The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-04-07

we WOulu Call suCn reIlcence heroic; but
l find it not uncommon with women. l
think they are prompted to it by-vani-
ty," d disagreeable smile lurking on his
mouth.
She bowed courteously, but he knew
she had not heard word {: Be seated.
Wait one moment, doctor; l have ques-
ton to ask Of you"
DR.. Prey sat down uncomfortably.
Eminent specialist as he was, and used
to dealing out life and death, "practic
ing among the wealthiest classes"
(oide card), he could not feel at ease
with this woman, whose clothes and
house he had decided could scarcely be
called genteel. "She does not consider
E. NJ. Prey gentleman" he clustered
inwardly.
" A question, Ell? Really, now, my
dear madam, better ask no questions at
all. The wise patient leaves all details
to his physician. You are exhausting
nervous power"
You have not given my disease a
name to me-" ......
You assuredly must have guessedit +"
roughly.
Mrs. Danford looked quickly to the
door, into the fire, as though in search of
something. She did not speak for a mo-
ment. "Cancer?"
He nodded
"Incurable?"
He hestated The fire cracked, the
ashes fell on the fender. A little stir in
the next room was heard in the silence
Mammal cried Nelly.
cit is unusual for patient to insist
upon such questions. Measurably you
take the case in your own hands"
She raised her hand with quick
gesture
If you will have it, then, see no
probability of cure. The case has pecul-
lar features which l have met with in
no other. All that can be done is to put
yourself in my hands. | can alleviate
your sutferings. My large experience,
ETC., etc.
He talked on until he observed that
she did not hear him. Her eyes were
fixed on the closed door behind which
was her baby. When she spoke she did
not look at him. "How long will it be? ?"
AAOOuI lOul ulOulIS, SCl-
tainly not more than that" He began
to draw on his gloves briskly. There
was no demand for sympathy, the woman
took it SO coolly.
lone moment. | have something
more to ask" She had risen and stood
with her hands clasped over her head.
The doctors eye swept over her.
She's had remarkable beauty in her
day; but her day is over" be thought
Patients with this disease often
| have heard that it was loathsome, hor-
rible beyond words. Shall /" she
stopped, swallowing once or twice.
Even in the mans vulgar face shone a
sudden CLEAN of pity But he was
ashamed of it. at is usually the case
with patients in this disorder. l see no
reason to hope why you will escape,
Mrs. Danford."
thought sol thought so, sharply.
" Well, there is nothing to be done about
it. viii you write me general pre-
scription-to alleviate pain, you said?"
You do not wish me to attend you
regularly, then?"-with surprised
glance.
&C may be removed out of your reach, "
she said evasively.
When he had written the prescription
and torn the leaf from his book, she
handed him his fee, waited until he had
left the house, and then went in to her
baby.
When old Sally came in presently she
heard Nelly laughing and talking for an
hour or more, and wondered that her
mother made no sound in reply. Late
in the afternoon telegram came from
Danford: viii be detained at office
until ten p IN. Shall keep Charley until
l go out"
Lizzy read it, and laid it down "That
is better" she said. If | saw them
again l could not go" For she had
quite made up her mind now what she
should do. Her husband, her children,
should not see her horrible end.
The house, the children's clothes, were
in perfect order. But she went from
place to place with Nelly in her arms
1t was singular that it was only of theii
practical loss when she was gone that she
thought. "Sally can cook; but who will
keep the house, or make their clothes in
the spring? Charley will have nobody
to tell his stories about school to wher
he comes home. And Richard" Blu
she forced that back.
She sat down and rocked the child
looking by turns at its little feet, it,
hands, pushing back it's hair. She
thought of her at every age-a school
girl-grown-up.
She will have no mother-no mother
She had been devout, prayerful WON
an, but she could not pray now.
She made herself up a bundle OF
clothes, fastened it in shawl-strap, and
laid letter she had written on her hus
bands pillow. The evening had fallen
cold and DRILLING. She gave Nelly hel
supper, undressed and rocked her to
sleep; then she laid her in her crib. Only
yesterday she had been busy making a
cover for the crib and Charley's bed II
was all over now. She would never dc
anything for them again-never again.
1t was time now. She put on her hat
and cloak, took up her bundle. There
was blotted exercise which Charley had
left half finished that morning; she took
that with her, and the stocking which
Nelly had just worn, still warm, the
creases in it which the little foot had
| made Then she went IN har buebopd, q