The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-07-11
DIR. sPENcER's GREAT CRIME

m the last medical rev1ew.
 The fire in the grate was low, the nigh, was stormy and the clock was on the stroke of eleven. was just about to turn off the gas and retire, for, being a bachelor, slept in the room connected with my office, when there was a pull at the bell.
 started up suddenly, for this was something new. Middlebury was de- cerous sort of a place and the people usually managed to be taken sick at sea sonable hours.
 Old Mrs. Jerome had been threatening to die for the past five years, and every time visited her sine >olemniy informed me that when the decisive moment did come she desired me present. But as nothing ailed the old lady beyond now and then an indigestion from too much high living, had never yet been called upon to be present at her death.
 Now, thought, it must be old Mrs. Jerome is going.
 took up my night lamp and went to the door. A strong gust of damp, sleet wind nearly extinguished the light, but, shading it with my hand, discerned the face of 8 woman.
 "Come in," said I, holding open the door, but she declined with a gesture of impatience.
 You must come out" she said, in a sharp, incisive voice, "and be quick about it"
 put on my overcoat without demur, locked the surgery door and stepped into the storm. As 1 did so the woman laid a firm hand on my arm and putting her face close to mine said:
 Dr. Lockwood, can you keep a se- cret2'
 "I think so, madame"
 "Swear it."
 Is this secret of yours of profession al character That is, is it anything you wish to confde in me as medical man ?"
 "It is."
 "Very well, then, swear it."
 "That is right"
 he should is mystery, since mems mouths are running over with them.
 Whither are you taking me and for what purpose1"
 ITO the Clifton house to see the mis- tress." started.
 Clifton house was the old mansion re. gently taken by Dr. Spencer, a stranger to every enc in Middlebuy. Spencer was a tall, dark, rather distinguished looking person, who had hung out his sign in the village only few doors above mine, but as yet he had no practice.
 He was unsocial in the extreme, avoid ing his neighbors consistently, and when he did speak 1t was in a curt, half-savage way that no one was likely to prolong the conversation.
 The doctor had a wife, it was said, but no one had ever seen her. She was an invalid and Miss Melrose, friend of the family, presided over the family and sat at the head of the table.
 Miss Melrose was yet beautiful, and Clifton house by her ease of manner and fascinating conversation.
 As we walk along," said my compan- ion, let me explain to you just what is necessary for you to know. My mistress is very sick"
 "T beg your pardon, is 1t Mrs. Spencer or Miss Melrose 2"
 She laughed bitterly.
 "Miss Melrose would stab her to the heart sooner than own her for a mis- tress. My mistress is a lady-noble, royal and of gentle birth. It is an honor to serve my mistress"
 "And is she ill2 How long since ?"
 Ever since she married him-curse him !" she muttered in fierce tone "but must not get excited. must tell my story, or rather hers. Two years ago, through the desire of a dying father, Alice Herdon became James Spencers wife. Before that she was a healthy, blooming girl; immediately after their marriage she began to fail. Do you see anything strange in that%
 Not necessarily"
 Let me enlighten you further. Dr. Spencer was at one time engaged to Miss Lucille Melrose, but he broke the engage ment and married my mistress instead. Miss Melrose was ss poor as Jobs turkey. Miss Herdon was an heiress, and Dr. Spencer was deep in debt and hard pressed by his creditors. Do you see any thing strange in that?"
 Perhaps so. Go on."
 @When my mistress married Spencer she was only seventeen and had been taught to obey her father in everything. She was a gentle, aAectionate child, and WOoio nave O0cu cASy IOI oPenCet 10 have won her love. But he did not care for that It was her money he wanted. It paid his debts and bought him fast horses; 1t set his table with nice and costly dishes and put 1t in his power to keep Miss Melrose robed like . queen. All this time my mistress had been slow ly, but surely sinking, and look you, Dr.. Lockwood, believe she is not dying of disease, but of"-she lowered her voice to whisper as she spoke the word- "poison."
 Impossiblel this is grave charge"