The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-09-16


she had dreams; or rather an occa-
sional recurrence of that one bad dream
with all its strange sensations-it was
more like hallucination than dream
ing-the whirring of wheels, the sink
ing into an abyss; the struggling back
to consciousness. She had the dream
shortly after she left Cap Ferrino, but
not since she had come to Bellaggio, and
she began to hope the air in this lake
district suited her better, and that those
strange sensations would never return.
Mr.. Stafford wrote prescription and
had it made up at the chemists near the
hotel. It was powerful tonic, and
after two bottles, and o row or two on
the lake. and some rambling over the
hills and in the meadows where the
spring flowers made earth seem Para
disc, Bella's spirits and looks improved
as if by magic.
1T is wonderful tonic" she said,
but perhaps in heart of hearts she knew
that the doctors kind voice, and the
friendly hand that helped her in and
out Of the boat, and the watchful care
that went with her by land and lake,
had sonnet hing to do with her cure.
II hope you don't forget that her
mother makes mantles," Lolita said,
warningly.
"Or match boxes; it is just the same
thing, so far as l am concerned"
you mean that in no circumstances
could you think Of marrying herr
II mean that if ever l love a woman
we'll enough to think of marrying her,
! riches or rank will count for nothing
with me. But fear-I fear your poor
friend may not live to be any mans
wife"
do you think her so very illY'
He sighed, and left the question un
answered.
| CHAPTER VII.
One day, while they were gathering
told Mr.. Stafford about her unpleasant
dream.
1T is curious only because it is hardly
like dream" she said. II dare say
| you could find some common sense rea-
son for it. The position Of my head on
my pillow, or the atmosphere, or some
thing"
And then she described her ssnsa-
tions; how in the midst of sleep there
came a sudden sense of suffocation; and
then those whirring wheels, so loud, so
terrible; and then a blank, and then a
coming back to waking consciousness.
Have you ever had chloroform given
you-by dentist, for instancef"
Never. DR.. Parravicini asked me
that question one day."
"Lately?"
"No; long ago, when we were in the
train de luxe"
Has DR.. Parravicini prescribed for
you since you began to feel weak and
illg"
"Oh, he has given me tonic from
time to time, but hate medicine and
took very little Of the stuff. And then
am not i'll. only weaker than / used to
be. was ridiculously strong and well
when / lived at Walworth, and used to
take long walks every day. Mother
made me take those tramps to Dulwich
or Norwood, for fear I should suffer
from too much sewing. machine; some
times-but very seldom--she went
with me. She was generally toiling al
home while l was enjoying fresh all
and exercise. And she was very care
tul about our food-that, however
plain it was, it should be always nour
ishing and ample. owe it to her care
that | grew up such great, strong
creature"
You don't look great or strong now
you poor DEAR said Lotta.
I'm afraid Italydoesn't agree will
me-"
Perhaps it is not Italy, but bein,
cooped up with Lady Ducayne that ha
!, made you ILL.,"
But ] am never cooped up. Lad
Ducayne is absurdly kind, and lets IN
, roam about or sit in the balcony all da
II like. have read more novels sine
T have been with her than in all tn
), rest OF my life."