Marion Marlowe in St. Louis, or, A Forger's Bold Deed — page 20: what you’re looking at

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18 “One of his patients has died, perhaps; that would upset him terribly,” she said, quickly. “He would imagine at once that he had neglected them.” “Oh, I do hope it is nothing worse,” said Marion, eagerly; “but I can’t help thinking that you have guessed wrong, Alma! I feel sure that it is something else—something en- tirely different !” “Oh, Marion! those intuitions of yours! How I have learned to dread them!’’, cried Miss Allyn. “But we must wait, dear! It will never, do to force our sympathy upon the doctor! If he wishes us to know his trouble, he will certainly tell us!’ Marion sank back in her chair, fairly trem- ling with nervousness. “You are right, Alma, of course,” she said, in trembling tones; “but, oh, I long to go to him, to comfort him if I can! I cannot bear the thought that he is in trouble and suffer- ing!” “You do love him, Marion! cried Alma, impulsively, | Mrs. Burnside nodded her head and stood waiting for the young girl to answer. There was another tap on the door, and Miss Ellis burst in, her honest face fairly dis- torted with excitement. ¢ “Oh, Marion! Oh, Alma! What do you think !’’ she cried, hysterically. “Dr. Brookes has had some news, and he is going to leave us! I believe he is packing his trunk in his room this minute!” Marion sprang to her feet. This was more than she could bear. The next moment she had darted out of the room and was running down the corridor. | “Dear me! What has happened?” [It was Miss Maitland’s voice. The three occupants looked up as she ap- peared upon the threshold. “T just saw Miss Marlowe fairly flying “a8 [do tell me, somebody! [ll You must!’ down the hall,” she continued, calmly. the hotel on fire? have a conniption fit if some one don’t satisfy my curiosity.” No one answered for a moment, and then \lma Allyn spoke coldly. “Dr Brookes has had bad news and 1s about to leave the company.” ft wae Mabel Maitland’s turn to look sur- MY QUEEN. prised. This was not what she hoped or ex- pected of the doctor. She turned upon her heel without a word and started to leave the room, only to come face to face with her chum, Lou Leland. “Dr. Brookes has had bad news and is leaving the company,” she repeated, parrot- like. Lou Leland gasped, and then gave a sharp glance at the others. The expression upon her face only added mystery to mystery. CHAPTER X. A DISCOVERY. Marion tapped upon the doctor’s door three — times, but there was no answer; then she called his name, but still all was silent. He was in there; she was sure of it; then why did he refuse her? It-was a question that astonished as much as it grieved her. With her heart aching with sympathy, she turned away and walked slowly down the cor- ridor. She could not go back to her own room just yet, for she wanted to think what could have happened. , At the end of the long hall she met Mr. Temple, just coming in from the theatre, where he had been busy all the’morning. The moment she saw him she burst out impulsively. od “Oh, Mr. Temple! Do tell me what has happened!. Has the doctor had bad news, and is he going to leave the company? Miss Ellis just said so, but I do hope she is mis- taken !”’ : Mrs Temple looked grave and decidedly worried, - “The doctor has certainly had bad news,” he said, quickly; “but he will not leave un- til IT can get another Igading man, I have not asked him his trouble, because I did not wish to foree my sympathy upon him; but l confess that it is worrying me, because I admire the doctor greatly?’ “T know you do! Every one admires him who knows him!” said the young girl, warm- lv: “and IT am glad he is not going to run away at once, not only for my own sake, but for yours, Mr. Temple!” (E(0) Gomichbooks