The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-09-16

This remark was more in answer to her
companion's tone and manner, than the
one single word that had accidentally
escaped his lips, and this the Doctor
felt
"Anybody would think, by the way he
goes on" continued the irate woman,
"that enjoyed myself with spasms, and
cramps, and fainting fits. Anybody would
think it was pleasure to me to feel, every
time see funeral procession, as if the
hearse was going to stop at our door next.
Oh yes such life is very enjoyable, very,
indeed"
Doctor Ellis took no notice of these last
words the mans eyes grew luminous, and
his whole face declared that he considered
himself master of the situation; and if Mrs.
Stephens had not been so entirely taken
up with her own ailments, mental and
physical, that honest countenance would
have betrayed him.
You say" he began, settling himself
in the large easy chair, and assuming a
strictly professional air, "that your hus-
band has nothing to trouble him but your
health how do you know that, Mrs.
Stephens ?'
"HowP why how do 1 know anything9
By the evidence of my senses. Don't
know that John Stephens has splendid
business that looks after ITSELF magnif-
cent income, and money enough to live on
the bare interest, as well as family need
to live, if he never entered his office again
while he has breath ?"
"But money isn't everything, Mrs. Ste
phens," proceeded the physician, with
calmness almost mephistophelian. "There
are other troubles beside money troubles.
How about health, madam ?'
Health ?" repeated the lady with
smile, she intended to be sarcastic to the
last degree. Health Doctor Ellis
Why, there isn't a healthier or q sounder
man than my husband in the whole United
States. He eats more in one meal than
do in three months"
"There is nothing the matter with your
husbands stomach, Mrs. Stephens" DR..
Ellis shaded his face with his hand, and
waited further developments. Mrs. Ste
phens mistook this attempt at forced con-
cealment for emotion, and Immediately
assumed sitting posture, brushed her
hair away from her forehead, and looked
piercingly into her companions face.
"Why do you accent the word stomach
SO strongly, Doctor Ellis ?" she inquired in
anxious tones. Mrs. Stephens was for
getting herself, and this the Doctor hailed
as an excellent omen.
"0nly that might make you under
stand that mans digestion could be most
unexceptionable, and yet he be far from
sound in other directions"
"Then you mean to tell me that my
husband is sick ?''
II do"
perhaps you will go still further, and
say dangerously?"
If you desire it."
"Oh, Doctor Ellis, how cold and unfeel-
ing you are should think you ought to
know by tDis time, and just here Mrs.
Stephens broke down entirely, and sobbed
as if her heart would break.
Sought to know what, Mrs Stephens 9'
inquired the Doctor, with uncalled-for de-
liberation.
"You ought to know-to know-that
my--my husbands health and life are of
good deal more consequence to me than my
own"
"Ah, indeed" interrupted the physi-
clan, with an elevation of his bushy eye
brows, immensely suggestive of contrary
opinion, as well as several excellent rea-
sons for said opinion.
doctor Ellis, will you be kind enough
to tell me what's the matter with my hus-
band?"
Mrs. Stephens was now ON her feet
tears all wiped away eyes flashing with
resentful spirit, and only little quiyer of
the lip, to show how deep wound the
kind heart in her bosom had sustained.
There she stood, ieproachful, defiant, de-
termined, womanly The Doctor was
delighted, and such an honest face it was,
that lie carried round with him from door
10 door, from sunrise TO sunset, every day
in the year, that 1t WAS a mighty hard
matter to keep it from an immediate be-
trayal of the whole purpose.
"Mrs. Stephens" said he, lyon have
no cause to be alarmed. If can only get
your cooperation in this business, ! feel