.
 Well, everybody else does," as- serted Mary.
 Dr. Luke smiled. "Oh, now, nowl We doctors have to get used to all sorts of things. People are sick and miserable, and that's good for the doctor" He was heavily jocose. People are well and happy -- the doctor starves."
 No matter what you say, I'm so sorry" Mary went on, near tears again. I'm sorry, and I'm so ashamed, tool"
 But Mary's anguish mended noth- ing. The doctors practice continued to fall away. More and more he sat .n the study adjoining his consulta- ton room, with it's shelves of books and magazines, reading aimlessly, or just staring into the fire. There were few calls to make, almost no patients knocking at the door.
 One evening Nurse Kennedy called. From her own nearby house she had seen the doctors shadow crossing and recrossing the window as he paced the floor.
 "A little jumpy, doctor?" she called as she came in the front door. will you drink cup of tea if I fix it?"
 Dr. Luke halted his pacing, al- most with relief. He regarded the nurse with quizzical and humor- ous affection. "Ill do anything you say. Katherine" he said mildly.
 "Will you?" she asked quickly. Then how about getting out of here?"
 Please, now, Katherine" pro- tested the doctor. i've told you"
 Nurse Kennedy was relentless. John. you've got to get outl" she said determinedly. T know how you feel--I understand But you can't do this to yourself, just for lot of people who have let you down. A new community, new start"
 No. no. Katherine" protested the doctor. "They haven't let me down. Their jobs depend on Mackenzie. They're helpless-"
 But you're not" shot back the nurse. You dant have to stay and take all this. Go down to Montreal you know Paul wants you to go Into the Curzon Street Hospital with him. There's a boat t0nighti"
 "It's not that. Katherine" The doctors voice was infinitely patient and very tired. "Its just that this Is my life. I've been up here 35 years. Maybe if l were y0ung--but I'm not young any more. Katherine. You cant transplant an old tree" l" Dr. Luke reached out and took the nuFse'g hand. "Besldes." he added simply, there's you
 "What about mef" asked Nurse Kennedy. q bIt sharply.
 We've worked together . great many gears. Katherine" said Dr. Lake with his gentle smile. "side by nlda~~"
 "And ge sill again, some day --s spoke the nurse. turning away io hide a1 nnpr0fesin0nai tendency Co tears.
 'Denr Katherine" naid tiae doctor almost Co himself. .ali ! kn0w 0i lendeFnens and loyalty I've learned n