Columbia University College of Pharmacy - Apothekan Yearbook (New York, NY)

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20 THE CLARION past. The servant of her former home had secured a position with Dr. Alexander, and used his knowledge to blackmail Anne. She was interrupted in her thoughts by the entrance of the servant. Well, where ' s the money. I couldn ' t ask him for any more, she pleaded. I must have it, he shouted, there ' s a ring on your finger that would bring a few thousands. Let ' s have it. But it ' s a gift from the doctor, you wouldn ' t take that. Oh, what ' s the difference. Come, I can ' t stay here all night. The door opened, and the doctor entered. He appeared surprised to see his wife crying in the presence of his servant. What ' s wrong Anne? he asked. Langdon answered for her. Mrs. Alexander employed me to buy 20 shares of Union Steel, and now she refuses to pay me the $2000. Anne, are you indebted to this man for that amount. She did not answer. The doctor sat down and wrote a check, and was about to hand it to the servant when Anne cried out, Don ' t give him the check, he lied. I don ' t owe him a cent. We ' ll see about that, answered Langdon, he stepped out into the hall and returned leading a blind man by the arm. It can ' t be, cried Anne, take him away, take him away. Who is this man, the doctor asked. My first husband, she answered tearfully. I thought he was dead and was afraid to tell you. And she told him the whole story. Oh ! John, can you ever forgive me. You see doctor, interrupted Langdon, what it would mean to have this man come back to his senses. He was struck on the head a few years ago and has never recovered. His eyes were injured in the same accident. I have been caring for him since, and I know that if an operation were performed his eyesight and senses could be restored. Either you give me $3000. or as this man ' s lawful guardian. I demand that you perform the operation, as a result — bigamy, and your reputa- tion ruined. And suppose I refuse to operate? Then the world would want a reason. You ' d better make it five thousand, doctor. Well, I ' ll operate, and if this man has the slightest sense of honor, he will make you keep quiet. Oh, no you don ' t, now you want him on the table to finish him, eb ? I forbid you to touch this man. Anne, who had been quiet all this time, started up and said, As this man ' s lawful wife I request you to operate upon him.

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THE CLARION 19 A CA5E IT ' S no use Anne, either you come across or the doctor will know. But I can ' t give you any money. Oh yes you can. the Doctor loves you, and all you have to on is to ask him. Besides I can ' t live forever on the thousand you last gave me. But I can ' t ask him tor any more, I can ' t. I can ' t. Well it ' s up to you. I ' ll be here at nine tonight. You ' d better have the money or The telephone bell rang in the doctor ' s office in the next room, Yes. this is Doctor Alexander. What? He ' s dead, heart gave away, eh? Poor chap, he ' s better off. Alright. I ' ll be right over. Goodbye. I must go now. Remember. I must have the money. and Langdou departed as the doctor entered. Anne dear. I must go over to the Edgewater Hospital now, I ' ll be back late. Don ' t wait up for me. What ' s wrong dear, you ' re not feeling well lately. Nothing, it ' s nothing. I feel tired from shopping all day. Well, go to bed now and have a good night ' s rest. Goodbye. Good night John. The evening wore slowly on for Anne, and she found herself looking at the clock every few minutes. Now it was nine and Langdon. her former servant, would be here in a short time. She thought of the past and what it meant if her husband should find out. When she was nineteen she had met James Crane, handsome, fascinating and wealthy. After a short courtship they were married, and then Anne realized her mistake. Her husband turned out to be a gambler and soon his wealth, which he had inherited, was gone, and he took to drink. Anne stood all his ill treatment until she could bear it no longer and ran away. She obtained a position in Edgewater hos- pital, having graduated from a training school before she was married. Here she met Dr. Alexander and true love came into her life. She was afraid to tell him of her previous marriage for fear of losing his love, so when he proposed, she accepted without saying anything of her

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THE CLARION 21 The doctor rang for an assistant, and ordered the operating- table to be prepared. The blind man fell to the doctor ' s feet, Oh doctor, please don ' t operate on me, I ' m not James Crane, I ' m his twin brother. I was broke and he forced me to do this. Let me go and I ' ll never come back here again. Please forgive me doctor. That ' s all right, my man, I knew you were not Tames Crane, I operated on your brother successfully and I ' m in luck again, I ' ll make his brother talk, and Langdon faced the doctor with a defiant air. Too late, unfortunately he died this afternoon after having told all he remembered of his former life before the accident. You ' d better go now. before I telephone for the police. They knew they were beaten, and went out slowly, the doctor closing the door after them. Don ' t cry Anne, I freely forgive you. From Crane ' s description I knew that you were his wife. He told how he had ill treated you and he hoped that you would find a husband who would make you happy. So you see that it has all turned out for the best. Are you happy dear ? ' For the answer, she nestled closer in his arms. m - Nigljt The pur ' pling haze of twilight spreads Eerily across both swamp and hill. The wood dove ' s song unto his mate Sounds like an anthem for the dead. The sable stole of night descends; The air is still and mystic scents From cedar, spruce and tamarack Arise, as incense from a holy fane. From behind a cloud proud Luna peeps, The little creatures of the night. Raise a last Te Deum to their God ; Then all the world is plunged in sleep. -Joseph Rynar ' 21.