The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1876-05-20


Mr.. Ratcliife was conveyed to a house over
looking the river. Here he was placed IL
bed and immediately attended by physi
clan, who administered to HIM so successful
ly that the next morning he had recoVeree
his CONSCIOUSNESS, albeit he was alllicteu VIII
a low, desperate fever, which was enerVatlng
to the constitution and difficult to cure;
Upon regalnng his senses, he beheld thC
form of one of those ministerng angels calieu
women sitting at his bedside, anu aWaiHns
the opportunity TO present ms meuicine VI
perform some kind office. The sick Traveller
at first took it for vagary of his brain, ou'
rubbing bis eyes and gazing while recog
pized a female with n cap and gown similar
To those worn by professional nurses.
Radcliffe did not realize his situation; he
remembered being stunned knew that he
had received a severe shock ana felt alto.
cetber as i'll as man could very well be-
His attendant inquired if he wanted any.
thing; but he noticed that her voice was low
and sweet
mo, nothing" he answered. my temples
throb-my limbs ache. Who brought me
hither-a am IN the hospital-or where"
"You are IN a private house, and have
been deputed TO attend upon you-am your
servant. Do you comprehend?
"Not very clearly; but suppose you have
been appointed as my nurse: :"
"Yes; that is So"
"And this place."
as called Manxbridgc Manor House.
"Ah, indeed"
Poor Radcliffe was as wise as ever; he had
not the slightest notion that the back win
dOws of the residence overlooked the River
Witham and that his fall had been observed
| from one of these by an aged domestic, and
that the doors of the hospitable mansion had
been thrown open for his reception.
"And what may be your name, my good
girl?' he inquired.
you must call me Alice" she replied
~ shall not forget the name" he nurmur.
ed, looking at the speaker with something
| like gratitude blended with admiration. but
all, me'' he added with sigh, My throat
seems parched give me some drink"
Alice took his hand-it was dry and fever
| ish; the touch of her hand was so soft that he
would fain have kissed it--but he denied him
self that pleasure.
The doctor entered the room and inquired
after his patient, whom he pronounced to be
somewhat better, although not as yet out OF
danger.
II have seen you somewhere before,
think" said the sick man.
Eyes, you are right; we met on the Cont.
ncnt-at Baden, about three years ago
Then your name is
"Dr. Bourne"
"Ah, remember. How fortunate | am to
have your services in a case OF this nature.
Shall recover"
with due care and attention have every
reason to think you will. But you must not
converse too much at present, or make too
many inquiries. Let it suffice that you are
in good hands, and have one Of the best nur.
it,f 10
Radcliffe felt greatly relieved when he dis
covered that he had the celebrated Doctor
Bourne 10 prescribe for HIM. lie had con-
Ceived Il warm friendship for the doctor when
he made his acquaintance at the German wa
tering place.
Nevertheless, the Sick man languished for
some time, and many weeks elapsed before
the fever left him. At times he was deliri'
ous and those in attendance on him feared
the worst Day by day Alice patiently waited
on him. 1t is hardly possible to conceive
greater devotion displayed than that evlnced
by this scli.sacrlficing woman. If he asked
for anything, it was administered by her gen
| tie hand.
GLOW could such bright, beautiful crea
ture as Alice elect to become a professional
nurse ?" he would murmur to himself "She
is evidently a woman of superior cndow-
ments."
At length he slowly progressed towards re
covery, and as he gained strength Alice grad
ually relaxed In her attention. male ser
want was appointed TO attend upon HIM. Kat.
cllie did not like the change, and felt little
plqued in consequence.
II suppose she is worn out, poor thing, and
is glad to be relieved" said he. "After all, 1t
is selfish Of me to expect so much from her"
Alice dropped in occasionally, but not so
frequently as before. There was som ethng
about her that sorely perplexed HIM. Though
dressed like waiting maid, her appearance
and demeanor did not in any way tally with
the position she assumed. Everything she
said or did exhibited lady.like simplicity
and decOrum.
AT first he was puzzled, next interested, and,
finally, there stole into his heart a stronger
teeling-an overwhelming sense of gratitude,
and lifelong hunger--or, IN other words,
the masterpasslon, love.
by day and by night he thought only OF the
ministering angel that had lowered around
his couch. He almost regretted his recovery,
as he thereby had been deprived OF one whose
presence was to him life and light.
81 cannot bear this state of suspense he
calculated, "lf Alice has gone, or Is gong
| must find out where she is"
"Oh, talking TO yourself" said DIR. Bourne,
as he entered the sick mans chamber.
! "Oh, doctor, am sadly in trOublc-dcleCt
ed and miserable"
"You must not tell me that after all the
pains we have been at TO make you well BE
thankful, my friend, that you have been
spared. Lite is precious gilt that cannot
be too highly priced"
81 admit that; but
"Well, what"
IL want TO have a little conversation with