San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-09-02

have already seen her three times. | may
see her again at any moment when the
strange tit comes over me-"
All this fantastic Nonsense was spoken so
simply and with such an air of conviction
that once more my suspicious as 10 the state
OF his mind were aroused. In spite of the
brave answers which had given Mr.. Ralph
CarristOn, l felt that common sense was UNI
deniably on his side.
TEL me what you mean by your strange
fit" said, resolved To find out the nature of
CarTistOn's fancies or Authorizations. as it
a kind Of trance you fall intOw'
He seemed lOath TO give any information
on the subject, but pressed him for an an
swer.
Yes" he said at last at must be kind
of trance. An indeScribable feeling comes
over me. l know that my eyes are fixed on
some Object-prescntly that object vaniShes,
and see Madeline"
How do you see her?"
"She seems 10 stand in blurred circle Of
light as cast by magic lantern. That is the
only way that can describe it, But her fig
ure Is plain and clear-she might be 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 can see; but no more. | have seen
her talking l knew she was entreating some
one, but that some one was invisible. Yet,
II she touched that person, the virtue of her
touch would enable me to see him.
SO far as | could see, CarTistOn's case ap-
peared to be one of Over-wTOught. or undulv-
stimulated imagination. His, | had always
considered to be mind of the most peculiar
construction In his present state of love,
grief, and suspense these Authorizations
might come In the same way in which dreams
come. For little while sat in silence con-
sidering how could best combat and diSpel
his remarkable decisions. Before | had ar
rived at any decision l was called away 20
see patient. | was but short time engag-
ed. Then returned to CarristOn, intending
to continue my inquiries.
Upon re-entering the room found him
sitting, as had left him-directly opposite
to the door. His face was turned fully to-
ward me, and trembled as 1 caught sight of
it. He was leaning forward: his hands on
the table-clOth, his whole frame rigid, his
eyes staring in one direction, yet, l knew,
capable of seeing nothing that | could see.
He seemed even ObliviOuS to sound for | en-
tered the room and closed the door behind
me without causing him to change look or
position. The moment | saw the man |
knew that he had been Overtaken by what he
called the strange fit.
Ny 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 |
could call il by no other name than disease
so proceeded to make a systematic exam
inatiOn of his symptoms.
! leaned across the table and, with my face
about foot from his looked straight into
his eyes. They betrayed no sign of recOgni-
tiOn-nO knowledge of my presence. am
ashamed to say could not divcst myself of
the impression that they were looking through
me. The pupils were greatly dilated. The
lids were wide apart. | lighted taper and
held 1t before them, but could see no eXpan-
sion OF the iris. 1t was case, confess, en-
tirely beyond my comprehension. l had no
experience which might serve as guide as
to what was the best course to adopt. All |
could do was to stand and watch carefully
for any change.
Save for his regular breathing and sort Of
cOnvulsive twitching of his fingers, CarristOn
might have been a corpse or statue. His
face could scarcely grow paler than it had
been before the attack. Altogether, il was
an uncomfortable sight; a creepy sight-this
mOtiOnless man, utterly regardless of all that
went on around him. and seeing, or giving
one the idea that he saw, something far away.
l sighed as | looked at the strunge spectacle
and fOreSaw what the end must surely be-
But although | lOnged for him to awake, !
determined on this occasion to let the trance,
or tit run its full course, that might notice
in what manner and how soon consciousness
returned.
must have waited and watched some ten
minuteS-minutes which seemed to me inter-
minable. At last saw the lips culver, the
lids flicker once or twice, and eventually close
YEARLY over the eyes. The unnatural ten
sion OF every muscle seemed to relax, and,
signing deeply, and apparently quite exhaust
ed, CarristOn sank back into his chair with
beads OF perSpiratiOn forming on his white
brow. The fit was over.
In moment was at his side and forcing
a glass of wine down his throat. He looked
up at me and spoke. His voice was faint
but his words were quite collected.
81 have seen her again." he said. "She is
well; but so unhappy. l saw her kneel down
and pray. She stretched her beautiful arms
out to me. And yet l know not where to
look for her-my poor love! my poor loyep
waited until thought he had sufficiently
recovered from his exhaustion to talk with
out injurious consequences. GARRISON"
said, 'let me ask you one question: Are
these frances or visions voluntary or nOtY'
He reflected for few moments. II can't
quite tell you," he said; ''Or, rather, would
put it in this way. l do not think 1 can exer-
else my power at will; but can feel when
the fit is coming on me, and, l believe, can if
choose stop myself from yielding to It."
VERY well. Now listen. Promise me
you will fight against these seizures as much
as you can. If you don't, you will be raving
mad in month"
81 can't promise that" said Carriston,
quietly. "See her at times must, OF / shall
die. But l promise to yield as seldom as
may be. know, as well as you do, that the
very exhaustion now feel must be injurious
to any one"
In truth, he looked utterly worn out Very
much dissatisfied with his concession, the
best could get from him, sent him to bed,-
knowing that natural rest, If he could get it,
would do more than anything else toward
restoring healthy tone to his mind.
Although Co,Tictnn statad that ba oopa 70