The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-06-13
THE WOMAN IN WHITE
BY WILLIAM w. COLLINS.

I groom on horseback, for the nearest med
| teal man. Mr.. Dawson. OF Oak Lodge.
Mr.. Dawson arrived In less than al
hours time. He was a respectable elder
| ly man. we'll known all round the coun
try. and we were much alarmed when W.
found that he considered the case TO b,
a very serious one.
His lordship the Count afrably entered
into conversation with Mr.. Dawson, and
gave his opinions with a tudicious free
dom. Mr.. Dawson. not overcourteously
inquired II his lordship's advice was the
advice OF the doctor: and being informed
that IL was advice OF one that bad stud
led medicine, unprofessionally, replied
that he was not accustomed TO consult
with amateur physicians. The Count
with truly Christian meeknesS OF temper
smiled. and left the room Before he
went out, he told me that he might be
found. in case he was wanted in the
course OF the day. at the boat-house on
the banks OF the lake. Why he should
have gone there, i can not say But he
did go, remaining away the whole day
till seven o'clock. which was dinner
time. Perhaps he wished TO set the exam
pie OF keeping the house as quiet as pos
sible II was entirely In his character TO
do so. He was a most considerate noble
man.
Miss Halcombe passed q very bad
night. the fever coming and going, and
getting worse toward morning. instead
of better. No nurse At 70 wait on her be-
ing near at hand In the neighborhood
her ladyship the Countess and myself,
undertook the duty relieving each other
Lady Clyde. most unwisely, insisted on
sitting up with us. She was much too
nervous and too delicate I'm health to
bear the anxiety OF Miss Halcombe's III
VRAA
without being OF the least real assistance
A more gentle and affectionate lady
never lived; but she cried. and she was
frightened-two weaknesses which made
her entirely unit to be present In a sick,
room
Sir Percival and the Count came In the
morning to make their inquiries
Sir Percival (from distress. presume.
at his ladys affiiction. and at Miss Hal
combes illness) appeared much confused
and unsettled In his mind His lordship
testified. on the contrary. a becoming
composure and interest He had his
straw hat in one hand and his book I'm
the other; and he mentioned 70 Sir Per-
oival, In my hearing. that he would no
out again and study at the lake. Let
US keep the house quiet" ne said. ''Iet
US not smoke indoors, my friend. now
Miss Halcombe Is Ill. You go your way
i
to be alone. Good morning. Mrs. Michel
SON"
Sir Percival was not civil snough-per-
haps. i ought In justice to say. not COM
posed enough--to take leave OF me with
the same polite attention. The only per-
son In the house, indeed. who treated me,
at that time or any other, on the footing
Of lady In distressed circumstances, was
the Count. He had tho manners of a
hA
ward every one. Even the young person
Fanny by name) who attended on Lady
Clyde was not beneath his notice When
She was sent away by Sir Percival his
ordship Showing mo his sweet little
birds at the time) was most kindly
anxious to know what had become OF her.
where she was to go to the day she left
Park and so on IL IL in
such little delicate attentions that the ad-
vantages or aristocratic birth always
show themselves. make no apology for
introducing these particulars; they are
forward In Justice TO his lord
hip; whose character, / have reason TO
know. Is viewed rather harshly in certain
quarters nobleman who can respect
4 lady In distressed circumstances. and
IAN take a fatherly interest I'm the for
tunes OF an humble servant girl shows
principles and feelings of too high an
N. Il
advance no opinions-I OFFER facts only.
Ny endeavor through life IA to Judge not.
mat be not judged. One OF my be-
loved husbands finest sermons was on
that text read II constantly-in my
own copy OF the edition printed by sub
scription, in the first days OF my widow
hood-and In every fresh perusal. Iderfve
IN icrease Of spiritual benefit and edifica-
ton.
Thare xvas 40 ,v,,nxo,,ox...-. A.. ~x, -,
combe. and the second night was even
worse than the first Mr.. Dawson was
constant In his attendance. The practi-
cal duties or nursing were still divided
between the countess and myself, Lady
Clyde persisting in sitting ND with us.
though we both entreated her TO take
some rest. hy place Is by Marian's
bedside" was her only answer whether
am Ill or well. nothing will induce me to
lose sight OF her"
Toward midday I went downstairs II
attend to some Of my regular duties An
hour afterward. on my way hack 70 the
sick rom. i saw the count (who had eone
out again early. for the third time) en-
tering the hall. 10 all appearances I'm the
highest good spirits. Sir Percival. at the
same moment. put his head out OF the
library door, and addressed his noble
Trend, with extreme eagerness, in these
words:
Have you found herr"
His lordship's large face became
dimpled all over with placid smiles. but
he made no reply in words At the same
time Sir Percival turned his head. oh.
served that was approaching the stairs.
and looked at me I'm the most rudely angry
possible
Come In here and tell me about H." he
said 10 the count Whenever there are
women in the house. they're always suro
to he going up or Downstairs"
my dear Percival." observed his lord
ship. kindly. Mrs. Nicholson has duties
Pray recognize her nimira1le perform
ance OF them as sincerely as I dol How
Is the sufferer. Mrs Nnchelson7"
NO better. my lord, regret 20 say"
"sad-most sadv' remarked the COM.
You look fatigued. Mrs Nicholson. N
Is certainly time YOU and my wife hal
some help In nursing. I think NAV be
the means OF Offering you that help. Cir
have happened which will
oblige Madame Fosco 10 travel 30 London,
either tomorrow or the day after. Shs
viii go away in the morning, and return
az night: and che will bring back with
her. 10 relieve you. n nurse OF excellent
pA a..