The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-03
"A Voice From The Hidden World

1 should like it to be distinctly
understood at the outset OF this
brief narrative that l am not a dis
ciple of any of the so-called apos-
ties of modern psychology. 1 am
going to tell plain story in plain
words, and leave all possible ex-
PLANTATION to those who are interest
ed in the great unknown science.
Twenty-four years ago, l bought
my first practice and furnished my
house. 1t was not a choice neigh :
borhood, nor was the practice itself
either extensive or select, but in the
ardor of youth, scarcely con
sidering. AT 25 years old one
scarcely expects to start life-in
the professions at any rate-in a
very large way. and l was perfectly
satisfied. The shining brass plate
outside my door, on which was in
c. H. FAGGETT, NJ D.
compensated fully-to me at any
rate-for tho shabbiness of my
of my own. I was unmarried, and
had quite as much self-confidence
as was good for me, notwithstand-
ing that the outlook demanded no
ordinary share.
My patients were six in number,
excluding my own family, because
from the time Of my setting up for
myself there was not one of them,
from my youngest sister, aetat six,
to my father, who did not immedi-
ately develop some extraordinary
and utterly unheardtf ailment, and
persist in being treated for the
same with due gravity.
To return to my patients proper.
Five of them were totally uninter-
eStinP "CaseS'-the
sixth was too poor to pay even my
modest bill with anything like rea-
sonable punctuality, yet she was
the one whom 4 would have relin-
quished the least readily. l remem-
Der the first time she sent for me-
and how pitifully she stated her
case.
Il don't knew what is the matter
with me, doctor. Perhaps you can
tell. l have no pain, at least, nc
acute pain, to speak of, only some
times l seem to ache all over, and
l am growing thin-thinner every
day. l get plenty to eat-quite
plenty she repeated, keeping her
eyes anXiously fixed upon my face.
Il am afraid the food you take is
scarcely nourshing enough l said
do you mind telling me how old
you are?'
mo. 1 am Twenty-Five"
Twenty -twol 1t seemed barely
creditible. l was young at my pro-
fession, and compassion was still
easy. | looked at the high cheek
bones and sunken dark-rimme I'd
eyes, bright now with anxiety, at
the long, wasted fingers and the
simple black dress, hanging loosely
around her shrunken figure, and
sighed. She seemed to read my
look and her eyes filled with tears
Il suppose l do look rather bad
she SAID nervously. Cant you dc
anything 70" me, doctor? I'm very
poor, but"
Il can't do much" l interrupted
but l can tell you what is the mat
ter. You have some trouble which
you are allowing to prey upon your
mind, and YOU are starving. l am
afraid that sounds "a little blunt
but it is the truth.
She looked frightened, almost
Mortified.
starving. oh, no, no, doctor. In
deed l am not that. l spend every
penny that | can for food | must
save little ftr-never mind what
for-but | must save a little
I'm sorry l cannot help you fur
Their then" | said, rising. Il have
told you what is the matter with
you. No medicine could do you any
good OF course, l don't know what
the Saving you neHtlOIl lOI, pQS
you must remember that you are
paying for 1t with your life. 1t is
my duty as doctor, you know, tc
speak plainly. You ask me what Is
the matter with you, and l tell you
starvation!
She turned away and looked
YEARLY out of the window
Thank you, DOCTOR" she said as
1 turned to go. May L ask you
one more question:
Certainly"
rs it that which is making me
so worn and inched-looking. feel
like an old woman when l look in
the glass"
1T has it's effect upon your ap-
"Will they come back again.
mean my looks?" she asked visit
fully with little tremble in her
voice, and her eyes were earnestly
fixed upon me. Il used to be better
looking once, and l shouldn't like
him-my friends, 1 mean-to see me
like this when he-when they come
/ will try and eat little more. Will
that help, do you think?" she asked
eagerly.
THAT would make all the differ
ence," / assured her; commence al
ming, and you'll feel all the better
for it,"
My patient. Miss Desmond, she
called herself took my advice, and
in a few weeks there was marked
change in her. ! was scarcely pre-
pared, however, for the transforma-
ton which 1 witnessed on my first
professional visit.
1t was Christmas morning and l
was just starting westward to
spend a day with my people. On the
doorstep / encountered a messenger
hnr
she wished to see me, if / could
spare the time to go around. 1 went
at once.
My first impression on entering
the room was that l was in the
presence of stranger, and as that
vanished, l found myself marveling
at the metamorphosis. The ragged
black gown, the wan cheeks and
duh eyes, were things of the past.
j found myself greeted by tall
graceful. woman, clad in simple, but
elegant gown of soft pink and
died her pallid cheeks. and her eyes
were sparkling with pleasurable
excitement. She looked at me with
slightly parted. tremulous lips, as
though anxious to see whether !
noted the change. At my look of
half -depreciating, half-pleased smile
You see a difference, eoctor?"
she asked.
Il do, indeed, Miss Desmond" I
answered, warmly. Let me offer
you my sincere congratulations! Is
it out of compliment to the season.
LAY 1 ask?"
Partly; and partly for another
reason. l am expecting a visitor"
Her tone was hesitating; almost
shy. Yet in a ertan way it seemed
as thogh she desired to make a con-
fidant of me. l pulled chair up to
ha fire and waited