Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-06-12

"Cease to dwell upon recollection SO pain
ful," said the doctor. "lt is more than prob
able that his conduct on that occasion was
the result of a weakened mind, just beginning
to develop its growing disorder. 1t seems to
me the most plausible explanation which can
be given to it."
"Do you think it possible that he can ever
be cured ?" asked Rachel.
at is more than possible. I have never
considered him hopeless case, and now that
I am somewhat enlightened i'll regard to his
antecedents, of which I was before in total
ignorance, am encouraged to believe, that,
with your assistance, may eventually sue
ceed in restoring him to perfect health"
A keen thrill of what would, under differ
ent circumstances, have been trembling Joy
alone, shot through the heart of his hearer
at these words but the joy was mingled with
the anguish of rejecting that the fulilment
Of the doctors hopes could not restore her to
happiness, since she was no longer the object
of her husbands love. Yet something whis-
pered to her that, if the conduct which had
caused her grief was the result Of diseased
mind, the healing of this disease might be
also the healing of her woes-but of this she
dared not think.
Another day elapsed, and then the doctor,
eager to try the experiment he had planned,
as the first step towards the new mode OF
treatment he intended to pursue, reminded
Rachel of her consent to place herself with
in sight Of his patient, renewing his solemn
pledge that Mr.. Vivian should not be per-
mitted to approach or address her. She suf'
fered him accordingly to station her in spot
within range of view from his chamber win
dow. And seated there on bench beneath
a tree, with book in her hand, she feigned to
be engaged in reading, though in reality far
too agitated to give thought to anything
but the overwhelming consciousness that hi
eyes were upon her again!
Almost breathless with excitement, she
rose at length on perceiving the approach OF
the physician, who returned to release her
from her post. Her glance asked the ques'
tion which her lips dreaded to utter.
II have nothing to tell you, my DEAR" he
said, quietly drawing her hand through bis
arm. "Mr. Vivian was in no way affected, as
far as could perceive, by the sight Of you.
l don't think he recognized you at all"
Rachel had dreaded the idea of the recog'
milton but she was now sensible Of feeling
Of blank disappointment at the doctors words.
"My next experiment" he continued, twill
be, by your permission, to confront you with
him. I will, of course, remain beside you, so
that you need not fear him in the least. Do
you consenti"
Il do," she replied. II place myself en-
tirely under your guidance"
On the following morning he knocked al
her door, announcing that he was ready. BY
a strong exercise of selfcontrol she had put
down all evidences of agitation, and now came
with pale face, but a composed air, to fulfill
her part of the agreement
"Now keep steady heart" said the doc
tor, in an encouraging tone. "and remember
you have only to stand by me and remain per
fectly quiet, unless I should give you any
other directions"
They proceeded together through long
passage and up a single flight of stairs. Mr.
Vivian's apartment was on the second floor
Rachel could have heard her heart beat as
she stood at the doctors side, waiting for bis
knock at the door to be answered. There
was no reply to the summons, and, after wait
ing moment longer, DR.. Snow quietly turned
the latch and entered, Rachel close at his
side.
She found it, for the first instant, impossi
BILE to lift her eyes, but kept them fastened
upon the carpet at her feet. A sitting sensa
tion was in her throat; a tumultuous confusion
of sounds seemed to be surging in her ears
BY mighty effort of will she brought her
unsteady senses back to their proper order.
"Well, Vivian" the doctor was saying in
CneerIul GOue, HOW 10 IL InoV hS"'SAA eSo
you yet to-day? Are you feeling pretty
well?"
"I am pretty we'll, I thank you" was the
reply, in slow, melancholy voice. And now
Rachel raised her eyes in involuntary, ques
tioning surprise. The voice awoke no echo
of remembrance in her mind. Its tones were
utterly unfamiliar and strange.
But the face; that she remembered-the
original of Magdalen's picture-was before
her. Only looking years older, with the hag
gard lines in it, and with the dark hair clus
tering about the noble brow, thickly streaked
with gray. The same-the same-and yet
oh ! heaven, how changed!
81 and my young friend here" said the doc
tor, pointedly, "are paying round Of visits
together, this fine morning. Rachel, my dear
this is Mr. Vivian, the gentleman of whom
spoke to you"
And Rachel looked into her husbands
eyes steadfastly and without shrinking; and
meeting his answering gaze, read in its negli
gent and vacant expression that she was utter
ly forgotten and unknown.
CHAPTER XIII.
I am amazed, and know not what to think.
SHAKsPEARE.
No crueler word could have been inflicted
IL