Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1941-09-12

I'll see that things are arranged the
way you want them to be-"
He stood moment watching her
relax, then he moved quietly away
and went out on the landing. Nurse
O'Brien followed him. Nurse Hopkins
was just coming up the stairs. He
nodded to her. She said breathlessly:
"Good-evening, Doctor"
"Good-evening, Nurse"
He went with the two of them into
Nurse O'Brien's room next door and
gave them their instructions. Nurse
Hopkins would remain on overnight
and take charge with Nurse O'Brien.
Tomorrow I'll have to get hold of
second resident nurse. Awkward,
this diphtheria epidemic over at
Stamford. The nursing homes there
are working short-handed as it is"
Then, having given his orders,
which were listened to with reverent
attention (which sometimes tickled
him. DR.. Lord went downstairs,
ready to receive the niece and neph-
ew who, his watch told him, were due
to arrive at any minute now.
In the hall he encountered Mary
Gerard. Her face was pale and anx-
ious. She asked "Is she better?"
DR.. Lord said: 81 can insure her
peaceful night-that's about all that
can be DONE"
Mary said brokenly: at seems Sc
cruel-so unfair"
He nodded alphabetically enough
Eyes, it does seem like that some
times. I believe" He broke off
That's the car"
He went out into the hall. Mary
ran upstairs.
Elinor exclaimed as she came into
the drawing-room: as she very
bad?"
Roddy was looking pale and appre-
hensive.
The doctor said gravely: "I'm a.
fraid it will be rather a shock to you
She's badly paralyzed. Her speech is
almost unacceptable. BY the way
she's definetly worried about some.
thing. It's to do with sending for hel
lawyer. You know who he is, Miss
Carlisle
Elinor said quickly: "Mr. Seldom
of Bloomsbury Square. But he
wouldn't be there at this time of the
evening, and I don't know his home
address,"
DR.. Lord said reassuringly: ITO.
morrow will be in plenty of time. But
I'm anxious to set Mrs Welman's
mind at rest as soon as possible. II
you will come up with me now, Miss
Carlisle, I think together we shall be
able to reassure her."
"Of course. will come up at once
Roddy said hopefully: "You don't
want me?"
He felt family ashamed of himself
but he had a nervous dread of going
up to the sick-room, of seeing Aunt
Laura lying there inarticulate and
helpless.
DR.. Lord treasured him prmptly
"Not the least need, Mr.. Welman
Better not to have too many people
in the room." Roddy's relief showed
plainly.
DR.. Lord and Elinor went upstairs.
Nurse O'Brien was with the patient.
Laura Welman, breathing deeply
and stertorously, lay as though in a
stupor. Elinor stood looking down
at her, shocked by the drawn, twisted
face.
Suddenly Mrs. Welman's right eye
lid quivered and opened. A faint
change came over her face as she re-
cognized Elinor. She tried to speak.
"ElinOr :" The word would have
been meaningless to any one who had
not guessed at what she wanted to
say.
Elinor said quickly: "I'm here,
Aunt Laura. You're worried about
something? You want me to send for
Mr.. Seldom"
Another of those hoarse raucous
sounds. Elinor guessed at the mean
ing. She said: MARY Gerrard?"
Slowly the right hand moved shak-
lily in assent.
A long bubble of sound came from
the sick woman's lips. DR.. Lord and
Elinor frowned helplessly. Again
and again it came. Then Elinor got
a word.
Provision? You want TO make
provision for her in your will? You
want her to have some money? I see
dear Aunt Laura. That will be quite