Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-01-14

~ DO not take tle Chtnese!
It was admirably cooked and served.
As it proceeded we chatted on various
minor matters-literature Of all ma
tions, music and painting-and it was
not until we had finished and the cloth
had been removed and we were alone
together that my hostess touched upon
the reason of my presence on board.
"You know, Of course, DR. De Nor
manville," she said, ensconcing herself
in big chair when we had left the
table, "why sent for you?''
1T was explained to ME by your
messenger. But must confess | do not
quite understand it yet He said some
thing about an island. "
"And he was quite right An out
break Of smallpox has occurred on the
island which l make my depot. Where
that island is cannot Of course tell
you. But you will see it for yourself
soon enough. In the meantime may
inform you that the havoc wrought BY
the disease has been terrible. and 1t was
only when found that could make no
headway against it myself that | deter
mined to send to Hohgkong for assist
ance. To get hold of you was piece OF
good fortune did not expect. "
| bowed my acknowledgment of the
compliment she paid me and asked if
she herself had been much among the
cases
"Why, of course'' she answered
my poor people call me their mother
and naturally turn to me for assistance
in their trouble 1t went to my very
heart not to be able to help them.
But were you quite wise, do you
think. to run so much risk?"
~ did not think of myself at all
How could 1? Do you think Of the risk
you run when you are called in to an
infectious case?"
"Itake all proper precaution, at least
When were you vaccinated last, may l
ask?'
"In Rome, in June, 1888 E"
"Then, with your mission, I'll do it
again, and at once. You cannot be too
careful"
Receiving her assent went off to my
cabin, where | had noticed that large
portion of my medical outfit had been
stored, and having obtained what |
sought returned with it to the saloon.
Allie, for by that name must hencefor
ward call her. was waiting for me, her
arm barred to the shoulder. Never, if l
live to be hundred. shall | forget the
impression that snow white arm made
upon me. 1t seemed like all act of basest
sacrilege to perform even such simple
operation upon it. Beelzebub, the bull
dog. evidently thought so, too, for he
watched me attentively enough during
the whole Of the time it took me How
ever, it. had to be done, and done it &C
cordingly was. Then, when | had put
. my paraphernalia back into its case, l
bade her goodby and turned to 60 She
stopped me, however. and held out her
hand
"Do you know, DR. De Normanville,
| want to make you like me. want
you to forget. if you can-while you
are with us, at any rate-the stories
you have heard about me Some day
perhaps will attempt to show you that
am not altogether as bad as people
have painted me. "
For the moment was so completely
carried away by her outburst of girlish
frankness that | hardly knew what to
say
/" Pom my soul, really don believe
you are, blurted out, like school
boy.
"Thank you for that, at least, > she
said, smiling at my earnestness, and
then, making me little courtesy. she
turned and disappeared through the
door by which she had first entered the
saloon
After dinner, of which partook IN
the officers messroom, returned to the
deck. 1t was nearly = O'Clock, and as