THE COUNTERBALANCE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12570, 6 March 1919, Page 8

THE COUNTERBALANCE

* ((By PAUL TRENT). OH AFTER XXXTf. - Continued “ .May Iho near him? 1 don’t want to leave tlio nuiiy till he’s out of dnnK rr - J shall stay at the lun. 1 oiui sloop hi a. chair in tho ante-room.” he will smwl for-you at ouce. Is Captain .Wair a relative?” “Once ] was to have married him. Thank you, matron.” “ 1 wish I could do moro for you, my dear. T’vo watched you slaving tor our wounded.” Ruth walked slowly hack to tho hut. oho was glad the matron had been frank with her, and she realised that she must bo prepared to face tho worst. It would bo terrible, if Geoffrey wore to die and they had not come to an understanding. Darkness fell, and she could see the lights in the wait! where he. lay. Only / dangerous” cases were in that word. Ten o clock, and when no message, came she felt that she could wait no longer, ko she hastened along, and asked if she could see the matron again. “Thera is no change.” ‘‘-Matron, may T not see him? There was a. misunderstanding. We separated and ” She broke off with a soh and turned away, for there were tears iu her eyes. I will see. Will you stay here for a moment?” "" hen she came in sight again, she nodded her head and Ruth hastened to meet her. “ They say you can do no harm. Come along.” There was a screen round the cot in the ward, and Ruth knew what that meant. Geoffrey’s face was ghastly ■\y.lnto. and his broixthing was.laboured. A ohnir had boon placed for her end she sat down, scarcely daring to draw a breath. His hand was on the counterpane. and she held it. His eyes were open, hut vacant, and she wished he would close them. They hurt her. her a long time she remained there —how long she never knew, and soon to her relief his eyes closed, and his breathing became easier, Tbe next time the sister came along, she nodded approvingly, ‘ 1 Ruth S ll ° hptter?” anxiously inquired T believe he’s sleeping. But he’s veiy, veiy weak. That haemorrhage was most unfortunate.” " Do you think he will get better?” i . np -,, M' ll ; ITP rery many deaths heie. Ive had Tears of experience, and T ve never met a better place than this hospital. If one of our patients ■uere the son of a millionaire he could not command hotter skill.” " Blair is the son of a millionaire.- Ruth said, and did not know why she said it. “ Poor fellow—physically he’s as fine a man as Ive seen for a long time, that gives him a, hotter chance.” Dawn had broken when Geoffrey’s eyes opened ! again. Now there was reCo ß n i t ' ,o ji;> mid he smiled faintly. B Geoffrey,;’ she whispered. ‘ But he did not answer. However, she could feel there was moro strength in Iris hand. The sister came along, and then summoned the surgeon, who Ca m l /-. r l l, i p^j.v ;, nd felt Geoffrey’s pulse. (rood- keep on the* same treatment. Tf the doctors were good, the Sisters n ere equally efficient. She merelv nodded her head and smoothed back a sheet. Then she gave Geoffrey something m a spoon. His eyes were closed again. Very gout y Ruth tried to remove her hand tiom ns, for every line in her body seemed to ache, but she imagined that he was trying to hold her, though the pressure was very slight. An hour passed, and she felt a little faint. Ihe Sister had been watching her and came up and removed her liana. " You onn’t stand any more' You must rest for an hour or two. Anvbow you appear to have done him good.’ Como along, Miss Wynne.” ‘•Has he turned the corner?” It s too early to say. T will send op ‘ 011 there is any change.'’ The night shift were in charge of the hut. She was too exhausted to make am- explanation, hut sank into a chair and closed her eyes. One of the ladv workers brought coats and covered her up. Ruth s bps were moving in prayer, although she was not conscious of it j Hive him to me: he is .-so a-nun* T love him. I have tried to follow lour will, but I have T al ' vay s succeeded. Re .. merciful Dora ; he is all I have,” Ami then she fell asleep—the sleep of exhaustion One. of the workers came, and tucked the coats around her lookmg down with deep compassion: lni >. they had witnessed many heartrending sights, hut personal grief for a loved one was tho most terrible. A hospital train could ho dieard approacliing and the people in the hut hastened to get ready. But, they were veiy quid, and Ruth still slept.' Once a stretcher-hearer called loudly for a cup of tea. but spoke in a, whisper when the worker pointed to Ruth. Os Ruth slept, she dreamt, and in her dream Geoffrey was dead. She moaned pitieously. and a hand was placed on her brow. 85 Hurried stem approached the hut. Is Miss Yynno here?” asked an orderly from the hospital And Until opened bor eyes' tion Hp > she said wit], convic-C'-H AFTER . XNXYTI. But Geoffrey was not dead, When he awakened again he was quite conscious. Was there a lady sitting there, or did I dream it?” he. asked weaklv. ■She was there, and Miss Wynne vi be with yon m a tew minutes. I will send for her.” ' “Rnih,” he said, and his voice was stronger. T believe that is her name,” the bister said with a smile, and called to an orderly "While he was away, Geoffrey’s eves were turned to the door, and when Ruth appeared his face brightened wonderfully. The Sister had replaced the chair, and she sat down. “ dour,” he whispered. In answer she pressed her lips to his forehead, and a. tear fell on his cheeks. ‘Geoff, I’ve got yon again,” she said suppressed passion. '■ iVliat there is left of me. I caught it iu the neck, I wonder what they did -with that Roche officer?” ‘• You must not talk,” the Sister said severely. ‘‘All right. 1 won't, so long as she is here. But if she goes, I’ll chatter like a magpie." *' Sister, may I speak to dim, if he doesn't answer?” A9S, to long as you don't excite him. 11 Geoff. I love you,” she whispered with her lips close to his ear. " j want you to know that I have seen .Dr Grauton. He’s in the hospital here. He told me your father wanted that latter back before he died. f can honestly say that I fed towards you as 1 did before J knew that letter existed. 1 love you with all my body and soul 1 respect you with my mind, and there is no shadow between us. no harrier to-break down. Do you understand?’' ” Yes.” And then they had no further need for words. Their eyes conversed eloquently, and n soft flush came to Ruth's cheeks- Although she knew he was still in. great .danger, she bad not a doubt that he would recover. His eyes closed, but were opened, again very soon. He held her hand, ae. though he would keep her always with] him. But Ruth was not entirely happy, deep in her heart she feared that with returning strength he would reptile her- It seemed as though ii was a child---easily satisfied—who was dinging to her hand. din Ua continued,)