Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-12-05

had already been awakened. and when
tried to comprehend his taking oft. was SO
frerzied that l could think of nothing but
revenge. 1 suppose ii vas that
Amelia spoke with perfect calmness, not
only to the surprise but admiration Of the
doctor. He couldn't have viewed the CIR
cumstances more coolly himself.
IF it had oeen possible for me-" con-
tnued Amelia, muSingly. Ito go to any
body for sympathy. it might have been be-.
ter. and l might have acted differently. but
there was no ore. There was little genuine
Intimacy between me and Louise, and l
rever could have told her such secret.
She would have-but never mind. Louise
is not heartess. She simply looks at things
differently. Besides. 1 was called on to
comfort her. as at the start she was much
alarmed. How selfish of me! 1 haven't
asked about her,
Louise is well enough for aught know"
said the doctor. Il see little of the house
hold My attention has been taken wholly
by YOU.
Amelia smiled gratefully.
1T doesn't seem SO strange to be loyad
Row. she said, after moment, land, you
krow. l feel as if somehow that other feel
ing, terribly as it was broken upon, served
a purpose in preparing me for this. Is that
an unworthy thought
NO, my dear girl responded the doctor,
profoundly moved Il think it is a wiser
thought than any l could find in my own
poor head. 1t may be the explanation of
my case. though how l could ever have
loved anybody bat you, l cannot see now"
Amelia pressed his hand gently and closed
her eyes. The doctor watched her with
sense of alteration, as nature peacefully
called her back to health-rest oring sleep.
Suddenly thought of his mother occurred
to the doctor. Had she heen present during
this intimate conversation? He turned his
head. She was not in the ROOM Mrs.
Williams had stolen cut silently as soon as
the patent began to speak She met the
professor at the head of the stairs.
Mrs. Williams" he said, anXiously. my
daughter would not come down to lunch
con, and refuses to open the door to re-
ceive or ything. I'm afraid she's i'll. hate
to disturb the doctor. Would you mind
seeing whether you can't bring her to her
SenSeS?
Il will speak to her at once" replied Mrs
Williams.
She went to Louises room. and after
few words, the door was opened. She en-
tered and remained with the unhappy girl
for more than an hour. While she was gone
Mrs. Appleton knocked at Amelia's door.
The patient was then asleep.
Somebody to see you, doctor" said Mrs.
Appleton. He says it's urgent"
Send my mother in" returned the doctor.
They went down the corridor together to
the stairs. The doctor descended, while
Mrs. Appleton went on to I.ouises ROOM
DR.. Williams found a man at the door whose
wife was ill. She was patient of the doc
tors. and, like others. had been somewhat
neglected recently. The doctor heard the
mans story, wrote prescription promised
to call during the afternoon or evening and
FASTENED back up the stairs. AS he turned
into the upper corridor he saw Betsey glid-
ing into Ameia's room She left the door
open.
Greatly startled. for any happening in
Fairview was suspicious. the doctor went
forward rapidly, but tip-toe. If any vii
lainy were afoot he not only wanted to pre-
vent it, but to arrive in time to see unmis-
takably what was intended. AS he came
near the door he could see the alcove Bet
sey was not near the bed. What. then, was
she up to?
He peered cautiously around the door
jamb. The woman was at the center table,
with her back to him. Three bottles of
medicine were there. She took them I'D one
after another, and seemed to be regarding
them attentively.
Presently she selected one, glided with it
noiselessly to the window, and poured it's
contents out.
The doctor drew back as she turned
around. He heard her at the table again,
and again he looked in, more than half ex-
pecting to see her refilling the bottle with
something she had brought with her. but nc:
after a momentary hesitation she took the
other two bottles. carried them to the win
dow, and their contents. too, fell into the
MniSki.
CTo be continued tomorrow)