Marion Marlowe's Noble Work, or, The Tragedy at the Hospital — page 29: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

_ “Oh, Dollie, is it settled at last?” asked Fa arion, as she kissed her. *“T’ll answer that question,” Moore, coming forward. _ “Mr. Saunders, my employer, has taken pity on me at last. He has raised my salary to twenty dollars a week, and now there is no treason why we shouldn’t be married.” “And I want them to hurry up about it!” Faxied Bert Jackson's voice, as he and Miss Allyn emerged suddenly from the kitchen. ~-“WWello! This looks suspicious!’ cried Dr. _ Brookes, laughing. “Dollie and Ralph in the parlor and Miss Allyn and Bert Jackson in the kitchen!” “Oh, it don’t mean anything serious,” said dert, very coolly. “I’m not proposing to Miss lyn, I’m waiting for Marion.” said Ralph CHAPTER XIV. A WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT. ‘Well, of all the cool things that I ever card!’ cried Marion as soon as she could yp laughing. “Oh, the doctor isn’t the only pebble on the ach,” went on Bert, gayly. “There are rers—Mr. Ray and myself, for instance! t course, I don’t claim to be ‘in it’ just now xactly, but wait till I get home from college and then, gee whiz! won’t I give you fellows a hustle!” “But perhaps I won’t wait,” said Marion, ‘1 mischievously. a Hert shrugged his shoulders with a comical Be Eb | “You wouldn’t be so mean. I know you, | 4 ion! You’d die an old maid before you’d Ting such sorrow to this bosom!” He clasped one hand over his heart and as- med a tragic attitude. It was plain to be h that Bert was developing wonderfully. ou ought to go on the stage, Bert!” cried Iie, as she shook with laughter. “You'd 1a € a splendid comedian. Oh, you are just ‘00 funny !” That's what I call ‘up-to-date’ criticism,’ a id Bert, a little disdainfully. “Right in the iddle of my best tragedy she calls me ~s % 1 In: oi bb] ~ g B Sut you certainly would make a splendid MY QUEEN. 27 actor, Bert,’ repeated Miss Allyn. “Do let me help you to get an engagement.” “The governor—I mean my newly acquired pop—wouldn’t hear of it,” said Bert. “He is going to take me on a trip through Canada in a day or two, then abroad for the summer, and goodness knows where else, and then in the fall I go to college to be fitted for the ministry, or something.” There was another shout over Bert’s re- marks. The idea of his even being a min- ister was the most amusing thing yet. “Well, if you were only ordained I would give you a job at once,” said Ralph Moore, quickly, “for I am trying to get Dollie to marry me to-morrow.” “Why not to-morrow ?” asked Dr. Brookes, gayly. “Both Miss Marlowe and I are on leave of absence! Oh, Dollie, Si must be married to-morrow !”. “Of course you can, sister, dear,” said Mar- ion, going over to her. ‘‘There’s no reason in the world why vou should wait any longer.” “lll go straight out and find you a flat,” chimed in Miss Allyn, “and you can both stay right here until we get it furnished.” “Then that is settled,” said Bert, who seemed to be especially anxious, “and there'll be one big weight off my mind, I can tell you!” He gave Dollie a glance that no one under- stood but herself, but the girl's face flushed as she remembered that scene in the carriage. Almost as 1f she had read her sister’s thoughts Marion Marlowe spoke after the laugh had subsided: “I shall be glad to feel that you are safe, dearie; that you have a good husband like Ralph to protect you.” “And you, Marion, I wish vou did not have to work in @ hospital!’ cried Dollie, impul- sively. “I am sure I don’t see how vou can endure it!” Dr. Brookes gazed steadily at the fair girl whom he loved, but the look in her sweet face did not give him encouragement. “Tf you knew how much IT was needed ina hospital,’ she said, softly ; “how much evervy- body is needed who is willing to go and work for the unfortunates!) Dr. Brookes can tell you what there is to do—what anguish there ECOMmMIiICcoooks.c©