The Concordia eagle. [volume] (Vidalia, La.) 1873-1890, 1885-04-25
A STRAIGHT DIAGNOSIS.
An Attack of Malaria" and What
Caused It.
1.-THE doctor says it is malaria.

tell anything about malaria! 1t Is like
the wind. 1t cometh from no one
knows where, and bloweth where it
listeth;" and the invalid turned her
pretty flushed face on the pillow with a
movement of unmistakable irritation.
Blanche, dear, have the kindness to
look at me a minute" said Miss Mary
Harrington, firmly but kindly. 1--WE
don't want to make any mistakes to
start with. You know am very blunt,
and you know that have opinions"
"And know there is nobody in all
the world like you when one is ILL.,"
the young lady interrupted; land that
is why begged and prayed mamma to
send for you"
THAT is very pleasant and en-
couraging as far as it goes" said the
lady, ''but | can remain, Blanche, as
Your nurse, only on the condition that
you obey me. | am ready to unpack
and stay, or put on my hat and 60"
Miss Harrington's gray eyes were
tender and smiling, and her whole face
was aglow with active benevolence; but
the broad brow and the tlrm mouth
had also much to say of careful study
and strength of character.
"Why, auntie, l should give up en-
tirely if you disappointed me now"
the invalid replied, with quivering lips.
II have Just lived on the thought of
your coming"
well, will you obey me?"
Yes, auntie, and hope you'll re-
member that obedience is not my strong
point"
but haze your promise, and that
will do" said the nurse, cheerfully;
land now we'll see.h
Nineteen years DID," Miss Harring-
ton said to herself, land confined TO
her bed eight weeks with malaria?
Bosh! A bad tongue, feverish, more
emaciated than had expected to find
her, pain in her side, intermitting pulse,
constant oppression of the chest, back
ache, acute headaches, cold extremties
and no appetite. And this is malaria?
Bosh again! | wonder what the doc
tors did before the word malaria
came into use. / must ask this physi-
clan his reasons for calling this mala-
rial attack
Miss Harrington was as good as her
word, and forcing her opinions and her
doubts quite into the background,
started on her tour of investigation
with an appearance of implicit faith in
the ability of the medical man to an
swer her questions.
as there anything the matter with
the plumbing?" the lady inquired.
There isn't a sanitary precaution
that your brother has not TAKEN the
doctor replied.
"Do you know of other cases of
malaria in this localityP"
''Oh, yes; malaria is by no means a
rare product in this neighborhood.
''Rut it is very high and dry. and
constantly swept by sea-breezes"
Eyes; very high and dry"
And very gayP" Aunt Mary sug-
gested, demurely.
Yes; exceptionally gay"
There was comical twinkle in the
gentleman's eye that told of quick
appreciation of his companions re-
mark.
"ADd late hours, and thin shoes, and
low necks, and salads, and soufiles
sometimes induce malaria, l suppose?"
without doubt"
"Wef1, why don't you say so, thenP"
Aunt Mary had kept her claws
sheathed just about as long as possible
"a physician can not safely NEEDLE
with the private life of his patients ex-
cept in extreme cases." was the un-
ruffled response. IF l were to take
the broad platform which you recon-
mend" the gentleman added, II
should not only not do the least bit of
good, but l shouldn't have a patient
left. Ny reputation would be simply
that of an old busybody and an old
fool. But, madam, this is an excellent
field for you, and am sure we can
work together with the utmost har-
mony."
Perhaps you are right" said Miss
Harrington, thoughtfully, ''but don't
exactly see it. OF course, if your pa
tents are all idiots, that settles it."
"You would scarcely call your niece
an IDIOT" said the doctor, land she is
as fair representative of the class as /
could name"
After a few days of Aunt Mary's
efficient nursing, her patient felt able
to sit up, and her maid was directed to
get together the necessary articles of
wardrobe. Among the first things
presented were a pair of black silk
stockings and pair of kid slippers.
what are these?" Miss Harrington
asked.
why, they are the newest style of
slippers, auntie," said her niece.
paper soles, and three-inch heels
tapered down to cherry pit in the
middle of the foot. l presume you
wear these all the time You are in the
house?"
why, of course, auntie."
"ln the dead Of winter as well as in
the dog-days."
The young lady laughed merrily at
her companions old togyism. Ger