The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-08-01
LAUNCHED CHAPTER VI

"A N hour later, the two men re- 1A turned to the little room, Jim towering over the doctor and seeming very slight by contrast. The presentation to Mrs. Hall was made. Millicent was not allergic to attractive young men. She liked the way Jim Thompston took her hand and smiled down at her. She liked his hopeful T hope you aren't going to mind too much, I shall be as unobtrusive as pos- sible-" when her husband an- nounced that everything was fixed up, that Jim would move in bag and baggage as soon as he could wind up his affairs in Boston.
 Nancy added the frivolous touches to the renovated apartment over the garage, the chint2 sofa cushions the ash trays, the pictures. It was very habitable when Jim came back, less than 10 days later, and moved in with his meager belongings :. Q rack of pipes, his instruments, a really good microscope, clothes, a few photographs, a great many books and typewriter.
 It was evening when he came, and after supper they all went over to help him get settled :. all, that is, but Nancy, who was not at home.
 Mrs. Hall had explained at sup- per that Nancy was out - with Frank Edgar" She also explained Edgar, as it were, warmingly. Jim had listened, uncomprehending, but Emily had smiled a little. Walk ing over to the garage later, he had realized Millicents motive :. Warning me oil, eh?" he thought. Well, she needn't worry. But he wasn't sure. The ten days he had been absent from Cranberry had been very much occupied, yet he had found time to think about Nancy Hall. to remember her as he had first seen her, to recall the touch of her hand as it lay briefly an his own, her light voice and her careless slow smile.
 HIS things temporarily bestowed, AA he returned to the house to closet himself with his superior and to discuss his duties. He would take the evening office hours and the night calls, and during the day he would take the calls from the more rural districts. Tt will leave me free" said David, with half a sigh. "IIl see more of my family and get ahead little with a book I've been trying to write for years. You understand. Wen work into it gradually. I'll take you out on my rounds with me for a time until"
 Until people get used to me. I hope they will. But you know they aren't going to want me, pr. Hall: they're going to want you"
 Not when they know you" David assured him.
 Their arrangement had been easily made, and included the apartment. with light, heat, hot Veter and telephone service, and meals with the family.
 The financial terms were an as- sured income of a hundred a month to start. Later when he acquired new patients of his own, he would have some extra rev. enue.
 Fees aren't high. in these parts," said Doctor Hall, i've don't go in for fancy figures. take e raft Of charity cases, and do my share of hospital service, ward and clinic. Then there's my rural practical still have @ good deal, the city's grown but the farms remain much as they were in my fathers time. That pays me in butter and eggs, vegetables and dressed chickens, most of the time. I'm just telling you oil this 1n case you have any Idea of get- ting rich quick in Cranberry. As you begin to take over, and if the practice warrants it. I think you'll pc entitled to more than I'm offer. ing now. How about it?"
 "ies more than generous" Jim told him sincerely.
 HIS hFst weeks were oeeuplsd In IA golng with David on hls rounds, and being met with curl. oelty, suspicion, resentment, or blenk inelsaulity, co tho eass might De, by most Of Davld,s pas tents, but. little by little, most ef them could be ven. hy the third visit tho mAjeFity Grudss insly agreed that his manner Was pleasant, hk interest sFalilylng, and that in tinl0 De miaht mako q doeloF. old Hattie Evails Want co faF aa te take David aslAo ana Iils