Middletown transcript., 1882-02-10

certain smuggling sea captain, whose
conscience had pricked him during his
latter days, raised its graystone gables
toward the sky, and made a picturesque
background to the landscape.
DIR. Mary Clarimont made something
of a sensation at Aldenbury. Up to
this time, all the resident ply sicians
had been stuffy old gentlemen, with
wigs, or pert young ones, with eye
glasses.
A beautiful young lady, who wrote
prescriptions and compounded pills and
potions, was novelty to have in the
town, and by no means a disagreeable
one. People rather liked the idea, since
they had convinced themselves that the
lady doctor thoroughly understood her
self and her patients.
And the poor old people at the aims
house grew to love DR.. Mary, and list
ened with eager ears for the sound of
her carriage wheels over the blue gravel
drive which led up to the portico.
1t was brilliant December day when
the young physician stood in the neatly
carpeted reception room drawing on her
fur gloves, previous to entering her
ph8ton once again, while she reiterated
to the white-capped maid some direc-
tions respecting old Ann Mudgett's
rheumatism, when the matron hurried
in.
"Oh, beg your pardon, Doctor
Clarimont,' y she said, but 1 clean for
got the new old woman -
"The new old woman n repeated
Doctor Mary, with smile.
"That is, exclaimed Mrs. Cunning
ham, she only came here last night
a quiet old soul, half blind and quite
bad with asthma. Perhaps you'd better
just see her before you go. She brought
a card of admission from DIR. Merton,
the New York clergyman, who is one
Of our directors, you know. And she
seems a decent body enough"
So Doctor Mary went cheerfully into
the little brick-paved room, with its
white pallet bed, cushioned rocking
chair, neatly draped easement, where
sat poor little shriveled up woman,
wrapped in faded shawl.
She looked up timidly from under the
borders Of her cap as Doctor Mary came
in.
"I'm poor body, miss,'' said she,
:" and I'm sensible I'm making deal
of trouble in the world. But the Lord
don't take US, miss, when we'd like to
60"
"This is the DOCTOR" :" said Mrs. Gun
ningham.
The little woman would have risen
up to make courtesy, but DR.. Mary
motioned her to keep her seat.
What is your name ?" said she,
Louise NARROW, miss"
MARROW? That isan unusual name,
isn't it ?" said Mary Clarimont, color
ing in spite Of herself.
"We're English, miss, said the old
woman, struggling with her asthma.
: There amt many of US in this coun-
Try. I've son, miss, in the law bust
ness, as any mother might be proud
1f.r
{" "A son - echoed Mrs. Cunningham,
9 and you in the almshouse u
q Not that it's his fault. ma'am,"
he old creature made haste to explain.
g My son is to be married to fine, :
proud young lady as is fit for any prince
n all the land, and of course he couldn't
De expected to burden himself with a
helpless old woman like me. He says ,
-'m to write and let him know how 1 g.,
ret along, and if | am sick, or anything, .
le'll try to see me. [ sewed carpets
Until the asthma got hold of me, and :
myself comfortably. But of
course could not lay up anything for
rainy day-who could And Harry
couldn't help me, for he's getting ready :
o be married, poor lad So went to E
Or. Merton and asked him did he know =
# any decent place where an old wo- i
nan like me could end her days in =
,eace. And he gave me a card to come |
lere, and some money to pay my trav- +
ling expenses-God bless him-and .
lere / am"
Mary Clarimont had listened quietly h
o the garrulous tale, but the color had !,
aried in her cheek more than once as 9
he stood there. !,
+" Is your rson s name Harry Harlow?" = =
he said, slowly and thoughtfully. i
Yes, miss, at your service" said
he old woman, with a duck of her r
1hite-capped head, which was meant !,
D do duty in place of the impossible :.
ourtesy. fl
els he like this 20 asked DR.. Mary, :,
liking photograph from her pocket. h.
The old woman, with trembling !,
ands. fitted on her iron-bowed specta- =,
les, and looked at the picture, uttering
little cry of recognition. Il,
q Sure, miss, it's his own self,'' she :,
lied. You're acquainted with him, !;
zen ?'' n
" Somewhat" /" said DR.. Mary, COM u
3sedly, as she returned the photograph n
|, its place. "And now l will leave il
,u something to relieve this difficulty ", W
breathing" te
But the old crone eyed her wistfully.
g Perhaps you know the young lady br
v son is to marry ?'' Il,
e Yes, y said Dr.. Mary, writing some m
ling in her prescription book. II i,
i've seen her. av
Perhaps, miss,'' faltered the old Il
oman, "you would give her my hum
o dntv and tell / er I would Just like /.