Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-09-05
..zh. ,,.u,. To Stand In a blurr,d circle ~

'16ne seems 10 SuAu9 IN . DluIf0O C1fClo q
light - cast by a magic lantern. That is
tie only way that can describe 1t. But her
figure is plain and clear-she might b Close
to me. The carpet on which she stands
can see, the chair on which she sits, the table
on which she leans her hand, anything she
touches l can see; but no more. have seen
her talking. l knew she was entreating
some one, but that some ons was invisible
Yet, if she touched that person, the virtue Of
her touch would enable me to see him.
So far as ] could see, Carrisson's case ap-
peared to be one Of overweight or undulv
stimulated imagination. His mad always
considered to be mind of the most peculiar
construction In his present state of love,
grief. AMI suspense tless Authorizations
might come in the same way in which
dreams come For little while / sat in
silence considering how could best combat
with and dlSpel his remarkable decisions
Before had arrived at any decision was
called away to see patient. l was but
short time engaged. Then returned to
Carriston, intending to continue my in
Quiries.
Upon re-entering the room found him ait
ting as had left him-directly opposite to
the door, His face was turned fully toward
me, and trembled as l caught sight of it.
He was leaning forward, his hand on the
table cloth, his whole frame rigid, his eyes
staring In one direction, ye., knew, capa-
bic of seein, nothing that l could see. He
seemed even obhviouS to SQUAD, for entered
the room and ciosei the door behind me
without causing him to change look or posi-
ton. The moment l saw the man knew
that he had been overtaken by what he
called his strange fit.
My first impulse-a natural one-was to
arouse him. but second thoughts told me that
this was an opportunity for studying his dis
ease which should not be LOST felt that l
could call it by no other name than disease
SO proceeded TO make a systematic examin-
alton Of his symptoms.
l leaned across the table, and, with nv
face about a foot from his, locked straight
into bis eyes. They betrayed no sign Of rec
ognition-nO knowledge Of my presence
l am ashamed to say l could not divest N.Y.
self OF the impression that they were looking
through me. The pupils were greatly d.
lated. The lids were wide apart. lighted
a taper and held it before them, but
could see no expansion of the iris 1t was q
case, i confess, entirely beyond my compre-
hensiCn. had no exper. ence which might
serve as a guide as to what was the best
course to adopt Al coula do was to stand
and watch carefully Tor any change
Save icr his regular breathing and q sort
o. convu.sive twitcning of his fingers Car
ris.on Night have been a corps. or a 8 atue
his iAce could scarcely grow paler than it
hai Leen before the attack. Altogether
II Was an uncomfortable sight-a creepy
sISht-thIs motionleSs man, utterly reyari-
less OF ii. I'll vent on aroun him, and
seeing. or giving one the idea that he saw,
SOL otAing far away. sighed as looked at
the strange spectacle, and fores W what the
end n4ust urely De. But although longed
for LIN TO awaAe. | determined on TINS oc-
casion to let the trance, or fit, run its full
course, that l might notice in wha. manner
and Low soon consciousness REL urned.
must We waited and watched some ten
minules-minute' which seemed to ME inter-
mlnable. Al last saw the lips culver, tn,
lids flicker once or twice, and eventu lily
close YEARLY over the eyes, The unnatural
tension of every muscle seemed to rel; K, and
signing deeply, and apparent quite ex-
hausied, Carriston sani lack into his chair,
with beads of perspraC.on forming on his
white brow. The lit was over.
In moment was at his side and forcing
glass of wine down his throat. He looked
up at me and spoke. His voice was faint,
but his words were quite collected.
II have en- her again. he said "She is
well, but SO unhappy. saw her kneel down
and pray. She stretched her leautIful arms
out to me. And vet 1 know not where to
look for henry poor love! my poor lover
l waited until thought he had sufficiently
recovered from his exhaustion to talk with
out injurious consequences. 'Carriston,"
said, let me ask YOU one question: are
these frances or visions voluntary, or notr'
He reflected for few moments. 81 can't
quite tell you,' he said; 'or, rather, l wou
put it in this way. do not think can ex-
ercise my power at will; but l can feel when
the fit is coming on me, and, believe, can,
if l choose, stop myself from yielding to it."
every well. Now listen. Promise me
you will fight against these seizures IA, much
as you can. If you don't, You will be l.. wing
mad in a month";
II can't promise that" said CaIriston,
quietly. ''See her at times / must, or /
shall die But promise to yield as seldom
as may be. l know, as well as You do, that
the very exhaustion now feel must be in
furious to any one"
In truth he looked utterly worn out. Very
much dissatisfied with his concession, the
best could get from him, sem him to led,
knowing that natural rest, If he could get it,
would do more than anyt hing else toward
restoring healthy tone to his mind
(COnfjpued S0furduv Senf Jofb,