Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1880-11-13

TWO WOMEN THE ACTORS IN AN
UNUSUAL TRANSACTION.
St, Louis Chronicle.

UNUSUAL TRANSACTION,
St, Louis Chronicle.
The Health Commissioner Of
fee in the City Hall was to-day
ihe scene of an episode of more
than ordinary interest, and one
which challenges belief
A neatly attired lady with a
veil drawn tightly across her face,
called at the Office and inquired
for Mr.. Francis.
After being informed that he
was absent, by Mr.. j. j. Fitzwil-
liam, the chief clerk, she said:
alas the ambulance from the
9maIe Hospital arrived yet ?"
mo madame, it has not.'
"Well, then, / will wait FIR it
ifyou will permit me to do so"
Certainly madame. Walk in
this way and be seated You will
moi have long to VaH. Were you
expecting any friends ~ said Fitz-
william, in a tone aad manner of
one fearful OF being thought in
nuisitive, as the lady took the
profiered chair.
mot exactly a friend,' she re-
piled, lifting her veil and expos
ing naturally handsome face,
which was just then animated by
handsome smile, "but / am to
meet woman here from the hos
pital who Is to give me Ter baby.
It's only three weeks old, and a
pretty little sirl il is, too"
Fi;z1illiams is a father, and to
say that he was highly sstonished
10 10 put it mildly.
In time the ambulance arrived,
as also did the mother aud her
babe. When the two women met,
but a slight nod of recognition
passed between them. The silence
wes broken by the Clerk, who
said
"Here is the baby
"Ain't it a sweet. pretty dar-
iiBgY" exultingly exclaimed the
m0ther-to, be.
The real mother held ii up, and
sc0king at it sadly, murmured:
" hate to part with it,"
Then kissing it once only she
proffered it to the other, who
pressed it to her lips in joy as the
mother said:
Take it and be good to it,"
THAT | will, indeed; you may
depend upon that"
The mother then gave her the
nursing bottle, when she asked;
"How is the milk prepared ?"
'By boiling it and then letting
it cool"
.sDon't you put water to it?"
mo, just simply milk"
Il have heard Of rice water be-
ing fed to babies. Did you try il?"
Nothing has ever been given
her but boiled milk"
A short pause of embarrassment
here ensued, when the real mother
ssid, ''Good-by," and walked
away. She was pale looking, and
evidently not very strong. Her
features gave evidence Of youth
and beauty. but her bearing was
aoA indicative of refinement or
education.
The new mother retained her
seat and fondled the child with as
much affection as though it were
her own. She remarked that she
desired to allow the mother suffi-
eient 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 a few minutes the bona
tide mother returned, approached
Mr.. Fitzwilliam, asked for and re-
ceiyed two CIR tickets, and then
walked away without casting
even one look or glance toward
the babe. Shortly after the babe
and its new mother went away in
8 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 responsibility and
competency to provide the child
with good home. Will the
DOther and child ever meet
sgain?