The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1882-08-11

sciously laid her hand on his arm, and
the touch thrilled him
"Why did you come to NET he ask.
ed. 81 am young-inexperienced-un
known"
"Why!' sne inquired, with a search
ing look II do not know. Why do we
TO queer thingsl" and she smiled a
little oddly. "Thcy come to US like a
--a-reveiation.'
1t was an ambiguous explanation,
and yet he understood her.
"Perhaps the other physicians were
too old, and knew too much" she add
ed, the odd smile again stirring her
lips.
81 will do what l cam" the doctor
gravely said. "What is the character
of the hallucination ?"
at is concerning his food" she Glow.
ly replied, the piqnancy dying out of
her face. "Or, to be precise, it concerns
what is given him to drink. For days
at a time nothing liquid passes his lips.
Oh, it is just dreadful J"
There are rational intervals 1" the
doctor asked
ayes, thank Godw she exclaimed,
with sweet fervor; otherwise he would
be in his grave"
"He fancies the water to be poisoned,
eh?'
"Oh, worse!' cried the lovely visitor.
"Filled with the finest needles"
"Ah y calculated DR.. Ventnor. He
was thoughtful for minute--then add
ed: "Give me your address. III call to-
morrow"
She handed him card upon which
was printed:
G. b. BRANsoN,
No, Walnut Street, Philadelphia.
The doctor knew the gentleman by
reputation; he felt sure that there was
a heavy fee in prospect.
"You will be sure to come7' his visi-
tor asked, with delightful tremor in
her voice.
She arose, and dropped her veil over
her face, her diamond rings catching a
thousand sparkles of light.
"Without fall was the doctors an.
swer, as he accompanied her to the
door SIS your father in distress now 2"
Very much so, sir
They had reached the doorstep. 1t
was so early in the evening yet, that
she was not in need of an escort.
''One thing more, Miss Branson," he
said. sit may be best for me not to
call as physician"
"Why not" asked she, in quiet sur
prise.
"He may be prejudiced," replied the
doctor. "Probably you have not caught
my meaning. A great deal will depend
upon adroitness. Could l not come up
on some pretended business? =? Of kind
in which he takes au interest?
She bent her head, and he noticed
how finely poised it was.
ale has houses to rent on Brandy
wine street." she said, after a pause.
''To rent and to sell"
"Very good rejoined the doctor,
shat will serve me. Now Miss Branson,
you must not be surprised if l cut up
some queer antics" He laughted as he
said that. "Watch me closely for a
clew to what l would have you do or
say"
He felt that she was keenly regard.
ing him, in the dimness, through her
veil
81 think l understand" she simply
said. "Good evening, sir."
The next morning DR.. Paul Ventnol
took from drawer strong horse shoe
magnet. He rubbed steadily upon the
blade of his pocket-knife with one Of
the poles of the magnet, thoroughly
electrifying it. He purchased paper
of very fine needles at an adjoining
store; then set out for the residence oi
his patient.
He found the latter to be man well
advanced in life, intelligent and geuia
so genial, in fact, that the doctor
wondered at their being so much of the
suspectful in his nature.
The room was magnificently furnish
ed, yet without violation of harmony
or taste. The owner was evidently .
a man of wealth, disposed to consult
his ease.
The doctor at once opened conver
sation about the houses on Brandywin,
street, in which Mr. Branson earnestl,
joined, and vividly explained points il
the speculation.
''Sir, could trouble you for drinl
of water?" the doctor suddenly asked.
"Certainly," replied the other "Kate
please bring Mr.. -"
"Venlnor,' supplied the doctor.
"A glass of water completed MI
Branson.
He was addressing his daughter, WIN
had called upon the doctor the evening
before, and she was seated in one of tn
bay windows She put aside her book
left the room, and returned with glas
of water, which the doctor accepte,
with bow
lie was more impressed with he
lovelincss than ever, now that he had
better view of her. Her hair was blac
aud abundant, her air dignifed, he
manner royal; she was un loubtedly a
intelligent, refined, sensible, pure mind
ed young woman.
No glance of recognition passed be
tween them--at least her father did no
notice any; but the doctor saw wal
ing, wistful, trustful. anticipating loo
in her eyes, which made his pulse
throb faster.
He raised the glass to his lips, an
then well feigned look of astonisl
ment crossed his face. He elected som
of the water, plucked at his mustach'
then strode to the window, where h
seemed absorbed in an examination
the contents of the glass.
"What is the matter T. asked Nj
Branson .......
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