The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1854-08-02
From the Star Spanglcd Banner.
HYPOCNONDRIACISM:
A NOVEL CURE FOR IT.
BY X. 81. CARLETON.

"Good morning, friend Carter, how
is your wife, this morning?"
Bad as ever am most discour.
aged, assure you"
Do you still have physcian?'
es, but he can do nothing for her."
But what does he say?"
lie snys that it is the most awk-
ward case OF fhypochondriacism he ever
met with. am completely worn out.
She insists that she is going to die to.
day, and bcsought me in the most
pltcous accents to remain with her, but
have neglected my business too much
lately, and can no longer indulge her
with my presence, which only makes
her appear worse"
y hard case indeed, particularly
tor you, but what do you intend to du?"
De! cant imagine what, friend
Bush, unless become insane and take
refuge in a mad.housc."
DO not despui'; such cases arc Dy
no means hopeless"
have done with hope"
Il am no physician, Carter, but |
nave plan in my head which |
think icannot fill to cure her"
Out with it, at once. am ready
TO grnsp q straw if it points out III,
slightest hope"
"iiavo | ave-: you good sharp :,xc?".
tyou have not, purchase one bv
all means. When YOU return at noon
say rs little as possible to her. but
Proceed deliberately 10 cut down the
hed>tead upon which she laws"
Il dld not think you would make
my niiiic'ions subject Of mirth."
never was more serious in nv
life. DO this, and leave the rest with
me; but if you do not agree to it, |
wash my hands of the matter"
o'nce you are serious will agree
to anything, however ridiculous"
1t is a bargain, then?''
cit is"
The friends parted. Carter pro
cceded to his store, while Bush hast.
cned to the residence Of his friend
AS he was oil intimate acquaintance
nc was ut once admitted. lie sent
word to the invalid that he had some.
thing OF the utmost Importance to
communicate to her, and must see
her without delay.
Such a message reused the curiosity
OF the dying woman, as she termed
herself, and she consented to see him
The nurse had evidently got her cue,
tor she ma lc an excuse for leayinr
him, and ut once proceeded down
stairs.
& Good morning, Mrs. Carter, how
do YOU tecl!"
| am dying" she said, family.
Then | will not disturb you" He
mo cd towards the door MS if about
to leave the room
DO not leave me, Mr.. Bush, to
die alone; besides, you gave me
to understand you had Something
important to say TO me-"
True but it is an unpleasant task
to oe the messenger Of evil tidngs."
Evil ldings F.! What do you mean,
Mr.. Bush?"
To distress n feeble, fond wife
with the irregularities of her husband
Is most rep"gnant to my feelings.
wish had not come"
"Speak," said Mrs. Carter, propinn
her head with an additional pillow.
" let me know all"
When your husband left You this
morning, where did he tell you he
was going!"
10 his store, Of course. Where
should he go!''
Injured woman-hc deceived YOU;
tor he called at the house of the young
Widow Smith, where he is constant
visitor"
+ You amaze nc, Mr.. Bush !" The
invalid had hastily thrust shawl
about her and was fairly sitting up.
Take care not to exotic yourself.
my dear madam. will not shock
your feelings any further. Twas abou,
to say,-sbut | cannot, dare not do it,"
"Proceed--telI mo anything rather
than allow me 10 remain in this cruel
suspense. Conceal nothing, as yoa
value my friendship"
81 believe you an injured woman,
and | will frankly toll you all, al.
though it will surely cost me Carter's
friendship. lie is actually engaged
to her. They will be married some
six months after your death, which
they have calculated will soon occur.
& The monster!--bnss ] win Sball
him. and that smooth faced Young
t@idowT-to ellG1e pnl y d day OF t,ss