The National tribune., 1881-12-24
THE WHITE LADY OF HILLBURY.
BY MRS. c. DESPARD.

person of some eminence, IN one PAIR OF eyes
at least, who was called in on the following day
to see the stranger
1T was my daughter, Ellen, who took her In"
said Lady Montague "The dear child has nerves
of iron. Tender-hearted as l am l could no
more have done it than flown. Her account
made my blood run cold-literaly."
II have always taken Miss Ellen for brave
girl Well, your ladyship, l am glad you look
at it so. A good thing for the poor demented
creature that she has fallen amongst amiable
folks Many person would have sent her to
the Intirmary straight"
Doctor, you make me shiver. The Infrmary
for girl like that"
"a homeless friendless, poor, and possibly
mad woman who has forced herself upon you"
Lady Montague turned and looked at her
doctor. She lady who had once been ex-
ceedingly pretty; she had small aristOcratic
features, and the softest of brown eyes, which,
however, at this moment were ali ght with indig-
nation. Say at once that we had better turn
this unfortunate young lady out of doors" she
said, "and, in that case, / will consult another
doctor about her"
ooh, if you take it in that way"
Il do take it in that way. Possibly / am
foolish. You, no doubt, will call me supersti-
tiOus; but it seems to me that Heaven has
thrown this poor thing at our gates, and that
if we refuse to accept the charge of her we
incur serious responsibility. | surprised,
besides, that a man of your experience should
put down patient as hopeessly insane after
sc cursory examination. l believe-but per-
haps it is useless to say what believe until l
know how you intend to act.'
The Doctor smiled and bowed. He was tall,
gaunt, grim-looking man. Lady Montague, to
whom strong feeling had given unusually fluent
speech, and who, now that she had spokea, felt
little alarmed at her own temerity,
lieved to find that her Indignant rebuke had not
offended him-that, in fact, he wore an express
sion which the patients who loved him best land
this grim looking person was not without adoring
worshipers) liked to see on his face.
Il spoke as a friend just now," he observed.
Il may count myself amongst the number of
your friends, Lady Montague 2"
How can you ask the question, DR.. Griffith
l have no truer friend in the world than you"
She held out her hand; her brown eyes were
soft again. She was sorry she had been so hasty.
And | hope shall always merit that descrip-
ton, he said, bowing low in quaint old-world
fashion, over her offered hand. / wished you
seriously to consider what you are doing" he
proceeded; "snce you have considered, there is
no more to be said on that head. speak to you
noTS doctor, professionally
Stay let me fetch paper and pencil have
not good memory" said Lady Montague
Il think you will be able to remember my
directions They need not be elaborate At
a., 7
"But she has slept so long. 1t trightens US.
When will she be likely to be awaken
Don't be frightened if l tell you at once that
this is not an ordinary sleep; it is trance 1t
may last for some hours longer. With your per
mission | will remain in the house for those
hours. In my opinion she is fresh from an
attack of brain-teyer, resulting probably from
severe mental and physical strain. l think it
likely that when she awakens you will find her
memory gone. l hope so. That viii be great
help to her recovery
And what are we to do in such case?"
Treat her as if she were really the child
which, in intellect, yOu will most probably find
her; strengthen her body in every possible way
try to direct her mind; keep off as long as pos
sble any reference to her past life For present
purposes it will be sufficient to allow her to be-
ieve that, when she opens her eyes presently in
Miss Ellens room, she opens them in new world.
1t was pretty idea, by the bye, to have flowers
about. As many of them you please. You
have some musical friends, have you not?"
There is Juan, the Clintons proteqe He
plays the VIOLIN you know
"Ah! yes. Your little admirer. If he could
be got to play something soft in the ante
room"
Doctor" cried Lady Montague, laughing,
"never you profess to be hard-hearted cynic
again. 1t is not your role I believe you have
been all this time hiding your gifts. You are
poet"
ooh! your ladyship; there's a certain force in
associations, you know"
The door opened to admit Ellen Montague |
She was walking slowly, like one in dream.
"And how is our patient now?" asked the |
Doctor brskly.
"She has not stirred. She is so white. so
placid, l am afraid. DR.. Griffith, you are so
clever; save her if you can"
Il tell you what | shall do, Miss Ellen" re-
piled the autocrat. Il shall forbid you to 90
into her room for the present You are be-
coming OverwrOught. Come, come, it is no use
protesting. | have not physicked you from
your babyhOod without understanding you a
little. Lady Montague, with your permission,