[figure description] Page 235.[end figure description]

IT was a novel sight to see the little procession
which half an hour later left Mrs. Markham's
house and moved across the street. Wrapped
in a blanket and reclining in the huge arm-chair which
Squire John, his coachman, and Robert West were carrying
was Dr. West, while behind him walked his mother,
with Johnnie and Jim and Burt and Ben bringing up the
rear.

“I think I had better go in alone. Too many may
disturb her,” Richard suggested, as, supported by his
brother and the Squire, he reached the upper hall and
turned towards Dora's chamber.

All saw the propriety of this, and so only Jessie was
present when Richard first sat down by Dora's side, and
taking her hot hand pressed it between his own, calling
her by name and asking if she knew him.

“Yes, Richard, and you have come to save me; I am so
glad, and the night was so long, with the light on the
wall,” Dora replied, and over her cheeks the tears fell refreshingly.

“You have done her good already,” Jessie whispered

[figure description] Page 236.[end figure description]

to the doctor, who, repressing his intense desire to hug
the sick girl to his bosom, proceeded carefully to examine
every symptom and then to prescribe.

She was very sick, he said, and the utmost quiet was
necessary; only a few must be allowed to see her, and no
one should be admitted whose presence disturbed her in
the least. This was virtually keeping Squire Russell
away, for his presence did disturb her, as had been apparent
all the day, for she grew restless and talkative and
feverish the moment he appeared. It smote the doctor
cruelly to see how meekly he received the order.

“Save her, doctor,” he said, “save my Dora and I will
not mind giving you all I'm worth.”

But the power to save was not vested in Dr. West.
He could only use the means, and then with agony of
soul pray that they might be blessed, that Dora might
live even though she should never be his. It was unnecessary
for him to return to Mrs. Markham's, and
yielding to what seemed best for all, he remained at
Squire Russell's during the dreadful days of suspense
when Dora's life hung on a thread, when Bell and Mattie,
both of whom came in answer to Robert's telegram,
bent over her pillow, always turning away with the feeling
that she must die, when Jessie, yielding her place as
nurse to more experienced hands, took the children to
the farthest part of the building, where she kept them
quiet, stifling her tears while she sang to them childish

[figure description] Page 237.[end figure description]

songs, or told them fairy stories; and when Squire Russell,
banished from the sick-room, sat in the hall all the
day long watching Dora's door with a wistful, beseeching
look, which touched the hearts of those who saw it, and
who knew of the blow in store for him even if Dora lived.
It was no secret now, to five at least, that Dora could
never be Squire Russell's wife. Mrs. West, Bell, Mattie,
Jessie, and Robert all knew it, and while four approved
most heartily, Jessie in her great pity hardly
knew what she should advise. She was so sorry for him
sitting so patiently by the hall window, and she wanted
so much to comfort him. Sometimes, as she passed near
him, she did stop, and smoothing his hair, tell him how
sorry she was, while beneath the touch of those snowy
fingers, his heart throbbed with a feeling which prompted
him to think much of Jessie, even while he kept that
tireless watch near Dora.

It was strange how the doctor bore up, appearing better
than when he first came to Dora. It was excitement,
he knew, and he was glad of the artificial strength which
kept him at her side, noting every change with minuteness
which went far toward effecting the cure for which
he prayed.

Two weeks had passed away, and then one night, just
as the autumn twilight was stealing into the room, Dora
woke from a long, heavy sleep, which Richard had
watched breathlessly, for on its issue hung her life or

[figure description] Page 238.[end figure description]

death. It was over now, and the hand Richard held was
wet with perspiration. Dora was saved, and burying his
head upon her pillow, the doctor said aloud:

“I thank thee, O my Father, for giving me back my
darling.”

Richard was alone, for Bell and Mattie had both left
the room to take their supper, and there was no one
present to see the look of unutterable joy which crept into
his face, when, in response to his thanksgiving, a faint
voice said:

“Kiss me once, Richard, for the sake of what might
have been, then let me die,—here, just as I am, alone
with you.”

He kissed her more than once, more than twice, while
he said to her:

“You will not die; the crisis is past; my darling
will live.”

Neither thought of Squire Russell then, so full, so perfect
was that moment of bliss in which each acknowledged
the deep love filling their hearts with joy. Dora was the
first to remember, and with a moan she turned her face
to the wall while the doctor still held and caressed the
little wasted hand which did not withdraw itself from his
grasp. There was joy in the household that night, for
the glad news that Dora was better spread rapidly, while
smiles and tears of happiness took the place of sorrow.
Squire Russell was gone; business which required

[figure description] Page 239.[end figure description]

attention had taken him away for several hours, and when he
returned it was too late to visit the sick-room; but he
heard from Johnnie that Dora would live, and from his
room there went up a prayer of thanksgiving to Heaven,
who had not taken away one so dear as Dora.

p605-245

Previous section

Next section