Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1881-09-09

Mrs. Carlton was in low, weak, nervous
state, from which she did not recover for
some time. The least exertion was accom-.
panied by tremor and feeling of lassitude
Undeterred by this serious reaction upon
a delicate constitution. Mrs. Carlton, in
the face of warning and remonstrance on
the part of her husband, continued to ex-
pose herself to cold, damp airs, while un.
protected by proper clothing; and to over
fatigue when tempted by the allurements
OF pleasure. And thus it went on, from
month to month and from year to year,
her frame gradually losing its vigor, and
the beautiful freshness of her young cheeks
fading away into sickly paleness. Yet
strange to say, Mrs. Carlton was as little
mindful of her health as before, and ex-
pressed herself with impotence when her
husband sought to check her imprudence.
Three days after Mrs. Cartoons first
Sweet babe saw the light, her husband, on
returning home. found her sitting up in
bed hemstitching a fine cambria handker-
chief.
"Why. Clara!' he exclaimed, ''isn't that
very imprudent?"
''Oh, dear, noI'' she returned. Il feel
almost as well as ever did. And it's i'm
possible for one to lie here and do moth
ing"
sit is very imprudent, Mr.. Carlton, -
said the nurse seriously. II have tried my
best to induce her to remain perfectly still.
But she will not listen to me. It will be
all the worse for her. I've known many a
woman to shorten her life by just such
conduct as this''
Come give me that work." And as
Mr.. Carlton said this, in firm voice, he
took the sewing from his wife's hands,
and then. with a gentle pressure forced
her back upon the pillow. This done, he
added: ''How can you be so thoughtless,
Clara? Are health and life of so little
value that you hold them in light estima-
tlon?"
''Oh, dear! you re always croaking about
healthI' returned Mrs. Carlton, in half
pla, full, half-serious manner. ''I'm well
enough. It's all nonsense to keep me lying
here.''
mo, madam, take my word for it, it is
not, spoke up the nurse. Upon perfect
quiet, freedom from excitement and bodily
exertion depends your future health. Dis
regard the injunction of your ply sician-
he spoke very plainly to you to-day-and
you not only shorten your life, but mar
your happiness by bodily pain and self
upbraidings during the brief years that are
left to you.''
The manner, as we'll as the words of the
nurse, rather startled the 1mprudent young
mother. and she turned to where her sleep
ing. babe lay by her side, and taking it in
her arms, drew it with an emotion of ten
derness to her bosom.
| On the next morning, it was with Mrs.
| Carlton as the nurse had told her over and
over again it would be. This over-exer-
ton had produced fever, and she was so
the pillow. Wheu the doctor came and
saw her condition he looked sober, and
rather sharply reproved the nurse on learn
! ing the cause of this change, for having
permitted his patient to do herself so seri-
GUS an injury.
A day or two elapsed, and the worst
symptoms abated; but Mrs. Carlton re-
NAMED very weak, and could only sit up
in her bed for few minutes at a time
After that her strength began to return,
but it came back slowly. Imprudent as
before. she over-exerted herself at every
stage Of her convalescence, so that at the
time when full health should have been re-
gained. she was yet dropping invalid.
And SO it went on. The wife and moth
er, upon whose life and health hung the
comfort and happiness of the dearest OBJ
ject in life, continued almost daily, to
violate the commonest laws of physical
order, and daily, in consequence, was she
undermining the foundation of health.
Five. years have elapsed since Mrs. Carl
ton became mother; and again she has
given birth to lovely babe, the third that
has blessed her union.
Four days have elapsed since the birth
of this child, and earlier by some hours
than is usual for him, Mr.. Carlton has re-
turned from business. He has walked the
streets hurriedly, and his face wears an
anxious expression. AS he enters he meets
the doctor, who is just leaving.
'.How is Mrs. Carlton?" he asks, in a
voice of concern.
The doctor looks serious and shakes his
head
ono worse, hope?"
''She is no BETTER"
''There seemed to be favorable change
at dinner time"
so there was, but"
There is pause. The doctor adds.
''But she would get up for little while
insisting that she felt strong enough to do
SO. In consequence, all her worse symp-
toms have returned, and we have now
everything to fear. Keep her very quiet,
as you value her life. l will come around
again before nine O'clock
A long tremulous sigh comes up from
the oppressed and troubled bosom of Mr..
Carlton, and he passes up to the sick
chamber of his wife. He starts, and a
cold fear runs through his veins as Lis eyes
rest upon her cOuntenance. for he sees
therein great change. There is deeper
shadow upon it; and his stricken heart
tells him that it has fallen from the wing
of death. With his lips he touches her
forehead-it is cold, clammy, and he starts
at the chilling contact. He takes her thin
and colorless hand-it, too, is cold. With
strong effort he masters his feelings, lest
their exhibition should disturb, and thus
injure his wife, In whose pulses life was
beating with but feeble motion.
The hours pass on. There is stiffness