The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1853-10-04
PAGES FROM THE DIARY
Or A Nrxv Work PHYSICIAN

counted the strokes, for in the darkness its uini
was invisible; and my matchbox, usually Kept
,n the top of the bookcase, was missing from
It's place. While grouping about amorg books;
papers, and parcels, in search OF 1t, ! had
upset nv inkstand, torn my coat, and demol- |
ished a plaster bust of Galen, which orna- |
mented one corner of my studio. Excessive |
ly annoyed by these provoking nishaps, not
less than the disappointment, at being compeil-
cd 10 the alternative ofanother exposure to the
rain. which was pouring down in torrents, or
retiring lightless to bed, when l particularly
wished to onter upon my call-book certain
for the morrow, throw myself
upon tho lounge with no very amiable inten-
tons toward the author ofal my mishaps, the
chamber maid. Her reign within my terrific
rial precincts, determined should END as soon
as settlement for past services rendered could
be effected, and venting my ire in sundry ma
levolent wishes regarding the present and fo-
turo possession of the entire genius, gradual
ly sank into sort Of f,ful, uneasy slumber.
The fatigue and excitement incident to an
unusual number of calls through the day had
induced nervous irritabiliiy and inquietude
that quite precluded the FEASIBILITY OF tranquil
ly enjoying tired natures sweet restorerb balmy
sleep Visions OF Alopathc Hydropathc,
Homeopathic and potanic potions andapplyan-
cos. danced through my brain; and anon
whole case surgical and dental instruments
passed singly like the kings in the witch scene
in revlew before me. Each, it seemed to me,
beckoning significantly, as slowly and solemn
ly they marched past. A huge pair OF iorceps
brought up the rear, grinning and cha'terIng
most sardonically Aspell seemed to rivet my
attention upon these as they approached, and
as they arrived opposite, heard demonical
veil and saw them preparing to bound towards
mo. tried to fly, but suddenly found my
self incapable Of locomotion; while my tongue,
also rccroat TO its duty, refused allegiance 10
my will A cold rigidry was stealing over my
frame, and Already began to feel the crushing
weight of the monster upon my breast. when
a tremendous Jerking OF the bell, and knock
ing o. the door aroused me from tho ncipient
nightmare.
Wondering who could require my services
at such an unreasonable hour, and IN such ur-
gent haste. as the furious demonstrations up
on my bclI-knob indicated, fastened to ad-
nit the visitor. His voice sounded familiar
upon nv ear as he wildly, and somewhat inco-
.hcrently, explained his errand and wshos.-
Yet could not recall the time or where had
heard it before.
That however, was no moment for the IN
diligence of surmises. His wife lay dangerous
ly i'll, dying perhaps, from sudden attack, OF
the origin and nature he new nothing Hasti-
" snstchiug my 'Vade .Mecum, from tho cor
ner where hal thrown it rs | entered, sig
nified my readiness to follow him, and was sal
lied forth toward East river walking hurried
ly and in silence.
Tho rain had ceased and piercing north
wind had succeeded it that howled anu whls-
tied, now fcrccly and hoarsely, and anon,
moaned low and plaintively, among tho houses
and chimney tops Thin white yapors were
Il IL Ii, hafnro tla hlastg n
sionally obscuring the moons rays, AMI giving
the stree, lights momentary prepondcranco
over the lunar brilliancy. The stars twinkIed
nerrily in their spercs, exhibiting that sc'en-
tilatine brilliancy and beauty only observable
in the clear and frosty night air OF winter
weather. Our walk brought us to the door OF
dllapidaed two story building on J-street
followed him up the creakng rckety stairway
and was ushered into chamber OF death.
| The appearance and condition of the apart
mont indicated the extreme poverty and mise
ry of the occupants. A dull fro was burning
upon tho hearth, in front of which pallet had
been made of ragged quilts and worn out rem
ncnis of female wearing apparel Two chars
pine table, upon which burned dimly,a pen
nv candle. cracked looking-g glass, aud few
i simple culinary utensils, completed the list o
visible objects.
Upon the pallet lay form to which my com
panion pointed in silent sorrow, as the obj,c'
of my visit. Approaching it, and kneelinl
upon the rude bed. / discovered the inanlmat'
body of female extremely cmacated as IL
pulmonary cases.
Death had not robbed her countenance o
that placed beauty and calm. resign expression
which during her life indicated the kndncs'
patience, and deep affection of her heart.
afterward described to me.
The separation of the ETHEREAL and perish
able components had apparently but recent
ly taken place. Tho immortal undying sou
had within q few minutes only Quilted its tene
! ment of clay and winged its way toward etc'
nifty and rest
The limbs had not yet attained their ex
tremo rigidty, and slight warmth still pre-
vailed upon the blanched cheek and provade
tho extended arm which lay uncovered upon tn
floor just beyond her grasp.
Apparently she had endeavored in her las
I moments to reach it. and during tho effort
, do SO had sunk to rest in death.
2 Frequently has it been my lot to witnes
!, scenes of misery and wretchedness; frequent
. ly have been called to stand by the bedsid
;. and administered the wants OF the dying, br
= never have felt such peculiar emotions
l. mournful and reflective sadness, as while knee
ing by that bed of death, and gazing though
luIly spCcShOosiy ePO'' s-~S~
: of gentle loveliness.
NV silence attracted my companion to tn
Is bedside, and bending down he eagerly seize
Il tho extended hand.
d 1t dropped from his grasp like hot iroi
,. and uttcring, .Oh my God in such manic
: accents as never may it be my lot to hear
: gain, ho threw himself upon the lifeless corps
!. and in the wild excesses of his grief embracs
again and again the withered relct of his ea
L ly love.
4 In the madness Of bis paroxysm, prayer
imprecations and blessings were strangely mi
= eled. A hundred times he kissed the co
forehead, and in tones of the keenest dispa
shouted her name aloud. Stepping. spa'
'e backward from the ballet, resumed my hi
Y and gloves, preparatory TO returning, so soc
as could explain that which no indeed no
fully knew, that death had intorposed its s'ror
e arm to render my efforts unavailing Gradus
ly the violence Of his grief subsidized as teal
which had been before denied him, came to b
,, relief, until only the low suppressed groans
y y. mental agony were heard in the apartment
; The solemnity of the occasion riveted n