The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1872-03-14
DR.. SPENCER'S GREAT CRIME
a STORY TOLD BY A PHYSICIAN.

a SIOR4 TOLD BY "A PHYSICIAN,
l was sitting in my office, half doing
over an interminiabie article on defec-
tive nutrition in the last Medical Re
tieaO.
The fire in the crate was low, the night
was stormy and the clock was at the
stroke of eleven. I was just about to turn
the gas and retire, for being bachelor,
slept in the room connected with my
office, when there was a pull at the
bell.
started up suddenly, for this was
something new. Middlebury was a de-
corous sort of a place, and people usually
managed to be taken sick at reasonable
hours.
Old Mrs. Jerome had been threatened
to die for the past five years, and at
every visit [ paid her she solemnly in
formed me that when the decisive mo-
ment did come she desired me present.
But as nothing allied the old lady beyond
now and then an indigestion from too
high living, l had never yet been called
upon to be present at her DEATH Now
thought it must be that cid Mrs. jerome
was going.
took up my night lamp and went to
the door. A strong gust of damp, sleety
wind nearly extinguished the light, but
shading it with my hand, l dimly dis
cerned the form of woman.
Come in," / said, holding open the
door, but she declined with gesture of
impotence.
You must come out" she said in a.
sharp incisive tone, and be quick about
It'll"
put on my overcoat without demur,
locked the surgery door, and stepped into
the storm. As [ did SO, the woman laid
firm hand on my arm, and putting her
face close to mine, said
DIR. Lockwood, can you. keep a Sc
cret?.'
Il think so, madam"
"Swear it.
is this secret of yours of profession
al character? That is, is it anything you
wish to con6de to me as medical
man p
1T isl
Very well, then, l swear it."
''That Is right
a man respects an oath. though why
he should Is mystery, since mems
mouths are running over with them.
whittier are you taking me and for
what purpose?"
ITO the Clinton House to see the mis-
tress."
/ started.
Clifton House was the old mansion re
Gently taken by DIR. Spencer, stranger
to every one in Middlebury. Spencer
was a tall. dark, rather distinguished
looking man, who had hung out his sign
In the village, only few doors above
mine, but as yet he had got no prac-
tice.
He was unsocial in the extreme, avoid
ing his neighbors perSistently, and when
he did speak it was in such curt, half
savage way that one was not likely to at
tempt to prolong the conversation.
The doctor had wife. who was an in
valid, and Miss Melrose. friend of the
family, presided over the establishment,
and sat at the head of the table.
Miss MelroSe was yet beautiful, and
won the admiration of all who visited the
Clifton House, by her grace of manner
and fascinating conversation.
''As we walk along said my compan-
ion, 'let me explain to you first what is
necessary you should know. My mistress
is very ILL.,
II beg your pardon-is it Mrs. Spen
Ger or Miss Melrose? ?"
She laughed bitterly.
Miss Melrosel / would stab her to
the heart sooner than own her as mis-
tress. My mistress is lady-loble,
royal, and of gentle birth. 1t is an honor
TO serve ny mistress"
'And is she illf How long since ?''
Ever since she married him-curse
him." she muttered in fierce tone;
but : must not get excited. / must |
ell my story, or rather hers. Two years |
lgo, thI ough the desire of her dying