The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-03-02
Harry looked blanker than ever.

Yes-one l know, and will strongly
recommend. A sensible, skillful agree
able woman, to whom your wife will
incline, and whose influence will be
more palpable than mine. Do it,
Harry. Authorize me to send DIR. Ger
trude Ashton here this afternoon. I'll
see her, and give her history of the
case, and I'll promise to have an eye
after you all; and, please Heaven, II
make desperate effort for Nellie's
| life"
So it came to pass that DR.. Grassmere
called at the surgery of Miss Ashton.
and had long consultation with her
and at four o'clock of that afternoon,
when Harry was sitting at his wife S
bedside, telling her that Mrs. Carter
was obliged to leave her, and that an
other nurse was coming, a servant
announced that DR.. Ashton was waiting
And a minute after there came into
the room fair-faced, graceful-formed
girl, of perhaps twenty-five or three,
with the sweetest, most thoughtful face
Harry Nugent thought he had ever seen.
Even Nellie, who took so little notice of
everything, was instantly impressed by
the beauty of the large, laughing gray
eyes, overshadowed by luxurious pur-
ple-black brown-eyes that seemed at
constant variance with the gravity and
dignity and self-possession expressed
by the firm, well-shaped mouth, with
its warmlyred lips.
She was thorough lady; the most
casual glance decided that. Her
dress was. the very beau ideal of what a
lady physicians dress should be, a be-
comingly-made street suit of soft cash
mere, not a forlorn short skirt and
skimped breadth, but toilet that was
exquisitely graceful and stylish, without
being desperately modish.
Mr.. Nugent arose and bowed.
els this DR.. Ashton? l am glad to
see you. This is our invalid-my wife,
Mrs. Nugent."
Then came long list of professional
questions, then several professional
directions, one or two suggestions, and
then a general conversation ensued, in
which Harry and the pretty doctor had
their fair share.
And then DR.. Ashton said good morn
ing to Nellie, promising to bring her a
new book of which they had been talk
ing, and was escorted down to her ele-
giant little phaaton that waited her at
the door, with the groom in livery
perched in his high back seat
g Before we say good morning, Mr.
Nugent, there is one word to be said
regarding your wife. am convinced
there is nothing the matter with her
that might not be removed of her own
will. She is Frustrated and nervous be-
cause she persists in keeping her bed;
she must be made to get out of it. In
deed, if l may speak so emphatically,
| may declare that Mrs. Nugent will
die of pure obstinacy in refusing to get
well. ~
Harry stood beside the phaeton, his
handsome face wearing look of gravi-
ty and bewilderment.
"That is what DR.. Grassmere said
We all admit she ought to get out of
her sick bed, but what good will it do
to give her the shock necessary to arouse
herP"
Miss Ashton looked the very picture
of professional skill as she answered:
"a shock! Certainly not An alarm
of fire or a rumor of danger would per-
haps kill-perhaps cure her, but the
risk is not to be taken 1t is Just this,
Mr.. Nugent: Your wife honestly be-
lieves she is too i'll ever to recover, and
you know, as well as |, what wonder
full effect the mind produces electrical
ly on the physical organization. Now,
for the sake of her life, which can be
saved, we must get her out of bed-let
her know for herself she is able to do
it-and to accomplish this DR.. Grass
mere has asked me to take the case.
We have arranged plan of action
which he will tell you; and l think in
very short time you will see Mrs. Nu-
gent on the road to recovery
Shortly after the doctor found the in
valid propped among the lace-frilled
pillows, looking very pale and thin,
and gentle and patient as usual.
"Well, Mrs. Nellie, and how are you
coming on nowadays, with your new
doctor? l declare, you do look better.
Feel better, l should say. Glorious
weather to convalesce in"
He held her little, cold hand in his
big one, and caressed it as one might
a baby's fingers.
81 am comfortable, DR.. Grassmere,
and that is all l can expect. l am glad
to see you, and so will Harry be. Isn't it
nearly time he was home to luncheon?"
DR.. Grassmere held out his watch.
Nearly-yes, quite time. Has DR..
Ashton called to-day? l was in hopes l
should see her."
Nellie twisted her ring off her poor
thin finger, her one ring, her wedding
ring.
"We like her very much. She is very
beautiful and fascinating, and she and
Harry have such nice times together,
laughing and talking"
A faint little sigh ended the remark.
$50 you think Harry admires her
not any more than he ought to, eh?''
Nellie looked bewildered at him, and
for the first time for months flush
crept to her pale face.
"More than he ought to! What do
you mean, DIR. GrassmereP
And there was emphasis in the sweet,
surprised voice as Nellie put the ques-
tion-a question that DR.. Grassmere did
not answer, because there came rap
at the door, followed by the entrance of
servant bringing Mrs. Nugent's lunch
quail on toast, a cup of chocolate, a
"a l. SC