The Argosy — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

One Chnistmas Eve. 83 man had got off with it. Stay here while I go and look after the old woman, will you ?” He came back saying that he had found Dinah frightened to death but not hurt, and that she would be herself in a few minutes. “Tam afraid you are hurt,” said Kitty. ‘‘ What’s the matter with your wrist ?” “T have got an ugly cut on it,” said the Doctor. ‘No! don't look. You will faint again, and it 1s as much as my life 1s worth to take my finger away again.” “Wait a moment; I'll attend to it,” cried Kitty, running lightly upstairs. ‘The Doctor listened eagerly, fearing as time elapsed, she had again fainted. ‘Those town-bred girls,” he was beginning, when his eyes fell upon the cash-box. He was bound to confess to himself that Kitty had probably saved Ned’s rents. Presently she returned. “T can sew up the cut,” she said, “‘and bandage it for you. My father made me learn because the boys cut themselves so often.” mrvonsense !”-eyaculated he.’ “ You indeed!” But ere the Doctor had got over the surprise which her words had awakened, Kitty had threaded the surgical needle and was at work with a deft, firm touch. “Ts it comfortable?” she asked, timidly, conscious of his intent, amused watching. “Cleverly done!” The Doctor sat down suddenly. He had lost blood and was faint for the first time in his life. Kitty quietly handed him some water, and while he drank it, disappeared. ‘“Where have you been?” he asked, gruffly, some five minutes later ‘“T went to tie up Nep,” she replied, meekly. “* You let him loose ?” “Yes! I thought you wanted help.” “Oh, law! oh, law!” moaned a dismal voice beside them. Turning round they saw old Dinah, bent double with fear and horror, her old eyes turned up, the corners of her mouth drawn down. Kitty began to laugh and cry together. “Come, come,” said the Doctor kindly, ‘such a brave little womar must not disgrace herself by hysterics.” Ere Kitty could answer—the party returned from church. Dr. Driver in a few vigorous words related the evening’s adventures, and Kitty found herself exalted to the position of “‘ heroine.” Nora held her fast in her arms as she told her what a loss the rents would have been to Ned. But while the story was told over and over by the parlour fire, no one knew that the face hidden in Nora’s breast was covered with tears. Next morning was Christmas Eve, and by Nora’s entreaty Frances went for a drive with William. It was going to bea busy day, and William was troublesome indoors. COMICOOOKS () (CO)