The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1892-01-06
A QUESTION OF SANITY.
BY CAROLINE 8. VALENTINE.


was completely run down, having
applied myself too closely to business.
Although had made several hundred
thousands in lucky ventures on change,
my nervous system was injured, and the
money did not give me much pleasure.
After trying several physicians without
relief, concluded to run over to Long,
vue.
There was an excellent sanitarium
there which was quite renowned for its
cures.
The moment / saw the place l liked it,
and felt convinced that 1 would leave it
a well man. The sanitarium was a large,
handsome building, surrounded by beau
tiful grounds. The front yard was full
of bright flowers and shrubs, which gave
cheerful aspect to the place. And from
the windows the bright blue sea, peace
full and calm, or full Of angry pillows, as
its mood might be, could be plainly
seen.
had not been at Longvue a month
when began to improve wonderfully.
The air was bracing, there was no ex-
citeInent, and the attendants were very
skillful.
In this peaceful atmosphere my over
worked nerves became invigorated and
life became pleasant again.
At the end of two months was COM
pietely cured, but fingered, for Long
vue was more to my liking than gay
resort. The sea had strong attraction
for me, and l took daily walks on the
beach. At first half-mile in one di-
rection was enough to satisfy me. l
would wander along until found shell
tered nook, and lie there dreamily look
ing at the waters for hours.
One day, it was the first Of August
remember the date perfectly, as it began
new era in my life-I started out for
the beach early in the morning. Feel
ing unusually vigorous, walked farther
than ever before and rounded a point /
had never passed beyond. To my sur
prise beheld large building, some
thing similar in architecture to the
sanitarium. Never having heard of such
place l was naturally curious to find
out something about it. 1t was not far
off, and walked on until the entrance
gates were reached. Then l discovered
that the windows were all barred, and
concluded it must be an asylum for the
insane.
had never had desire to visit such
aplace before, but my idle fancy babe
me open the gates and enter the
grounds. AS l touched the gates ]
found them locked and l shook them
until bell, fastened ON the inside, rang
loudly.
An elderly man appeared, turned the
key in the lock, and looked at me. |
asked if visitors were admitted. He
motioned me with courtly wave of his
hand, and bade me enter. l said l did
not wish to see any hopelessly insane or
violent patients.
The janitor directed me to a door in
the west side of the building, saying
that the patients would see in the main
sitting-room were all quiet and harm
less.
Entering the room indicated, 1 glanced
around rather uneasily. A number of
women were sitting quietly in their
chairs, looking toward the end of the
room. Good pictures were on the walls,
flowers and papers on the tables. At
| the far end of the room stood a grand
piano. Some one was playing a few
soft notes as | entered. | had not
noticed the musician until my glance
fell on the piano. Then started in sur
prise as my eyes beheld the loveliest
woman Ihad ever seen.
A cloud of golden hair was caught up
and coiled on the top of perfectly
shaped little head. Her figure, though
slight, was exquisitely moulded, and her
every movement betrayed grace.
could not see her face, as her back
was turned to me. AS 1 stood gazing at
her, waiting impatiently for her to turn
toward me, sne struck the keys little
louder aud began to sing. listened en-
tranced, for the notes that came were
swester than lark's song. had heard
the great Patti and most of the worlds
renowned singers, but the voice of this
unknown girl moved me as none had ever
/ before.
There was such a pathos thrilling
through the notes of the glorious voice
that tears unbidden rose to my eyes. AS
l brushed them away, half ashamed OF
my emotion, an elderly woman, sitting in
the middle of the room, called out,
"Enough, Miss Sibyl," and the music
ceased.
Then the singer turned and saw her
face. A face as pure and lovely as the
/ greatest artist could desire as a model,
was revealed to my gaze. The contour
OF her face was Grecian. The great
brown eyes held in their depths an ex-
preston of sadness. The straight nose,
the lips firm but sweet, the softly rounded
chin, betrayed the refinement of their
owner.
AS looked at this golden-haired girl
two feelings swoke in my breast.
pitied h'r-young, beautiful aud
accom- doomed to spend her life,
] or /" an asylum f0i
~ot becauss
hacanaa