Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1898-02-16
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CHAPTER I.


CHAPTER I.
II was the close OF an autumn day, and
Or. Stephen Letsom had been standing
for some time at his window watching
the sun go down. 1t faded slowly out OF
the western sky. There was something oi
sadness in the whole aspect OF nature.
The doctor evidently shared it. The face
looking from the window was anything
but cheerful one. He was to all intenti
and purposes a disappointed man. 1ears
before, when his eyes were bright with
the fires Of youth, and hope was strong
In his heart. he had invested such money
as he possessed in the purchase of n prac-
tice at Castledene, and it had proved to
be failure-why. no one exactly knew.
Castledene was one OF the prettlest little
towns in Kent. 1t had a town-hall, mar
ket-place, a weekly market, and the re-
mains of a fine old castle: but 1t was prln-
cipally distinguished for its races, year
Iy event which brought a great influx or
visitors TO the town. 1t was half burlea
in foliage, surrounded by dense woods and
green hills, with clear, swift river run
ming by. The inhabitants were dlvlded
into three distinct classes-the poor, VINO
gnined scanty livelihood by working IN
the fields, the shop-keepers, and the gem
try. the latter class consisting principally
OF old maids and widows, ladies of un'
blemished gentility and limited means.
Among the latter DR.. Letsom was mol
popular. He had an unpleasant fashion
OF calling everything by its right name.
II lady would take little more sum.
ulant than was good for her, he couId
not be persuaded to call her compialht
nervousness" when idleness and enhm
preyed upon languid frame, he had d
startling habit of rousing the patent nJ
mental cautery. The poor idolized him,
hut the ladies pronounced him coarse,
abrupt, unpleasing; and when ladies de-
cida against a doctor. fate frowns upor
him.
Matters were growing desperate,
thought DR.. Lctsom on this autumn
night, as be stood watching the chrysan-
shepaIas and ths fsfss lshs In z &c Mss5,
obtaining Z pens 6ouseereper,
had long been evincing
at discomfort. She had not
,,yh for her requirements-she wanted
oney for a hundred different things
md the doctor had none to give her.
He was almost tired OF the struggle
life had not been a grand success Win
him: he had worked hard. yet nothing nae
seemed TO prosper. In his early youth
he had loved a bright, pretty girl, who
had looked forward to becoming his wife;
but he had never married, simply because
he had not had the means, and the pretty
girl had died a sad, disappointed woman.
Now, as he watched the stars, ne fancled
them shining on her grave: he fahc.eu
the grass waving above her head, so long
Il -lN- Ca Il q
and he wished that he were lying by hei
eide. free from care, and at rest.
He was turning away, with a feeling OF
e,utemDt for his own weakness, when he
was startled by the sound Of "a vehicle
driven furiously down Castle street. Ste
oheu Letsom stood still and watched. bic
saw travelling carriage. with two horses,
driven RAPIDLY up to the door of the prin-
cinaI hotel-the Castle ATms-and there
stand for some minutes; but after time
the horses heads were turned, and then,
like a roll of thunder. came the noise OF
the carriage wheels.
The vehicle drew up before his door,
and the doctor stood for few moments
as though paralyzed. Then came vio-
lent neal of the door bell; and he, know
ing tbat Mrs. Galbraith had retired for
the evening. went to answer it. There.
indeed. in the starlight, were the hand
some travelling carriage, the pair of gray
horses. and the position. Stephen Let
som looked about him like one in dream.
He had been twenty years in the place,
ret no carriage had ever stopped at hls
door.
He heard quick. impatient voice, say
ing:
Are you the doctor-Dr. Letsom?"
Of ha nd
the doctor saw a tall, distinguished look.
ing man, wrapped in travelling cloak
eman whose face and manner indicated at
once that he belonged to the upper ranks
of society. DR.. Stephen LetsOm was
quick to recognize that fact.
Il nm the DOCTOR he replied quietly.
."Then. for heavens sake, help me! ]
am almost mad. My wife has been sud.
denly taken i'll, and | have been to the
hotel. where they tell me they have not a
room in which they can lodge her. The
thing is incredible. You must help me-
II will DO what / can." returned the
doctor.
Had fortune indeed knocked at his door
at last?
He went to the carriage door, and, look
In inside, saw q lady, young and beau.
tiful. who stretched out her hands to him.
as though appealing for help.
Il am very ill.," she moaned feebly.
DR.. Letsom guessed so much from her
paIlid face and shadowed eyes.
What is the matter with your wife ?''
he asked of the strange gentleman, who
bent down and whispered something that
made Or. Letsom himself look anxious
Now, DOCTOR" said the traveller. ait is
useless TO raise objections. You see how
the matter stands; my wife must stop
here. The hotel is full Of visitors--people
who are here for the races. There is no.
where else for her 20 go-she must stay
here"
Wait one moment" said the doctor;
and he FASTENED to rouse his housekeeper,
who. curious and interested, eXerted her.
sell so as TO satisfy even the stranger.
Then the strange lady, all white and
tren.J,fng. was helped down from the car
ria-e ii.o tie dOGtors shabby little par
lor.
Am | going to die?'' she asked, raising
her large blue eyes to the doctors face.
Certainly not" he replied, promptly,
"Jou must not think Of dying"
Have you any brandy In the rouse-
asked the traveller. See how my wife
trembles."
Alas for the poor doctor! There was
neither brandy nor wine. With an impa-
tient murmur, the stranger called to the
position and sent him to the Castle Arms
with such an order as made Mrs. Gal
braith open her eyes in wonder. Then,
without seeming to notice the doctor or
his servant. be flung hiwsals On his knees