The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-14

fMmeMN said. That was a
 SNHGk very clever cure
 4 you effected in my
 friend Russers
 case"
 'That was nothing replied. T dis covered that my predecessor in the case had made a mistake in his diagnosis and was treating the patient for an im- aefnary disease, thereby aggravating the one from which he was really suffering. I simply reversed the treatment. where upon the patient, who is a man of excel lent constitution, began to mend directly You are modest, doctor" he said laughingly. However, I have sufficient confidence in your judgment to ask your advice in a somewhat delicate matter. The delicacy lies in the circumstance that the patient must be kept in ignorance of the fact that she is being observed. It is my wife, Mrs. Springthorpe. to whom I refer. She has been in failing health for some time. but from what cause cannot ascertain. Our family physician, pr. Hollister in whom I place implicit trust, confesses himself entirely at fault and would be very glad of your opinion, but Mrs. springthorpe is firm in her re- fusal to see another physician. There fore you will have to conceal the real ob- ject of your visit under the guise Of friendship"
 "Can you give me any idea of the symptoms?" I asked.
 Nothing but wasting away. fading from day to day, a mysterious sapping of the foundations of vitality"
 Has Dr. Hollister formed any opin- ion?'
 'He Is inclined to believe that the trouble is mental. that she has some brain disease or that she has something on her mind. the anxiety of which is killing her. But that. of course. we know to be impossible.
 T must confesss that you have aroused my professional curiosity said. 'and I shall be happy to see Mrs. Spring thorpe and compare notes with Dr. Hol- lister''
 Thank you doctor. As have already intimated, 1t would not do for you to come openly in your professional capac- ity, but I shall be entertaining a few friends Christmas week at Gravelly Grange my North Carolina country place-you know we live in a very quiet way. as Mrs. Springthorpe does not care for town life-and shall be very glad If you would make one of them"
 Nothing could better fit in with my own ideas," replied. If the case pre- sents any difficulty, shall be more like ly to arrive at a correct opinion from ran- dom observations"
 "Very well, then, doctor; we shall ex- pect you on Monday"
 
 cravelly Grange was a red brick edi- flee faced with stone. in the style known as colonial Upon my arrival I had sacrcely time to change my dress when a knock came at my door, and Spring thorpe entered.
 "I believe we tacitly agreed not to dis cuss the real object of your visit. but must express my great anxiety for my wifes health. I am afraid if this mys- S@ nAf NhANkad Mrs Springthorpe is not long for this world I must tell you that we are an ex- ceptionally affectionate and devoted cou- pie. although am nearly twice her age. and the separation would be a cruel blow to me. As we grow older our attach fnents become stronger or our sensibili- f ties more keen. Come: I Will introduce you to Mrs. Springthorpe."
 One glance told me as much as should probably ever know of Mrs. Spring thorpe's case Tn the emaciated lines of her face read phthisis, and there was a furtive, hunted look in the eyes that as plainly spoke of mental trouble I saw, foo that she was no ordinary person. was surprised to detect f1eettng ex- nrension of recognition at sight of me. but 1t passed so quickly that should have thought myself mistaken had not springthorpe. also observing it. asked: Have you two met beforeT'
 ''No," replied, at least not 10 my recollection"
 :Sshe smiled sweetly and extended her hand.
 have nver met"
 At the sound of her voice I started, for there was tone which struck my ear as familiar; but, although I scrut- nized her countenance. I certainly dld not remember having seen that face.
 fa tr sur prised' said Springthorpe.
 Pardon me" I said. "but 1t seems to me that have heard Mrs. Springthorpe's voice before, though under what circum- stances have not the remotest idea
 How singularn' said Springthorpe.
 "Perhaps Dr. Norris will presently re- collect whose voice it is of which mine reminds him." Mrs. Springthorpe said.
 ''Very likely" I replied.
 During dinner was unusually dull and pensive. Mrs. Springthorpe's voice haunt ed me. Every time she spoke I involun- tarily looked up, expecting to encounter a familiar face.
 After dinner, when we had rejoined the ladies and the other guests were either chatting in couples or grouped about the piano. Mrs. Springthorpe came and sat beside me.
 well" she asked "have you found the owner of the voice?" The speech was accompanied by a slight. peculiar gesture, one of those lit- tie nervous tricks of manner to which we are all subject and which so clearly mark our Individuality. In this case it supplied me with the missing link of evil dence and enabled me at once to reply:
 "Yes: it has just occurred to me"
 "Who was it?"
 "A lady who once called to consult me professionally"
 .Indeed?"
 Her tone implied desire for further information. so I proceeded:
 Tt was about six years ago. I was then a struggling young physician, nurs- .A.A....::.A A::.y: AAs:.::H %:sss.sgs! ~~;.:E.~< EH.:3:.:~ @:.H:s @::::ssfiss~ %:::ss:s :::::.: <