Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-03-19
q Uoman' S F ace
FLORENCE WARDEN
Continued.


Such civtlfty from the churlish Cros-
mont to man he hated and even
feared was an unmistakable sign that
he was seriously alarmed by the cOnd1-
ton to which his infamous treatment
had reduced his wife.
On arriving at The Crags, he refused
to dismount until Lord KiIdOnan, learn
ing that he had come, sent an urgent
message that he wished to see him.
Tin" CID ScOtchman was lying on the
sofa in the small room which divided
his library from his sleeping apart
ment. He raised himself to a sitting
posture as the doctor came in, and
held out a cold, cIammy hand to him.
How are you?" he said in a weak
voice I'm very glad to see you. I
have been 50 very seedy that l almost
thought Of sending for you, only it
seemed scarcely worth while. But as
you're here, perhaps you can find out
what is the matter with me-"
The doctor went to the window,
drew up the dark green blind, and let
in the daylight upon the patients
face.
"Yes," he said; "you certainly don't
look your best, Lord Kildonan. What
have you been doing? I think I can
guess already"
well, it's more than l can. [ have
done nothing that | haven't been doing
every day of my life for the last two
years"
Are you in the habit of taking
sleeping -draughts, them"
Never did such a thing in my life. -
"Ah, we'll, then, I'm on the wrong
tack. Will you tell me when and how
you first began to feel indisposed?"
1T was last night. | was not feeling
much inclined for work-so 7 found
when | set about it. 1t has sometimes
happened to me lately to feel heavy
and stupid at night-I'm growing old,
| suppOse-and I'm afraid of spelling
my book by writing when I'm not in
the vein. You see, DR.. ArmathWaite,
you can't expect to put anything but
your best, your most matured work,
before the notice of the men of science
whom | want to catch for my publica-
ton"
mo; / quite see that" said Armath-
waite grayely.
80 when | had had my whisky and
water and my biscuit generally take
a glass of whisky toddy at about half
past nine-I find it rather helps my
work than not"
quite So" said ArmathWaite, as the
last remark was made with a sugges-
ton of apology.
4 did very little writing before I
took my usual rest, feeling rather
droWsy."
And you went to sleep?'
mo. no. | didn't go to sleep"
'Ah, but | think you did, Lord Kill
domain" said Armathwaite, whose
hand, as he felt the pulse Of his
patient. had begun unaccOuntably to
shake, as if with rush of sudden ex-
element Nov, you don't remember
your wife coming in as usual last
night"
"Oh, but | do, though; | remember
it perfectly" he answered promptly.
Il was lying like this, with my hand
over my eyes, when she fluttered in,
like a dancing butterfly, as usual, and
took my hands away from my eyes and
kissed me, and waited a few minutes
as usual, and then fitted away again,
Oh, yes! l am never too drOwsy to re-
membec my wife's coming"
We'll, and them"
Then presently l began to work :;
but | couldn't do much, for I felt
dizzy and shivery, and before long l
was violently sick
You sent for Lady Kildonan then
l SUPPOSE"
what, wake the poor child out OF
her sleep to wait upon me. No, | was
very indignant when Johnson sug
gested it. He grew alarmed about
me, poor fellow, and thought was go
ing to die, | believe After few very
unpleasant hours, I managed to fall
asleep. and this morning | have moth
ing worse than headache.
"You have had these attacks before
you say?'
'Yes, the last bad one was about 6
month ago. | have had two slight
touches Of it since, but nothing tc
speak of.
well, Lord Kildonan," said Armath
waite, in a curiously constrained voice
after a short pause, 4 believe I cal
prevent your having these attacks
again. When see the next one com
ing on. shall ask your permission tC
spend the night with you"
when you see it coming on
echoed the patient in surprise.
Eyes; l believe, by a calculation
can make. if you give me the approX1
mate dates of the previous attacks,
can find out when the next will bt
due"
Dear me, dear me, that is yer.
clever" cried Lord Kildonan, in aston
ishment and admiration.
"Oh, not when one has studied these
things" said the young doctor modest
ly, as he rose to go. "Of course,
may be wrong. In any case | strongly
advise you not to mention your indis
position to Lady Kildonan until We
have found a complete cure for it
Most certainly l shall not" sale
the patient, still overwhelmed by the
young mans sagacity. Il always avoiC
giving her the least trouble or uneasi
ness she can possibly be spared. 1t i:
the least l can do when the child il
the very light Of my life.
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