The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1880-11-12
A STRANGE EPISODE.
Two Woman The actors I'm an Unusual
Transaction.

st. Louis Chronicle.
The Health Commissioner Office In
the City Hall was to-day the scene of an
episode of more than ordinary interest,
and one which almost challenges belief.
A neatly-attired lady, with veil
drawn tightly across her face, called at
the Office and inquired for MIR. Francis.
After being informed that he was absent
by Mr. J. J. Fitzwilham, the chief clerk,
she said:
:. Has the ambulance from the female
hospital arrived yet?"
"No, madame, it has not"
6 Well, then, Twill wait for it if you
will permit me to do so.
Certainly, madam. Walk in this
way and be seated. You will not have
long to wait. Were you expecting any
friend?" said Fitzwilliam in the tone and
manner of one fearful of being thought
inquisitiye, as the lady took the proffered
chair.
''Not exactly friend" she replied,
lifting her veil and exposing naturally
handsome face, which was just then ami
mated by pleasant smile, "but I am to
meet woman here from the hospital
who is to give me her baby. It's only
three weeks old, and a pretty little girl II
is, too"
Fitzwilliam is father, and to say that
he was highly astonished is to put il
mildly.
In time the ambulance arrived, as also
did the mother and her babe. When
the two women met but slight nod Of
recognition passed between them. The
silence was broken by the clerk, who
said:
"Here is the baby
CANT it sweet, pretty darling ?" ex-
ultingly exclaimed the mother-to-be.
The real mother held it up and looking
at it sadly, murmred:
81 hate to part with it.
Then kissing it, once only, she prof
fered it to the other, who pressed it tc
her lips in JOY, as the mother said:
stake it and be good to it.
'@That I will, indeed; you may depend
upon that"
The mother then gave her the nursing
bottle, when she was asked:
How is the milk prepared?"
"By boiling it and then letting il
cool. ,"
"Don't you put water to it 2"
"No, just simply milk"
II have heard of rice water being fec
to babies. Did you try it ?"
Nothing has ever been given her but
boiled milk"
A short pause of embarrassment he re
ensued when the real mother said, "Good
by" and walked away. She was pale
looking, and evidently not very strong
Her features gave evidence of youth anc
beauty but her bearing was not indica
tive Of refinement or education.
The new mother retained her seat anc
fondled the child with as much affection
as though it were her own. She re-
marked that she desired to allow the
mother sufficient time to get away from
the building, as she did not want to be
followed by her, or have her know where
the child's new home was. In few
minutes the bona 1ide mother returned
approached Mr. Fitzwilliam, asked fol
and received two car tickets and the1
walked away without casting even one
look or glance toward the babe. Shortly
afterward the babe and its new mother
went away in carriage.
These two women are totally unknown
to each other by name. Only the proper
officials know the mother by adoption,
and they are satisfied Of her respectable
ity and competency to provide the child
with a good home. Will the mother an(
child ever meet again ?