Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-05-04
THE MECHANICS HOME.

anOlner q peISou, solllellliuS uiucieu1 Noii
either The man stood in the hall, but Won
dcr>d why he had not been called gentleman. l
was puzzled where to place him myself. His
dress was very neat, but plain, and rather coarse
His linen, that badge of refinement, was white,
| in perfect order, ard almost elegant. Every
thing about him seemed substantial; but nothing
gave clue to his position in life. In all out
ward seeming he was a simple man. When he
spoke to me, his address was simple clear, direct,
and with a certain air Of sefreElnce the fur
thest possible from vulgar buster.
Doctor" said he, 81 wish you would 60 and
see my child We far he is threatened with
the Group"
The case, which he described as we went
along, was pretty clear one, and | hurried my
walk still more, and in few moments we were
at the door. We went up, up, to the fourth
story. The last flight of stairs was carpeted,
and a small lamp at the top lighted us up. An
excellent and very durable kind of mat lay at
the door. You will see, in time why | give
these little particulars.
entered the open door, and was welcomed
by a rather pretty and remarkably tidy woman
who could have been no body in the world but
the wife of the man who had summoned me.
II am glad you have come so soon" she said,
in soft pure accent. Little William seems
so distressed that he can hardly breath, and the
next moment as we passed through a narrow
passage where he lay, heard the unmistakable
croupy sound that justly carries such terror to
the parents heart.
as it the Group, Doctor?" asked the father,
with voice of emotion, as bent over the child,
a fine boy, three wears of age.
at is certainly the Group" said, sand pret-
ty violent attack. How long is it since you
thought him sick!"
Not above an hour" was the calm reply. 1t
was made calm by firm sclfcontrol. | looked
at the mother. She was very pale, but did not
trust herself to speak"
Then there is probably but little danger" I
said; "but we have something to do. Have YOU
water hcrc!"
The husband went to what seemed closet,
opened two doors, and disclosed neat pine bath
ing tub, supplied with the Croton. This was
beyond my hopes; but had no time to wonder.
The little fellow was in high fever, and laboring
for every breath. Taking him from his little crib,
where he lay upon a nice hair mattress, fit for a
Prince to sleep Oh, took ofhs clean night clothes,
stood HMM the bath-tub and made his father pour
full upon his neck and chest three pals of cold
water, whileI rubbed them briskly with my hand.
lie was then wiped dry, ard rubbed until his
whole body was glowing like flame Then
wrung large towel out Of cold water and put
it round his throat and then wrapped him up
in blankets. The brave little fellow had borne
it all without a complaint, as if he understood
that under his fathers eye no harm could cJme
to him. In fifteen minutes after he was wrapped
in the blankets he was in a profnsc perspration,
in sound slumber breathing freely. The dam
ger was ovcr--so rapidly is this disease cured
Happiness had shed a serene light upon the
countenance of the father, and thrown over the
mothers face glow of beauty. looked upon
them and was more than ever puzzled where to
place Il EN-. There were no marks ofhigh birth
or superior breeding-not shadow Of decayed
gentity about them. 1t was rather the reverse
as if they were working up from low rank Of
life to hirhcr.
looked around the room. 1t was the bed
room. Every thing in it was perfectly neat and
orderly, the bed like the crib was excellent but
not costly. The white countcrpane did not cost
more than ten slhlIings-yet how beautiful it
looked! The white window curtains were shi
ling muslin; but their folds hung as richly as if
they were damask-and how very appropriate
they seemed. The bath, with its snug folding
doors, l knew had not cost plumbers bill and
all, more than ten dollars. The toilet table, of
an elegant form, and completely covered, had
no doubt, was of pine, and cost half a dollar
The pictures on the wall were beautiful tinted
Autographs better, far better than oil paintings
l have seen in the houses of millionaires: vc:.
they can be bought at Goupips Or VIII or
Stevens, for three to five sh;iir,,s. and a dollar
apiece had framed t.htiem, The floor hs a carpet
that match:cI everything, with its small, neat
h.;;dre; :.lld alight chamber color. 1t was jew
e of room in as perfect keeping in all its parts,
as if an artist had designed it.
Leaving this little boy to his untroubed sleep,
and giving directions for a bath OH his waking
we went into the other room, which was differ
emily, but just neatly arranged 1t might
have answered for parlor, (only it had cook
ing-stove,) for an artists study, or dnng-room.
1t was hung with pictures heads, historical pie
ces, aud landscapes; all such man Of taste
could select and buy cheap; but which, like good
books, are invaluable. And speaking Of books,
there was hanging library on one side of the
chimney, which a single glance assured me con-
tongue.
The man went to bureau, opened drawer,
and took out some money.
"What is your fee, Doctor!" he asked, holding
tho bills so as to select one to paw me.