The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1952-10-10
Rates Decision,to Leave
Peoples Worries Scott

ways somewhat of a shock to dis
cover that doctors are as susceptible
to infection as the laity. We like to
think men Of medicine are on a
somewhat loftier plane than ord
mary people," The patient was a
middle-aged, motherly looking wom-
an. AS she arose and received her
prescription from the doctor, she
said concernedly, ''Now do take
care of yourself"
After she had left, he wandered
about the office for a few minutes,
then sank down in his desk chair
and sat gazing blankly at an en-
larged and tinted photograph of the
garden taken by Edith. 1t was close
to five and once he would have en-
joyed this quiet, end-of-the-day Pc
riod. He had exactly the sort of office
he liked; small, compact, everything
within his reach. Comfortable
chairs, neutral walls, a dash of
cheerful color in draperies and sofa
cushions. Today, however, his head
was swimming and he felt neither
solace nor pride in the honey yet
businesslike atmosphere surround
ing him. He could think of only one
thing-Kate's threatened departure.
He heard the front door open and
close. A moment later Edith APP
peared. She had been to the football
game between Riverdale Academy
and Hillside Tech.
Hi, Scottie. May I come int"
SCOTS eyes looked blankly at her
out of their cavernous hollows, then
he sighed and produced a mechan.
ical smile.
"Of course, Deedy."
Edith entered, perched herself on
the edge of his desk and swung a
foot neatly shod in a tan oxford.
How do you feel?" she inquired,
pulling off her pigskin gloves and
showing them into her pocket.
Aware of the keenness of her eyes
he strove to relax, murmuring,
Fine"
You don't look it." Edith put out
her hand and for a moment he felt
the GOODNESS of her fingertips touch
ing his burning forehead. Her eyes
darkened with anxiety. Have you
taken your temperature?"
NO" .s-Nne'Ss-a y .-l'sa- e.,,sl'Ia So
"Oh, Scottie!" She shook her head
hopelessly.
I'm all right" Kenyon said thick
ly. How was the gamer"
Edith gave him a rueful look as
her fingers loosened the knot in her
scarf. ."~'"'
I'VE got licked"
For moment he was shaken out
of his state of apathy. ,,s.> e
by Hillside Tech?" he asked In
creduously.
Even So" sighed Edith.
'They must have kept Leonard
Perry out of the game, them" her
brother said.
Edith nodded. She had whipped off
her scarf and was drawing the soft
silk back and forth between her
fingers.
He sat on the sidelines all
through the game. 1t must have
broken his heart" Edith lifted her
head, a listening expression on her
face. "Can you hear them, Scott?
1t sounds like surf crashing on a
rocky shore. When / left, the Hill.
side fans were just starting to tear
up our goal posts" She flicked her
scarf at a bit of dust on the edge Of
the desk. II overheard that Moore
girl informing somebody Dudley
Page was saving Leonard for next
Saturdays game. Page looked
wretched. He was practically tear
ing out his hair" Edith slid off the
desk and stood straight and supple
beside it, her eyes on her brother
face. Scott, you'll break unless yol
get some rest" she said abruptly
On one wall Of the Office hung I
banjo clock. Edith glanced at II
There's time for a nap before din
ner. Why don't you lie down Il
here5 IN call you"
Kenyon shook his head as b,
pushed back his chair and pulle,
himself to his feet.
''I rOnldn't slaen"