The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-07-11

0CtalIS OI tne tnOuSan0 ana one C1fCums stances which have led me to believe it, for we are almost at the door. It is never the case that Miss Melrose and Spencer are out at the same time, or should have called physician before; but tonight they are both called away by the death of Miss Melrose's sister and will not be back until tomorrow. With the consent of my mistress came for you, and oh, Dr. Lockwood, pray you save my dear mistress l nursed her when her mother died and left her a helpless infant all through her innocent youth she was like an own child to me and now to see her fading hour by hour betore my eyes. Good heavens 1 If knew beyond a doubt that he was guilty, his life should pay the forfeit"
 was already beginning to feel deep interest in Mrs. Spencer, although had never seen her, and like her own nurse I was beginning to feel great animesity for Dr. Spencer.
 Mrs. Spencer received me in her bed chamber. It was on the second floor, and was furnished with exquisite ele- gance.
 Everything in the room bespoke the delicacy and taste of the occupant. The warm air was fragrant with the faint odor of heliotrope and glancing around saw the purple blossoms and green leaves in an alabaster case on :he edge of the south window.
 She was a woman who, when once seen, could never be forgotten. have met in my life many beautiful woman, huf n@vAr Ona louAfu
 She was tall and straight, with purely oval face, liquid bro VII eyes, and dash of hectic in her cheek, which is never seen in perfect health.
 She received me, as know she did everyone, gracefully, and though there was slight embarrassment in her man. ner when spoke of her illness, she an- swered my professional inquiries without hesitation.
 As for myself, laid aside all false delicacy and questioned her plainly as to her symptoms. Mrs. Hurd, her nurse, remained in the room, and added many important little items of inform ation.
 When she spoke of her husband, it was with sort of hopeless sadness which distressed me greatly.
 Not breath of suspicion against him in her answers to my questions, and felt sure that at present she knew nothing of what Mrs. Hurd had such serious appre- hensions. was glad it was SO, for with her finely strung organization, it might have produced serious results. l made my examination of the patient as closely as could, and drew my own conclusions ] could have sworn that Mrs. Spencer daily swallowed arsenic in small quanti- ties, and the deadly drug was telling fear fully on her constitution.
 She said, answering my questions, that she had no physician except her hus- band. He thought himself better ac- quainted with her case, and therefore better qualified to treat her. He never left medicine with her to take he always brought it fresh from his office, and ad- ministered it promptly.
 There was little enough could do in such case. Anxious to do everything. the very circumstance of the affair left me nearly powerless.
 A charge of such nature of course l could not make out against Dr. Spencer, without the amplest proof If hinted suspicion, every one would set it down to my professional prejudice; aad if l could not substantiate my statement, the doctor could make me pay dearly for such islander uttered against him.
 The only dependence seemed to be in Mrs. Hurd. To her unbosomed myself freely. told her without reserve that thought Dr. Spencer was killing his wife by slow poison, and besought her to constantly watch to save the victim, and discover some proof by which we could fasten the guilt upon him.
 She smiled grimly and promised obe- dience, and gave her powerful anti dote for the poison suspected, and went home perturbed and anxious in mind. 1 did not sleep that night and all the next day was in a high fever of excitement. A ring at the bell made me tremble-a step on the gravel outside my office stopped my breath, and hardly knew what expected to hear. felt sure be- fore slept should hear something.
 And now must tell the story as it was told me.
 Dr. Spencer returned home the morn- ing after my visit to the Clifton House. He looked wretchedly, the nurse said appeared gloomy and depressed. Miss Melrose came with him and looked de- corously sad over the death of her sister. | Women of her stamp always do mourn to perfection. They neither ovsrdo nor underdo the thing, as women of feeling are likely to do.
 Dr. Spencer came at once to his wife's | chamber. He thought she looked ill, and prescribed cordial at once, saying he would 20 and fetch it.
 "You are always ordering cordials for her," said Mrs. Hurd, musingly. "Why not take something yourself? You look like a ghostr'
 He eyed her keenly, but replied com posedly:
 think will take some of the cordial myself, for ' do not feel quite we'll. Alice, dear. shall l bring it here and drink your health p
 Mrs. Spencer smiled sadly in assent she never disputed her husband-and he went out. Presently he returned with