An Instructive Map.

Woodville Examiner, Volume XXVI, Issue 4469, 8 September 1911, Page 1 (Supplement)

An Instructive Map.

gale. I am a mill-girl in Bcretson’s. If you care, you can notify tho firm. They will deduct tho amount of your fee off my wages and let you have it on Saturday.” In spite of himself, Eric Trcmain laughed at the sturdy independence. “ The fee can make matter for future conversation,” ho said, as they sot. out together. “Is Mrs. Halsom a relative? ”

“ No; simply a neighbour. She has worked hard all her life in tho mills. Now she is old and unfit, and she has neither relatives nor resources. I help lier all I can when I get home from tho mill, hut to-night she is suffering pain, and I have failed with all tho familiar remedies.”

Dr. Tremain was listening, but mostly to the music of her voice. This_ humble mill-lass was obviously fighting a bravo battle with Fate. Ho chatted freely to draw her out. She unconsciously revealed her wide reading, her high intelligence. Eric Tremain marked it all and marvelled. He bad often found less culture in a college. They reached Scottcr Lane. Dr. Tremain gave his patient relief and got her blessing for reward She was unaware that a more substantial reward bad been guaranteed. Ethel Mergalo’s wages wore to bo docked to pay tho doctor’s fee. Eric remembered the fact, and smiled again. Ho paused as he passed out to bid Miss Morgalo “ Good night ” and to glance at her books near by. He found that he shared her favourites, and, ero they know it, they had entered into the wide field of books, then oh to the wider field of life. Eric Tremain forgot that she was simply a mill-lass. He was conscious only of the stimulus of nn acuto mind and tho joy of a lovely faco.

His “ Good night ” tnolc half an hour. ■ “ But not misspent.” he muttered, as ho hurried homo. "An amazingly clever girl. There were times when she quite, outmatched mo. But that was when I w r as studying her features. What an infinite range of expression there is in some women’s eyes!” Widow Halsom sang her doctor’s praise. Erie Tremain’s reputation •grew. Day after day be could He seep in the dingy lanes of TMsford. TTe was ill-paid but not ill-pleased. Silver

unlovely iharactonstics, and she added sorao of her own. She was,a Ijot-houso, doll-like creature who represented pampering brought to perfection. Hut public notice '’was dear to her. Sho played l ady Bountiful to Delsford. In rich attire and shedding fragrant odours, she penetrated the dwellings of the pool’) . where she inspired awe more than affection. • •

It was inevitable that she should meet Dr. Treinain at Widow Halsom’s. “ If our praise is hymned in every homo I visit,” said IMisa B.eretspn, condescendingly, as shoi marked the tall, powerful figure and the gravely handsome features, r

She expected him' to offer her the effusive homage sho jfras accustomed to. She was astnnisheditto note that ho looked smilingly past. her. She glanced round to find that his smile was for the mill-girl Mergalo, Despite the great social gap between them, Amelia Beretson felt fiercely jealous. But she stifled it to talk graciously with Eric T.remain. Then she rode home to Delsford Towers, ter jealousy undiminished. For she saw that- Eric Tremain meant to linger at Scotter Lane.

“ I have just met Dr. Tremain.” sho said to her father, a® she joined him at dinner. “He is quite passable in appcarance arid clever; in conversation. It was in Widow Halsdm’s house, and he would insist on dragging into the conversation a mill-girl, named Mergalc. To her credit Mergale had the 'sensp'.tP; show embarrassment, and she talked surprisingly well fph her class! But tb® importance Treniaiif,' attached -to her observations was ab.siird ; be will turn the girl’s head. (Otherwise ho seemed quite promising. Yqu. might ask him to dinner some nightj father. “ Certainly, if ybui wish it.” “ I fanev ho would be grateful for our notice.” ; “ Well, ho may. jl:fc will be a good lift to bim when it goes round that he hr.o hcer din>n<r at fh” Towers.”

That was the spirit-behind the nffable invitation which Eric .Tremain was surprised to receive next dav from the pompous mill-master j The dinner, however, was a great»sCfCCOSß. “ Tremam’s iv’to; a decent fellow,” said Adam Beretaop to bis daughter, when the guests bad 6dne. “We must have him back again soon. I haven’t

enjoyed an evening so much for a long tiirie.”

