The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-08-05

From the Portland Transcript.
THE YOUNG PHYSICIAN.
BY cHARLKs p, ILsLsg.
CHAPTER Nv.

CHAPTER Nv.
/ Strongly did the scenes into which Rodney
was now introduced, contrast with those he had
just left. His patient TO whom he had hastened
on leaving Mr.. Danvers was a widow in very re-
dueed circumstances; and when he entered the
lowly dwelling, more forcibly than ever did he
realize the great disparity that exists in the al
lotmenis Of mankind. The roush, nucarpcted
floor-the broken and seant furnture--the di-
lapidated walls, all bespoke extreme poverty, and
presented the greatest possible contrast to the
residence Of his other patient. Thst was rich
ly furnished with every luxury that wealth could
procure. Nothing was wanted that could add
10 the comfort and convenience Of the oecu-
pants Aud yet, when he stood and gszed on
the sick woman the contrast vanished. The
rich man on his bed of down, and the poor wo-
dow on her sack Of straw, he felt were on an e.
quality. Both were in the last stages Of the
dread disease-prostra'ed in strength, and in
sensibility--the one TO his high estate. the 9th
er 10 her lowly cot. In another respect was
there similarity in the two cases. Here. too.
he found manifested the same 6lial love-ihe
same depth Of sorrow. as in the chamber Of his
rich patient; for kuesling by the widows
couch was an only daughter. apparently Of the
same age Of Clara. vanly endesvorisg to restrain
the grief which oppressed her.
She is going, Doctor, said the woman in
attendance-a neighbor who had volunteered
her services for the light She is death
struck
Oh, DO not say so--do not say so = exclaim-
ed the daughter in tone. Of agony, graspne the
bed clothes and gazing, with face pale as death
and expressive Of the most intense wretc hedness,
upon the sufferer My dear mother she can
not-must moi die She will not leave me all
alone in the world She is not so sick-.he
will lhe-you can save her. can YOU not, sir =
she said in an appealing voice to the ply yscisn,
as though he held the scales Of life and death
Alas he had no word Of comfort TO Offer
her, for he saw at glance that the woman,
surmises were too true. Death hsd put his
seal on his victim, and tho lamp Of life just
flickered in its socket.
/ Unable to answer the agonizing appeal OF
the wretched girl, Rodney turned aside to con-
cea the feelings which osern,astsred him. The
poor girl observed the action, which seemed to
shut the door Of hope upon her, and clasping
the passive hand Of the dying woman. she ex-
claimed in the most heart thrilling tones
Speak TO me. mother! speak to me, and say
that you will not leave me a l"neIy orphan
faint rafting sound in the dying woman's
throat, caused momentary pause, slight
eouvulsvs movement followed, and shrieking
out in the very accents Of despair, mother! !
mother! Oh God. save her save her. she is
dying the wretched daughter bent n an ago
nizing stupor over the lif.le.s remains Of her
only parent
Glad TO escape from the narrowing scene, az
ter taking measures to have The afflicted daugh-
ter properly attended in her trying situation,
Rosney hastsned bomeward, oppressed with
feelings more easily imagined than described.
Familiar as he had been with scenes Of suffer
ing, bis heart had not yet become csllous and
Indifferent; and during the few remaining hours
Of the night, the excitement produced by the
scene he had just Witnessed, bsuished sleep
! from his eye lids. The cry Of anguish uttered
by the poor girl, as the terrible truth forced it.
self upon her, that her mother was indeed dy
ing. rang in his ears continually. Slowly and
YEARLY passed the hours. and cad and dresry
were the reflections Of Frederick th al night
/ The light Of morning was hailed as a relief to
his depressed spirits
/ At an early hour he prepared TO visit Mr..
/ Dsnvers. IL was with gloomy forebodisss he
started on his errand. He dared no, cherish a
single hope Of his patient. and with mind so
unhioged by want OF rest. and the bitter renec-
tions he had been indulsine IN, he almost dread
ed to enter the sick chamber.
How 10 our patient this morning 7" said he
7 TO the purie. as he entered the room below,
where she happened to be.
About the ssms-if anything he had an ca
sier night Of it than usual" was the reply to
his hss,y query" Miss Dsnsers." she added,
! " is very anxious 10 see you"
/ Frederick hastened to the bedside Of hIs pa
tient.
II am so glad you have come, Doctor -
said Clara, as he entered the eh,mber-imme-
dissely sddisc, " Do you perceive any chaogs
10 hip."
/ Rodney took the hand Of his patient; after
feeling Of his pulse moment. without answer
,Dg the question, he rBr his hand under the
clothes and msved 1t slowly over hts PATIENTS
body.
DO you perceive any ehsnse'" shs nem-
blingIy repeated
Rosney's face suddeDly onghieced.
Yes. Mis-. Dsuvsr. thank God. yes :" SAID
he ~ cheerful Vote" here isa 5sci5ed-a