Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1872-05-21

ner Symptoms seeiheu 80 alarming 'na'
the mother was anxiously awaiting the
arrival of her husband, that she might
consult with him in regard to sending
for physician.
"Certainly, will go for DR.. Merrill
at once," said Mr.. Markham, as he
bent fondly over the little sufferer,
who was in burning fever, and toss
ing restlessly upon her pillow.
"Here is the candy she asked for
he added in lower tone, as he hand
ed his wife a small parcel "but it
will be better not to offer it to her
now"
"She would not take it" replied the
mother, her eyes filling with tears
"She scarcely notices anything, and
indeed, l do not think she is fully con-
scious of what is passing around her.
"Well, dear, we will be hopeful y
returned her husband, cheerfully. at
may be only passing attack. l will
60 Immediately"
"And what does the doctor say is
ailing Miss Julia, sir ?" asked Bessie
the maid of all work, as Mr.. Mark
ham came into the kitchen, soon after
the doctor had made his visit.
"Scarlet fever, of the very worst
description" was the desponding reply
"Mrs. Markham cannot leave her for a
single instant, Bessie, and we shall de.
pend upon you to see that every thing
about the house is attended to; and
please keep Robbie from the sick room
as much as possible. Poor little fel-
low l fear we shall not be able to
prevent his taking the disease"
"Indade, an' I am very sorry for ye
sir, but must be after leaving. My
month was up yesterday"
"But surely, Bessie" exclaimed the
indignant gentleman, "you would not
be so cruel and selfish as to leave us
now we are in such trouble ?"
at is not cruel and selfish that 1 am
sir, I am very sorry for ye all, but in.
dade, an l am afraid of the fever, ]
must leave this very evening"
Expostulation, persuasion and bribery
were alike useless. Bessie's only re.
ply was that she must take care ol
herself.
"This is looking out for number
one with a vengence," muttered the
discomfitted master, as he turned from
the kitchen and went reluctantly tc
tell his wife of the new misfortune.
In an other hour Bessie was gone.
ave must make tho best Of it," re-
marked Mrs. Markham. 1--WE can
get along very well tonight, and to.
morrow l will send for Mrs. Bates,
who sometimes washes for us. She
will help us for day or two, until we
can find some one to take Bessie's
place. should not like to have a
stranger in the house just now. Per
haps Doctor Merrill knows Of some
suitable person"
Morning brought no relief, either to
the sick child or the anxious parents.
The fearful disease was making rapid
progress, and it was an extremely
critical one.
Weary with watching and anxiety,
Mrs. Markham sent at an early hour
for Mrs. Bates, but receiving for an
swer that she could not think of CON-
ing where there was scarlet fever, and
would not even be willing to have the
clothes brought to the house, lest ber
own little girl should take the disease.
"What can we do, doctor? ?" asked
Mr.. Markham, as he told Doctor Mer-
rill how they were situated. "Can
yon tell us of any one who would be
willing to help us awhile"
III fear it will be difficult matter
to get any one," returned the doctor.
"Scarlet fever has been so fatal of late
that it is as mnch dreaded as small
pox. You should not have told Bessie
the name of the disease, Mr.. Mark
ham,"
al did not suppose any one would
be as selfish as to 60 off in that man.
ner, when there was sickness in the
house." replied Mr.. Markham indig-
nantly.
"Oh, as to that, people always look
out for number one" said the doctor,
good naturcdly, and quite unconscious
that he was treading on delicate ground.
II will make inquiries, and see what I
can do for you," he added, as he took
leave, promising to see his patient
again in tho course Of the day.
IL think he will find some one,"
said Mr.. Markham hnnefully.