Amelia Ber.ctson was too discreet to endorse her parent’s opinion. But she shared it. That night she retired to rest conscious of ■ a new factor in her existence. Her long-stifled emotions were beginning to stir. > Under the fashion and the finery the woman’s heart was beginning to throb—with intense lovo of Eric Tremain, with equal hatred of Ethel Mergale. Tho mill-master’s daughter lacked nothing wealth could provide. But tho one thing it could not provide' sho was most eager to possess—the lovo of Eric Tremain. Never had her heart been set on anything as on this. Suitors danced attendance on her ; pauper titles and vulgar ambition aspired for her hand. But lovo is imperious. Nothing would satisfy Amelia Beretson but the handsome doctor of Dclsford. Could she win him? * ■

Tho increasing signs of Miss Beretson’s favour puzzled Eric Tremain. But he was no fool. Ho slowly realised what they meant'. Every night he met her at dinner, every day he met her in the slums. Sho always halted to • chat awhile and to offer him a lift. Indeed, tho poor doctor might have g ope his rounds all day and every day in the most sumptuous motor in Delsford. Eric Tremain interpreted the signs and faced the problem. The mistress of Dclsford Towers. The mill-lass of Scottor Lano. Which? Ethel Mergale could not offer him tho rich encouragements of Amelia Beretson. Yet he loved iEthel Mergale. He had only to look into tho infinite azure of her eyes' to forget that Amelia Beretson existed. All that was lovely in this life, aye, and in the life to come, was, for Eric Tremain, centred in-Scotter Lane. »

His decision should have been 'easy. But it wasn’t. For the tempter was laying siege at the soul of the young doctor of Delsford; the insidious luxuries of the Towers were undermining him. Ho was poor and Amelia had much to offer. What distinction 'ho might have attained in his profession had ho been rich! Men he had outdistanced at college Were climbing into fame because they had money and could afford'to wait; ■ The Delsford life had joys, but the poverty was crushing. If he married Ethel it would be infinitely worse; the Beretsons and their friends would instantly drop him. The prospect was a lifetime of hard work among the poor, himself the poorest of them all. Amelia Beretson was an insipid creature, but, clearly, she wanted him. Ho did hot love her, but she would never know. Men and women married on that footing every day. Why should not he? Ho would cease visiting .Scottor Lane. He would forget Ethel Mergale, forget the woman ho loved and wed the woman ho despised. Thus, after hihny sleepless, nights'and . joyless days, did Eric Tremain secretly resolve. Ho tried to assume a lover’s gaiety. But ever the sweet, wistful eyes of Ethel Mcrgale rose up before his mental vision, not in x-eproach but in pity. For ho know that she alone would understand that he had made an unholy bargain with Mammon, had bartered tho divine gift of love for the gross, unsatisfying things of earth. Eric Tremain intended to propose to Amelia Beretson tho first time they met. But he didn’t, for he, had not reckoned on meeting her so early ip the day and in tho public street. , She stoprod tho motor. . “ Have you heard? ” she exclaimed, excitedly: “three cases of virulent fever reported. Wo arc in for an epidemic and they will want you to stay. Don’t do it, for your own sake—for my sake.” ■ It was a bold speech, but Amelia Beretson was desperate. She w’as about to quit Delsford when the prize was almost within her grasp. Months might elapse ere she returned. Anything might happen in the interval. That girl in Scottcr Lane might even regain her influence. “ Father and I start for the Riviera this afternoon,” she continued, eagerly ; “ won’t you bo our guest? Don’t risk your life for these filthy hands. Father says if Providence fakes off some hundreds of them it will clear out tlieir dens and promote hygiene. You krow you have been overworking yourself. Now is your opportunity for rest —and safety.” It was a glaring appeal to the coward in Eric Tremain. And it failed. He saw tho ignoble path into which she was luring him. Desert his Heaven-appoint-ed duty at her request! Accept tho badge of cowardice at her hands! Never! . “ No,” he said; “ I shall remain. But you are wise to go. I hope to see you on your return. There was something I meant to .say to you to-day,” he con-: tinned, “ but it can stand till wo meet again. Good-bye.” Ho was gone—to duty. But his words thrilled Amelia Beretson with joy. Instinctively she guessed what he meant to say. Why, oh,, why, had ho not said it? While it was unsaid Mcrgale, tho mill-girl, was a dangerous rival. Could he not be induced to say it even yet? She looked backwards and half-hoping, but Eric Tremain had disappeared. . Miss Beretson’s information proved correct. Fever had descended on Dclsford. Tho marvel was that it had tallied so long. But now that it had come Iho fever was atoning for its delay by its deadiir.oss The Delsford masters owned the workers and the workers’ homes. These slums were r.n indictment of their huhumanity. To spend money on making tho homos of the money-makers healthy was not business, so the slums stood. They were good enough for tho rabble. Tims had the masters reasoned. But the day of reckoning had come. Tho rich removed their dear ones far from tho clanger of infection. The poor had to remain, as possible offerings for the sacrifice, to stand mute and accept as a wire dispensation of Heaven what v, as palpably duo to the selfishness of man. As fire might consume a muss of tinder, so fever consumed that mass of humanity. The doctors struggled bravely.* Fame has attended less heroic deeds on tho field of battle than the doctors of Delsford performed in tho tetid slum. Death demanded toll, and voung anci old paid tribute. Dr. Tremain could always ho found it here the fever raged most fiercely. The slums had been his province; their inhabitants looked to him now, and not in vain. Night and day he toiled in tho danger zone, of which Scottcr Lane was the centre. Widow Halsom was seized, and Ethel Mergale nursed her. Dr. Tremain called‘frequently. Men and women said he wearied-looking; so

