The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1830-11-04
hcsn suspsctng ss msch, and had made up

her husband (who was then
~ seal should not be informed of till il
was over; and that during the operation
she should not be in any wise bound, or
blindfulded. Her calm and decisive man
ner convinced me that remonstrance would
be useless Sir---looking Mt me with
doubtful air. She observed it. and said, y
see what you arc thinking, Sit; but
hope TO shew you that woman has more
courage usan you seem willing to give her
credit for In short, after the surgeon had
acquiesc ed in the larer condition Ito which |
he hal especially demsrred--a day was
fixed for the peration--subjcct, OF course,
to Mrs. St--'s state Of health. When
the Wednesday arrived. i, was with some
agitation that | entered Sir---'s carriage,
in company with himself, and his senior !
pupil, Mr.. could scarce avoid Ger
tain nervous tremor--unprofessiona as il !
may seem--when | saw the servant place
the operating case on The sent of the car
riage. Are you sure yon have every thing
ready, Nit inquired Sr---wiih q
calm, business like air, which somewhat
| irritatcd me. On being assured of the af.
| frmative. and after cautiously casting his
eye over the case Of instrumcats,# TO make
assurance doubly sure, Nc drove OF. We
arrived AT Mrs. St--'s.-who resided n
few miles from town,-about tive o'clock in
| the afternoon, and were iU,'nedIatcly usher
ed into the room in which the operation was
10 he pcrfurWed--a hack parlour, the win.
dow Of which looked into q beautiful gar
den. I shall be pardoned, | hope, for &c.
knowledging. that The glimpse caught Of
tho pale aud disordcred countcntuce ofthe
servant, as he retired, after showing rs in.
TO the room. somewhat Disconnected me,
for in addition to the deep interest felt in
the fate Of the lovely sufferer, bad always
n abhorrence for the operative part OF the
profession, which many years of practice
lid not suffice to remove. The necessary
arrangements being nj length completed
consisting Of n hateful array ofinstruments,
cloths, --sponge,--warm water, &c. NC.
"A message vns sent TO Mrs. St., TO
inform her ell was ready.
Sir----was just masking iocnisr AND not
very well timed allusion to my agitated air.
when the door was opened. Il Hrs. St
entered, followed by her two attendants
Her step wss 6rm--her air composed--and
her pale features irradisted with a smile--
Stpd however as the coll twilight of Octo
Der. She wns then about twenty six or
seven years Of age--and under oil tho dis.
advantageous circumstances in which she
wns placed, looked at that moment beau
iful women. Her hair was light auburn
nnd hung bock neglcctody over forehead
and neck white ns marble. Her full bInt
eyes, which usually Scamed with delic
ious pensivc expression from beneath
",he soft languor Of the dropping lid"
were now ligktencd with the glitter OF
rcstlcssncss and agitation, which the no
blest degree Of selEcomvsaad conid not en-
-. II E.s s..xe
were regulsr--her nose and mou,h wer
!exQuisi,ely chisellcd--and her complexion
fnir. almost 10 transparency. Indeed, o.
eminent medical writer has remarked tha
tho most beautiful women are generally th
subjects of this terrible disease. A larg
India shawl wns thrown over her shoulders
and she wore q white muslin dressin,
gown. And was il this innocc nj and bean
.tfui being who was doomed 10 writhe be
meath the torture and Disagreement Of IN
operating knife My heart sched. A de
canteS Of port wine and some glasses wcr
placed on a small Fable near the windows
she bockoned me towards il, and was go
4 ing to speak.
!. ALLOW me, my dear madam, 10 pour 20
n glass Of wine said |.
'if It would do me good. Doctor sh
whispered. She barely touched the glss
@ with her lips, and then handed it 10 me
saving, with assumed chcerfulness, Come
h Doctor. see you need it as much as dc
n after all. Yes Doctor she continued wit
!. emphasis, you are worry. rery kind and fee
!. ing To me- When | had set down ,h
glass, she continued. Dear Doctor, do for
. give woman's weakness and try if yo
/, can hold this letter which received yes
terday froso Captsia Stand in yhich h
speaks very iondly--so that my eyes ma
J. rest on his dear hand writing sll the Will
! | am sitting hcre--without being notice
- by any one elsc--will you 2
e Madam, you must really excuse me-
" will agita,e you--l must beg
u 'You are mistaken she replied with firm
~ ness; 1T will rather co,opose me. And il
'c should expire, she was going 10 hav
~ said--Aut her tongue refused ntterance.-
~ She then put the letter into my hand--her
\ was cold, icy cold, and clammy--but d
u not perceive it tremble.
l., In return, modsm, you must give n
It leave to hold your hand curing the oper
~ tion.'
in. 'What--you fear me. pcctor?' she 2
] Piled with faint smile, but did not 'rcft,
he my request. AT this moment, Sir----s
nd prosched us with a cheerful air, sayin
or. We'll, madam, is your te,e tcte tinishe
$50 | want to get this little matter over, q
ing give you permanent ease do not thi
re there ever lived professional man W
Oh, could speak with such an assuring cir
r \ Slr----!
me. lam ready, SIR. Are the serva
d" sen, out ?" she inquired from one Of
tile women present.
ing "Yes, madam" she replied, in tears.
.lt "And my little Harry" Mrs. St
ook asked, in fainter tone. She was answ
my ed in the Affirmative.