The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1896-11-24

was cousin of his?"
Mr.. Motion began to suspect tho
nature of her delusion. He resolved
to be diplomatic.
ooh yes, l knew that" he said.
80 you're n cousin OF Mr.. Lucas"
eyes, I'm here visiting him. I've
been here about two weeks. Mrs.
Lncas is 30 good to oil t&e-people
here, isn't she?"
eyes, indeed. She's very consider
ate"
Melton now understood the situa-
ton. This girl did not know that she
was In an asylum. They had told her
that she was visitor.
''It's n nice place TO como to visit"
said he. al came out here with a
friend of mine, gentleman named
Lowry. [ live in Chicago"
cob, yes. Well, Pm sure You'll
like 1T out here"
PPM sorry can't stay longer. I'm
going back to town tonight on the
late train"
"Going away tonight? ?"
eyes, | have 10 go to Milwaukee in
the morning.
"Why do you have to so there?"
I'm going mp to see about deal in
lumber. L may buy some hardwood
lumber up there"
Glow much?" she asked.
"We!l, she's inQuisitive enough"
thought he, but he was tolerant and
answered; "Oh, perhaps 1000, 900
feet"
COB, 1000, 900 feetl Won't that
be nice? hope you'll get it."
Melton was rather amused at her in
terest in his affairs. He began to
question her.
win you remain here long?" he
asked
mo, I'm going to leave in a few
days and go to New York. 1 have an
uncle there, and 1 expect to take
trip with him on yacht"
Melton repressed smile at the
references to The "uncle" and the
yacht. =" He resolved to investigate
further. lie had heard that patients
were always willing to talk of their
delusions.
III notice that you are wearing an
engagement ring" said he. $50 you
arc to be married, are youP"
For moment she appeared startled
and then she laughed heartily.
"Pm engaged to one of the incest
fellows il the world" said she.
You're not jealous, are you?"
This was more than Melton had
bnrgained for. He had been impelled
by the curiosity of the student, but
no was not enough of u ghoul to have
fun with the delusions of an unfor-
tunate girl. He had detected the
maniacal tone in her laugh.
"Oh, no" said no hastily. 81 con-
gratulate you"
She laughed again.
"lf L remain here I'll have her
violent" thought he. So he excused
himself and hurried over to rejoin
Lowry.
As they rode to the city on the late
train Melton told Lowry that the most
interesting patient he had met was
girl who thought she was only visitor
ut the asylum, and who expected to 90
to New York and ride on yacht, and
who, saddest of all, wore an engage
mcnt ring and really believed she was
soon to be married to come nice young
man, who existed only in her dis
ordered brain.
No longer ago than last week Mel
ton was at luncheon in quiet restau.
rant. iIo looked mp from the bill of
turo and saw at the next tablc-tbe
asylum girl
She was radinntly attired and was
chatting gayly with nn elderly woman.
"By George, sho's cured, said Mel
LDu TO himself. 81 wonder il she re-
members anything that happened. If
she does remember, it will DO mighty
embarrassing if she happens to rocog.
nizc me-"
Then he asked himself whether it
would be proper TO speak to her in
case she recognized him. Ho knew
the society rules as TO ballroom intro.
auctions, but he had never learned
what was good form IN the case OF
asylum introductions. n lac spoke to
her no would have TO refer To- their
former meeting. That would be pain.
ful to both Of them.
Suddenly the pretty girl looked
lO"HiA Nun hud gave startled "Oh ~
and thou blushed furiously. He was
recognizedl lie simply stared ut tho
bill OF fare TO hide his confusion.
The voice OF Superintendent Lucas
aroused him.
"This is Mr.. Melton, isn't it2 Como
over here. I want to tell You
story
mo, nor exclaimed the young
woman.
But Mr.. Lucas, who ha come into
the restaurant TO keep his appoint.
ment with the women, seized Melton
by the arm and led him over to the
other table.
"Mary," said he to the elderly
woman, chs IS Mr.. Melton, who came
out with Lowry that night. Melton,
I'm going to tell you this You've met
Miss Caldwell"