ho was. A shaft of sorrow pierced .Ethel's heart, for she saw the signs more quickly and felt them more keenly than any. » But Eric Tremain know that overwork alone was not responsible for his listless manner, his joyless heart. A secret decision, formed on the night that Death spread her wings over Delsford, haunted him. He sometimes wondered if Heaven was punishing Delford for his sin. It took all the natural strength of his mind to dispel the wild fancy. One day Widow Halsora was carried hence, and Ethel Mcrgale remained alone in Scatter Lane. All had already forsaken that plague spot. Dr. Tremain ’pleaded with the woman ho had thrust out of his life. His accents were kindly, yet Ethel Mergal'e felt that this was not the Eric Tremain who had, for a brief space, made her life radiant with his friendship, and had awakened in her breast something with a more precious name. “ Won’t you leave this death-trap? ” ho said. “ You have done all that you could and more than you should. The wonder is that you have escaped. I urge you to go away. I will write you when- it is safe to return. The only reason why any are staying is because they have no means of going. In your case I shall provide the moans.” Ethel shook her head.

“ I prefer to remain. Delsford is my birthplace; its people are my friends. 1 shall die rather than desert them.” Eric Trcmain felt a paper mstling in his pocket; ho_ had received 'it that morning—a dainty scented note. At that moment he recalled every word of it:— '

“ Dear Dr. Trcmain, —We are enjoying’ ourselves immensely. .Weatherand scenery charming. Won’t you come and revel in the splendours of the Riviera? 1 hope the fever is abating. The poor of Delsford have my sympathy. But, really, aren’t they a hopeless lot of unwashed? I have tried to civilize them in vain. Bo extremely careful of yourself, dear.—Yours fondly, “ Amelia Beretson.”

These wore the words of the millmaster’s daughter. How they contrasted with the words of the mill-lass before him. Of those two women he had chosen one for wife. Had he chosen well? A groat wave of remorse surged through Eric Tremain’s heart. Ho paused at the door and looked back The sweetest eyes in the world were fixed on him wistfully. Thank Heaven, it was not yet too late. WVkt Delsford was sorely puzzled. Dr, Tremain had not been seen for- days. He was not to bo found at his surgery. He had given no indication of leaving. What did it moan ? The conclusion was inevitable. The popular- idol, the mau Delsford worshipped, had played the coward; ho had gone to save his own precious , skin, leaving to die those who might have been saved bv his skill. ■ , . Amelia Beretson and Dr._ fTremaiu had been .glaringly friendly; it was almost certain he had gone to join her and her father. Ah, well, let him go; ho was in fitting company. Day followed day and no trace of Eric Tremain could bo found. To seek him would only be to embarrass him in his coward security somewhere. Meantime tho fever slowly spent itself. The wave receded reluctantly but surely; tho cases could be counted on the fingers. Tho ordeal was over. Amici the general joy, Eric Tremain’s desertion was almost entirely forgotten. It was then that a strange sight was seen on the streets of Delsford. Scotter Lane was silent and supposed to bo desolate. Yet one forenoon a man emerged and staggered into Delsford Square. Weak, emaciated, unkempt, the crowd stared at tho apparition. Then the keenest-sighted exclaimed: —

