Evening star., 1917-11-11

Mrs. Roger Cranston." began Kennedy.
after the usual formalities. DR.. Burr
eyed US askance. I've been asked by
Mr.. Cranston to make an examination
of his wife," pursued Craig, presenting
the card which he had obtained from
Roger Cranston.
.H'm!" unused DR.. Burr. looking
quickly from the card to Kennedy with
a searching glance.
II wish you would tell me something
of the case before I see her." went on
Kennedy. with absolute assurance.
Well" temporized DR.. Burr, twirl-
me after the death of her child. She
was in a terrible state. But we are
slowly building up her shattered nerves
by plain. simple living and a tonic
Was she committed by her hus-
band?' queried Kennedy, unexpectedly.
Whether or not DIR. Burr felt sus-
picious Of US 1 could not tell. But he
seemed eager to justify himself.
Il have the papers committing her to
my care" he said. rising and opening
a safe in the corner.
He laid before US a document In which
appeared the names of Roger Cranston
and Julia Giles.
who is this Julia Giles?" asked Ken
nedy. after he had read the document.
"One of our nurses" returned the
doctor. "She has had Mrs. Cranston un-
der observation ever since she arriv-
ed"
II should like to see both Miss Giles
and Mrs. Cranston," insisted Kennedy.
1t is not that Mr.. Cranston is in any
way dissatisfied with your treatment.
but he thought that perhaps l might
be of some assistance to you
kennedy's manner was ingratiating
but firm. and he hurried on, lest 1t
should occur to DR.. Burr to call up
Cranston. The doctor, still twirling the
central hall and up an old-fashioned
winding staircase to a large room on
the second floor.
He tapped at the door. which was
opened. disclosing an interior taste
fully furnished.
Giles. conveying the impression. which
Kennedy had already given, that he was
a specialist and l an assistant.
Janet Cranston was young and also
see traces of sorrow in her face. which
was exec edingly, though not unpleas-
ingly, pale. he restless brilliancy Of
her eyes spoke Of some physical, II not
She was dressed in deep mourning.
which heightened her pallor and excit-
ed a feeling Of mingled respect and
interest. Thick brown coils OF chest
ner as to give an extremely youthful
appearance to her delicate face. Her
emotions were expressed by the con-
stant motion of her slender fingers.
Miss Giles was a striking woman OF
an entirely different type. She seemed
to be exuberant with health. as though
nursing had taught her not merely how
to take care of others. but had given
for herself.
1 could see. as DR.. Burr introduced
us to his patient. that Mrs. Cranston In
stantly recognized Kennedy's interest
in her case. She received US with
graceful courtesy. but she betrayed no
undue interest that might excite sus-
picion, nor was there any hint given
Of the note Of appeal wondered
whether that might not be an instance
of the cunning for which I had heard
that the insane are noted. She showed
no sign Of insanity. however.
I looked about curiously to see II
there were evidences Of the treatment
which she was receiving. On table
stood bottle and glass. as well as
teaspoon. and recalled the doctors re-
mark about the tonic.
You look tired. Mrs. Cranston. re-
marked Kennedy. thoughtfully. Why
not rest while we are here, and then
will be sure my visit has had no Ill
effects?''
AS he spoke. Kennedy arranged the
pillows on a chaise Tongue and placed
her on it. with her head slightly ele-
waited. Having discussed the subject
of psychanalysis with Kennedy before.
distract her from the free association
Of ideas.
He placed himself near her head. and
motioned to US to stand farther back of
him, where she could not see US.
avoid all muscular exertion and dis
traction" he continued. II want you to
concentrate your attention thoroughly.
Tell me anything that comes Into your
mind. Tell all you know Of your symp-
toms. Concentrate and repeat all you
think Of Frankly express all the
thoughts that you have, even though
they may be painful and embarrassing"
He said this soothingly, and she SEEM
ed to understand that much depended
upon her answers and the fact of not
forcing her ideas.
II am thinking Of my husband" Mrs.
Cranston began, finally, in a dreamy
tone.
What of him?' suggested Kennedy.
"Of how the baby separated us
and" She paused, almost In tears
From what I knew Of the method Of
psychanalysis. recalled 1t was the gaps
and hesitations which were most impor-
tant in arriving at the truth regarding
the cause of her trouble.
Perhaps 1t was my fault: perhaps
was a better mother than a wife.
thought I was doing what he would
want me to do. Too late see my mis-
take"
!, It was easy to read into her story
that there had been other women in his
life. It had wounded her deeply. Yet
1t was equally plain that she still loved
him.