Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/533

Julia.—Don’t pity me, that would be worse than being laughed at. I should not have confessed this to you, but it seemed to me that I could not bear your finding out from others.

Hans.—Tell me everything.

Julia.—I loved the doctor; that he did not become my husband is neither his fault, nor mine.

Hans.—Some higher power . . .

Julia.—Yes, Doctor Hill was an interne in the local hospital, and second in charge at our pharmacy. It is here that I met him. We had already announced our wedding day, but just then the catastrophe fell. Some gypsies from Bavaria brought an infectious disease, they were isolated and quarantined by order of the Emperor, and Dr. Hill was detailed to attend them.

Hans (As if remembering his own case).—And the evening before he left you said goodbye here in the garden?

Julia (Surprised).—How did you know that?

Hans.—You have only to add that your parting took place on this very settee, with only old Andrew yonder tending the bloom racks and acting as chaperon.

Julia.—So he told you?

Hans.—Oh, no! The old rascal is a silent as the grave. I only guessed. In that one experience you and your sister are exactly . . .

Julia.—You talk that way, too?

Hans.—Who else has been talking that way?

Julia.—One whom I detest from the bottom of my heart. But why you?

Hans.—You will understand when you learn my motives for coming home. But to return to your doctor—I have already guessed that he died at his post.

Julia.—Yes, he took the contagion, and died in my arms. Oh, that was terrible; but it was still more terrible when . . .

Hans.—When little Jack came!

Julia.—Then everybody began calling me the doctor’s lady, and every one knew that I had not been married. (Hans laughs bitterly.) How can you laugh at me?

Hans.—Don’t be angry, my dear girl!

Julia.—Even you seem to see only the laughable side of my misery. The smile that even you cannot suppress I have felt in the eyes of all, as they soberly addressed me as Mrs. Doctor. They all knew and yet they did not dare to hint at anything that might be disrespectful to this honorable house. You cannot