“ Dr. Trcmainl ” Eager Lands were instantly stretched | forth to minister. The doctor pointed to Scotter Lane. • I “.Go there first,” he muttered; “ Ethel Mergalo is there.” Some obeyed, while Tremain, with difficulty, told his story. “ I know not how long it is since Widow Halsom was buried. But on that day I entered Scotter Lane feeling exhausted, but never dreaming 1 was fevered. I remember urging Ethel Mergalo to quit the lane. She refused. I was about to leave her, when I fell to the floor and lost all consciousness ot existence. What happened thereafter I do not know. When I regained consciousness I realised I was in Scotter Lane, that I was slowly emerging from fever, and that Ethel Mergale had nursed me through it all. I implored her to let you know. She would not. She nursed me at the hourly risk of her own life, and I was too weak to prevent her. This forenoon she swooned from sheer exhaustion. The sight of her weakness nerved mo to struggle out into the light of day. Now, if your assurances of gratitude to.me in times past meant anything, you can redeem them all a thousandfold to-day by saving Ethel Mergale.” Dolsford responded with a sense or shame at its heart for having doubted its favourite doctor’s loyalty. Ethel Mergale was ill from physical stress alone. Tiro fever spared her. Nursing and nourishment and the news that Dr. Tremain’s recovery was rapid ensured the speediness of her own. After many days they met again alone together in Widow Halsom’S cottage and smilingly recalled it all. “ There is only one thing I wish you to explain,” said Eric, ere they quitted the familiar scene. “ Why didn’t you obey me and fetch the help you would have so readily obtained P ” “ A foolish question,” she answered, guiltily. “ Let us leave it unanswered.” " No, I have a special reason for asking. Tell me.” “ I did it,” she whispered, sdftly—- “ I did it because—l loved you.” In the depths of his eager, loving embrace she heard his whispered reply- “ I thought so. I hoped so. The mill-lass is mincl ” It was long before Ethel Mergale was free to stand erect and to smooth her hair. ~ . ,' “ Yon thought my answer bold,” she said, modestly. But it was less bold than it sounded. For I know a thousand things I should not, I shall tell you them all in the days to come.- In the delirium of your fever you revealed your temptation, your decision, your remorse, and your resolve to undo it. You tolfl it to me countless times as I sat through the long night vigils. And always your mutterings ended with the words—‘But I love the mill-lass best: T love the mill-lass best.* It was the

sweetest music I ever heard. I Would* have died By your bedside rather than let them take you away from me after ■ that. It was the memory'of'the precious words you. tittered then and for • the love-glint in your eyes now thatmade me bold for a minute, and willv keep me happy for all time.** In deference to popular demand, the - Tremain-Mergale wedding was a public function Delsford foik thronged to see--it, and- while they waited outside the door to catch a glimpse of bridegroom and bride an incident occurred that few noticed? - The crowd blocked the progress of a - motor occupied by a lady whom non© ucoguiscd. It was Miss Beretson, returning from the Riviera. By conv mand, the chauffeur inquired the meaning of the public enthusiasm. “ Wedding of Dr. Tremain and Ethels Mergale.” .

■Amelia Borotson’s cheeks blanched,, her eyes flashed with anger and chagrin.

“ Drive back to the station,” , she snapped to the ’astonished chauffenr. ’

A few days later it was announced? 5 that the Beretsous had forsaken Delsford and meant to reside permanently in London. Dr. Tremain remarked ,to ■ his young brids that the decision Was probably duo to fear of a recurrence of the op idem ic. But pretty Ethel Tremain shook hor - head and smiled. “ I know better,” she said.