Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-08-24
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duplicate itself in the heart OF the iof q
vo,,po lover or husband whichever he
was.
Meanwhile, said ''problematic charac-
ter was deep with Flossv in the mysteries
of velvet, satin. and brocatele; and
thanks 10 their united industry and per-
severance, the great work of fitting up the
new house was most satisfactorily IN
augurated by dinner-time.
Fred was too busy TO accompany ner W
the doctors next morning, and fIossy
went off quite courageously alone. 1He
physician seemed a little surprised 10 see
her thus, and thought better OF her nerve
than he had done the day before. lie
thought hetter of it still, when he saw
with what fortitude she underwent the
very painful application which he present.
ly proceeded to make.
The poor inflamed eyelids were turned
inside out, and ''painted" with some pun
gent salve; drops of some fiery liquid Tell
like living Goals upon the sore aud qnlyef-
ing balls, but she made no sigu OF suffer
ing after the first long shuddering sigh.
She sat quite still, growing white TO me
lips. and with her tinger-tips pressed ught
together, but she neither flnched nor cried
out; and when it was over, and she lay
back for NONE mt with the poor, smart
ing eyes closed. and the tears running
down her pale cheeks, the doctor was TAIN
TO comfort her as he would have done a
child.
There, the worst is over now" he said
gently, 'for the first time is always the
worst; and you have the consolation OF
having proved your herosm at least"
-. al Of ~ a
thank you," retorted Flossy, piquantly,
coming out of her forced calm as the pain
subsidized little. and drying her tears with
drolly pathetic air. Il am not at all
ambitious of being considered heroic. or
course if must suffer. want to behave
like a woman, and not like baby; but
had much rather, if you please, not have
TO suffer at all"
"You don't believe, then, in the
strengthening and purifying power OF
pain" said the doctor.
I'm afraid l don't have no faith in
the be good and you'll be happy doctrine;
when I'm happy, I'm always good. SO
are other people. believe. and they can't
be happy while they are suffering. Hence,
Danish pain from the world, I'd do it, and
then we'd all be happy, and all be good
"What would the orthodox people and
the poets say to such heresy?" asked the
doctor, amused at her flippancy.
knowledge by suffering enterethl"
you know, and you surely wouldn't ven
lure to oppose Longiellow's dictum, i'm
pressed upon you. doubtless, in your first
reader, that it is a ve-y particularly sub
lime thing
ITO suffer and be strong!"
"Oh, | know all they say" said Flossy,
Struggling her shoulders; "but it seems to
me, il we were spared the suffering, we
wouldn't need the strength. AT any rate,
Pm Sybarite enough to wish could try it.
l think they were the Wisest of the old
philosophers, after all. There is Mrs.
Browning, now, who asks in sad amaze ii
we would
"Refuse the baptism Of salt tearsi"
l wonder if she ever had sore eyes?
Doctor, what have you done to make me
cry so ipcessaDtlyp You will ruin me in
pocket handkerchiefs =
She held up little crambric trille, COM
pletcly saturated with the moisture which
the scaldng applications had caused to
flow plentifully from her eyes, and the
doctor graveIy presented his own hand
kerchief. 1t was large. and fine, and cool,
and Flossy took it simply, and pressed it
to her smarting eyelids.
Il like the smell OF Florida water" said
she, naiveiy; sit is so refreshing, while
most perfumes are, on the contrary, OPP
pressive." And she again applied the
fragrant, linen to her eyes.
The doctor flushed with an odd sense of
pleasure, and gave an amused assemble
CHING meanwhile, to fold up powders.
CONTINUED TOMORROW