The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-03-08
CHAPTER v.
WHAT THREE MONTHS BRING FORTH.

CHAPTER v.
WHAT THREE MONTHS BRING FORTH.
IL would be idle to attempt TO de.
scribe the effect produced at San Diego
by this double catastrophe-the drown
ing of little Walt, the insanity of the
captains wife. The reader already
knows of the deep sympathy felt for
the Allaire family by the residents of
the city and of the lively interest which
they took in the welfare of the young
captain. Although scarcely fortnight
since he had sailed, terrible calamity
had robbed him Of his infant son and
his wife OF her reason. Upon his re-
turn he would search his forlorn home
in vain for little Waits smiling face,
and there would be no wife to welcome
him joyfully and tenderly. Molly would
not even know that it was he. And as
the Dreadnaught reentered the harbor
no cheer would go up. She would be
received in dead silence.
But IL would not do TO await the re-
turn Of John Allaire before telling him
of the dread misfortune which had
overtalsen him. Mr.. Hollister could not
for a moment think of leaving the
young captain in ignorance of what had
happened, at the risk of his coming ac-
cidentally upon some fact or circum-
stance which might make known the
terrible truth TO him. The only course
for the merchant to pursue was to send
o dispatch to his correspondent at
Singapore. In this way Capt. John
would be informed of the awful cslami-
ty before his arrival in the Indies.
And yet Andrew Hollister desired 70
delay the sending of this dispatch for
brief period. Possibly Mollys reason
was not irrevocably lost. Who could
say that the tender care lavished upon
her might not restore her shattered in
tellect? Why strike John double
blow by informing him of the death of
his child and the insanity of his wife
II this insanity was not to be of long
continuance?
After consultation with Lew and
Kate Barker, Mr.. Hollister resolved TO
delay action until the physicians should
make definite statement in regard to
Molly's mental condition. In all cases
of sudden loss of reason there is more
hope Of a cure than when the mental
is due TO gradual untixing
of the mind. Hence delay of several
days, possibly several weeks, was de-
upon.
The first definite report Of the physi-
clans was TO the effect that Molly's in
sanity would be likely TO take the form
Of a mild and gentle melancholy.
every remembrance of her terrible
Misfortune had faded from her mind.
Ser eyes were fearless. her gaze dull
and listless. She seemed TO see moth
ing, to hear nothing. She was no
longer of this world. Her life WIS
mere physical existence.
Such was the condition Of Mrs.
Allaire during the first month follo;v-
ng the accident. The question now
arose whether IL was expedient TO plac.
Ter In a private hospital where she
could have special treatment. Mr..
Hollister took this view of the matter
Ind 1t would have been done had not
Lew Barker intervened with another
Seeking out Mr.. nollister In his |
private Office, Lew Barker thus I'D |
dressed him: ut seems to be agreed |
low that Molly's insanity is no, uf a |
dangerous character, calling for her |
confinement, and since she has no other
amily excepting us we ask that she be |
TO our care. Molly wns de-
'otedly attached TO my wife, and, who |
Inows, possibly Kate's supervisory, Of
Ter may be productive of better re-
uits than that of total stra.agers.
should any symptoms OF a critical ma
'rre show themselves il would be time |
nough then TO take any necessary
teps. Don't you think 30, Mr.. Hollis
er2"
There was certain hesitation In the
nanner of the honest shipper as be
nade reply. for there existed but little
between him and Le,r Bar
er, although he knew nothing at thi.
me Of the mans entangled affairs, and
ad no ground TO suspect his hJii .sty.
"Since you are willing TO assume this
replied Mr.. Hollister,
] don't see any objection. Mr.. Barker,
Molly's being intrusted % the care
her cousin. whose devotion cannot
Dr. moment bs called into question"
"A Devotion" added Lew Barker,
which will never be found wanting"
But as the man uttered these words
ne listener caught that cold, unpleasant,
,atter-of-fact impression which Barker
ound IL impossible to rid himself OF.
Your proposition does you credit"
esumed MIR. Hollister. However, one
hng occurs 20 me. Tquestion whether
our house in Fleet street, situated as IL
IN the center Of tho noisy commercial
usrter. would present conditions favor.