Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-06-13

help you"
DR.. Read being physician, mado no at
tempt to detain the fair patient, noting
with sincere sympathy how weak she
was, and how wearily she leaned upon
the nurses strong arm.
He did not feel inclined 10 have any
testing about his interest, such as HE
friend was wont to indulge In when ladies
were the subject, so he said nothing OF
his experience, and Joined DR.. Atkinson
in his rounds without limiting at any de-
sire to sec one especial patient-a desire
not gratified, tor there were only familiar
faces in the wards.
But the summer-house was soon found
| to be Miss Bessie's resort. 1t was in Sc
| cluded part of the grounds, shaded by q
thick clump of trees, and provided with a
rustic table and comfortable chairs. Here
| the young girl made cosy nest for her
self, and the place looked home-lke with
| her work-basket, her books, knitting, or
| sketch-book, her cushions and footstool.
"The doctor said must he in the open
air as much as possible" she told Fred
one day, sand as 10 one seems TO care
| much for this summer-house, have ap-
propriated it. Sometimes have visitors"
and her face saddened, "the poor patients
here, you know; but they do not like the
quiet and soon leave me to myself"
She never classeI herself with her conf
panions, Fred noticed, often speaking
pityingly of those more heavily afflicted.
But this phase OF mental delusion was
very common.
But Fred had not, when July closed,
found out the delusion Of tho sweet little
girl he called "Miss Bessie" She had
gained perfect health in two months of
quiet and open air; but while her eyes
had lost their weary expression, they
never stared or wandered, but were al
ways steadily tranquil, or lighted only by
the animation natural to interesting con-
versation.
In these two months Fred had scarcely
seen DIR. Atkinson. His superior in office
DR.. Hare, had gone away for summer
vacation, and a new wing was being
added to the bdilding. With his entire
care of the house and the patients, the di-
recton of the wOrkmen, the work OF Sc
lecting furniture, carpets and other neces-
sarics for the new building, the resident
physician had scarcely moment to call
his own, and Fred frequently did not see
him at all during his visits.
1t was in July that DR.. Read suddenly
woke to the appalling conviction that he
was deeply in love with the inmate Of a
lunatic asylum.
He had deluded himself with tho
thought that it was pity, professional IN
terest, even curiosity, that drew him
again and again to the summer-house,
where he was sure to meet warm, II Shy
welcome, and where the hours flew by in
utter content.
But so simple matter as the reading Of
poem had opened his eyes to the truth.
1t had become quite common thing for
him to read scraps of newspaper intelli-
gence, little bits from one of the books on
the table, or a selection from favorite
work he brought with him, while Bessie
sewed or knitted and listened to him.
And on this particular July day he had
read little love-poem nestled In the cor
ner of newspaper. 1t was not Won
derful production OF genius, but 1t was
pretty and tender.
Looking up, Fred saw pair Of blush
ing cheeks, downcast eyes, trembling iln-
gers, and his heart stood still.
| He read the truth In a flash. lie loved
the lovely girl before him, and she--alas.
returned his love.
His first feeling was one of keen self
rcproach. What If he had added to the
mental infrmity that had caused this
beautiful young creature to be sent to an
asylum?
Would she forget him, or-dreadful
possibility-would the whole reason give
away If he deserted her?
He scarcely knew how he reached home,
but once there he sat down and looked the
situation squarely in the face.
His own share Of the affliction he put
aside for the present.
He was a man, and he could bear his
trouble manfully. That he loved where
his love must die, was, in a great meas
ure, his own fault and folly; but that he
had won 4 pure, sweet heart, only TO
wound it, caused him very bitter pain and
regret.
Long meditation brought him TO one
resolution. He must see DR.. Atkinson,
make clear confession, and have his
opinion of the danger to be anticipated.
"He knows where the weakness have
to discover lies," thought Fred, "and he
can tell me whether it is safest to break
Of my visits suddenly or gradually"
1t was not an easy matter TO catch DR..
Atkinson, or, having caught him TO secure
his attention, but something in Fred's
troubled face aroused his friends anxiety,
and he turned his back for the time upon
his manifold duties and shut himself in
his private Office with Fred.
AT first he listened gravely enough, but
as Fred proceeded his face became more
and more amused until, to the consterna-
ton of the penitent speaker, he threw
himself back in his chair, and broke into
roar Of laughter.
"Oh," Fred said, "it is funny, isn't it Z
do not see It in that light. Even il this
poor girl is insane"