The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1898-07-14

| VA aiuoiSicy 10 CoHCcTueu--dHu that
is point, a great point, in Mr.. Alder
| sley's favor. / give him the benefit Of
the doubt,as the lawyers say. Does Miss
| Burnham give him the benefit of the
| doubt, too? i hardly dare hope it,
| confess"
alarmed me-" Mrs. Crawford answered
Il was just thinking of sending for
you, when we met here"
With those Introductory words she
told the doctor exactly what had hap
pened; repeating. not only the CONVEX
sation of that morning between Clara
and herself, but also the words which
had fallen from Clara in the trance of
the past night.
The doctor listened attentively.
Little by little, its easy smiling COM
posture vanished from his face as Mrs.
pletely transformed into grave and
thoughtful man.
Let us go and look at her." he said.
He seated himself by Clara's side,
and carefully studied her face, with his
hand on her pulse. There was no SYM
pathy here, between the dreamy mys-
tical temperament of the patient and
the downright practical character of
the doctor. Clara secretly disliked her
medical attendant She submitted i'm
patiently to the close investigation of
which he made her the object. He
h., oL1 a.;
tably. Advancing a step further (the
doctor was not easily discouraged he
adverted to the news of the expedi-
ton, and took up the tone of remon-
strances that had been already adopted
by Mrs. Crawford. Clara declined to
discuss the question. She rose with
formal polheness. and requested per-
mission to return to the house. The
doctor attempted no further resist
ance. by all means, Miss Burnham,'
he answered, resignedly-having first
cast look at Mrs. Crawford which said
plainly, Stay here with me-" Clara
bowed her Acknowledgements in cold
silence, and left them together. The
doctors bright eyes followed the girls
wasted, yet still graceful figure, as it
slowly receded from view, with an ex-
preston of grave anxiety, which Mrs
Crawford noticed with grave misgiving
on her side. He said nothing until
Clara had disappeared under the We
randa which ran around the garden
side of the house.
81 think you told me- he began,
that Miss Burnham has neither faith
er nor mother living?"
Eyes. Miss Burnham is an orphan"
"Has she any near relatives?"
mo. You may speak to me as her
guardian and her friend. Are you
alarmed about herr"
II am seriously alarmed 1t is only
two days since called here last-and
I see a marked change in her for the
worse. Physically and morally
change for the worse. Don't needless
ly alarm yourself. The case is not. |
trust entirely beyond the reach of rem
edy. The great hope for us is In the
hope that Mr.. Aldersley may still be
living. In that event, l should feel
no misgivings about the future. Her
marriage would make a healthy and
happy woman of her. But. as things
are, / own / dread that settled convic-
ton in her mind that Mr.. Aldersley is
| dead, and that her own death is soon
| to follow. In her present state of
health. that idea (haunting her. as 1t
certainly will. day and night, will
have it's influence on her body as well
as on her mind. Unless we can check
the mischief her last reserve of
strength will give way. II you wish
for other advice, by all means send for
1t. You have my opinion
II am quite satisfied with your opin-
ion." Mrs. Crawford replied. ct is
| your advice l want. For Gods sake,
| tell me what we can do"
1--WE can try a complete change"
said the doctor. I'VE can remove her
| from this place"
"She will refuse to leave it," Mrs.
| Crawford replied. Il have more than
once proposed a change to her-and
she always says No."
The doctor paused for a moment,
| like a man collecting his thoughts.
81 heard something on my way here"
ne proceeded, which suggests to my
mind method of meeting the difficult
ty that you have just mentioned. I'm
| less am entirely mistaken, Miss Burn
ham will not say no to the change
have in view for her"
What is it," asked Mrs. Crawford.
| eagerly.
| Pardon me IL ask you a question
on my part, before reply" said the