Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-09-30
CHAPTER Xxx.

wife. who, although she had been gently
warned both by him and by Frank Ar
mathwaite. had been unable to recognize
the possibility that the husband who had
always been submissive to her every wish
should fatty assert his authority, after
all these years, by dying without her per-
mission. Armathwaite uttered such con-
solutions to the bereaved family as were
called for by the circumstances, then he
left with brotherly caress, and in a few
minutes was well on his way to Mereside
1t was Crosmont himself who opened
the door of the big house on the hill in
answer to Armathwaite's ring. The
agent looked by this time absolutely i'll;
his sallow face was flushed, while the
lines and burrows in it had grown so deep
that they seemed to be dark gray color;
his eyes were sunken and CLASSY, and his
movements restless and nervous: his
whole appearance and manner seemed to
suggest chat he had been drinking.
"You have been long time" he said,
Il thought you were not coming" He
was leading the way along the hall. At
the foot of the staircase he turned. and
said, hurriedly. "And so the old doctor
is dead. Lady Kildonan has just called
to say so"
They entered the sick room together. It
was full Of light; for the faithful Nanny,
who now hung over the bed where her
mistress lay, calling to her in loud but
kindly accents, had conceived the idea
that the darkness could but favor the dam
gerous slumber, and had placed lamps and
candles of all sorts and sizes in every cor
ner. Armathwaite dismissed the good
hearted maid on some errand, and glanc-
ed from his patient to the guilty husband,
who stood at little distance with his
head turned away, tapping the floor i'm
patiently with his foot
"You have called me in to attend your
wife, therefore we can be frank with one
another, for we meet no longer as man
| and man. but as doctor and patient, and
secrets are sacred between u.s.
Crosmont started, and flashed savage
look across at him. while the flush on
his face grew deeper.
Secrets" he began.
Your wife, Mr.. Crosmont," continued
Armathwaite, looking at him steadily, ''is
not in natural sleep, but in a trance,
brought on by long and persistent subjec-
ton to mesmeric Influences 1t is for you
to decide whether this indisputable fact
Is or is not secret
Yes. well did it," admitted Crosmont.
"She was restless. and used to soothe her
that way and make her sleep. l did it in
kindness. mind-in kindness. l found out
l had that power over her--the power Of
affection. pure affection. long ago, and l
used it for her good, you understand--for
her good" he repeated. with feversh en-
phasis. And u could wake her when
pleased until to-day. She has never slept
so long before. / don't know why.
don't know what has happened. But
have lost the power-lost it: it has gone
from me. do you see? Quite gone. Can
you do anything"
Il think so, Mr.. Crosmont"
Ned drew long breath of relief: then,
indicating his wife almost without glanc-
ing in her direction. he said:
well, make her open her eyes-n1akc
her speak"
Il want to impose a condition upon you
first"
what is it," M
THAT if I restore Mrs. Crosmont to
consciousness Immediately, you will put
her under my charge until her recovery is
complete, and in the meantime give me
your word of honor as a gentleman that
You will discontinue the-the interesting
scientific experiments to which your wife
has SO nearly become victim"
YES" muttered the agent shortly.
hardly forming the word.
Armathwaite took both the livid. list
less hands in his left, while he passed his
right palm several times swiftly and frm-
ly down the arms from shoulder to wrist.
The patient was sensitive to the very FIRST
touch. When, after a few moments. he
asked in low voice: "Are you awake ~
she opened her eyes and smiled feebly at
him.
II thought was dead" she murmured.
in a weak and broken voice. Then, WITH
shudder, she closed her eyes and sank
back again.
''Well. you're mighty ungrateful wom-
an! burst out Crosmont sun9nly and,
with half-angry. half-contemptuou nod
to the doctor, he swung himself out of the
room. banging the door with a violence
which made the corridor echo and the
windows rattle.
CHAPTER XXI.
Much to the establishment of his wife,
and a little to the surprise of Arma-
thwaite himself, Ned Crosmont kept his
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