Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-05-14

the younger physician seemed satisfied.
 We've got her attention. Now let us change our humor. No more of that kind, please, Miss Maxey. Something quieter and more soothing" Miss Maxey chose q volume of Bee, thoven and began a favorite sonata. The clasping hands still moved; the dark eyes still watched for the coming of the unknown horror, but there was change ill the indescri bable details that went t0 make up the dominant expression of the patients face-slight, gradual, scarcely perceptible except to practiced eyes ex' pecting it-but still a change. The younger man whispered energet- ically, "She's listeningP'
 Slowly, so slowly that it seemed an age to those who hoped to see the end, the clinging fingers forgot to separate themselves and take up new positions; the heretofore incessant motion of the nervous hands became less and less; ceased altogether; the palms rested against each other, quite still.
 The younger physicians growing ex- citement could restrain itself no longer.
 "Seer' he cried. "She sits quite mo- tionless! It is the first time in days. And there is another means which we have not yet tried. Won't you sing to us, Miss Maxey? Sing us the most tender and pathetic thing you know. ''
 The sound of the piano stopped abrupt ly. But the patient did not change her attitude. In all the many minutes, while Miss Maxey was searching for the song, she sat, seemingly inthralled, as if she listened still. The men of science felt themselves in the presence of something of which their learning told them nOth- ing. Gradually, as the music went on, she had inclined her head=a little to one side in the boise of a listener. So she still remained, now that the instrument was mute. It was hardly the posture of ex- pectancy.
 No, it seemed more as though the fec ble responses of the mysterious faculty that could rise up ill a mind quite blank at the sound of tender melody had not ceased to vibrate, as if the mournful ca dences were still echoing through the vacant chambers whence thought had flown. There was fear in the dark eyes still, but it no longer seemed the sum and substance of her life. In the very midst of her abstraction sound escaped her lips that caused the listeners to start.
 That was a sigh'' the younger man whispered.
 'Ah," " murmured his colleague, ''so thought. There may be something in your medicine after all'
 Miss Maxey had now made her selec- tion. It was Schubert's wonderful Ave Maria, song that has more depth and power of tenderness ill it than the soul which feels it can express. Miss MaXey had sweet voice, and she sang as though the music had a meaning
 Suddenly both physicians uttered a cry and sprang forward
 With changing face aid trembling limbs and reaching outward with her hands, like one groping ill the dark, the patient had arisen, had essayed even to walk. The attempt was far beyond her strength. She faltercd, swayed uttered the plaintive cry and fell like lead into the arms of one of the men. She had tainted
 ''What very curious case!' thought the gray haired physician as he took his departure. "It is unlike anything ill my experience.
 All the way through the city streets which led to the hospital he walked with his head bent down and his brow contracted. He was dissatisfied and un- decided.
 He had taken leave of the younger man at the door. The practitioner still fingered to advise Miss MaXey
 ''It will not do to repeat our expert ment of this afternoon too soon again. It would be running tCo great 8 risk. It might result in good, but it would be something more likely to result ill harm. The medicine is strong but have not supreme confidence in it. Be sure she is not disturbed tonight. "
 Good advice, Dr. Lamar. Excellent advice. And you have the will of de termined woman to back you, but there is something moro potent even than this, and it may not be possible, with the best of care, to do your bidding"
 The young doctor turned from the bed side to a contemplation of the serious face beside him. Itwas natural that his mind should wander from the sick girl to other affairs.
 ''1 have not seen your brother today, Miss Maxey. Where is he?''
 Miss Maxey informed him.
 Before her answer can be intelligibly recorded it is necessary to go back lit tie.