CHAPTER XIII.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 11021, 11 September 1897, Page 4

CHAPTER XIII.

ME CAIIEOL MEETS WITH A DISAPPOINTMENT AND AN ADVENTURE.

HE bend nurse of the woman's department soon i,<.r appearance anil °-;,iil tlii'.t she ivmcmbcred, Di-rfccilv. all the tucts con- ;•<" tt"l with tlifi admission 01 liio pcor victims of that ionihlc fiic in Ostlemaine Ktroct. The woman, who hail never been known by any other name than Crazy Moll, or Mary, had been in a very critical condition when site was bronght to the hospital. She was unconscious, and remained so for a long time, and wiien she did finally arouse, it was only to rave for weeks in the delirium of brain fever. The child, she stated, was very badly burned on bis Feet nnd legs, but he recovered very quickly, and being such an attractive child became the pet of the children's ward. He was retained in the institution much longer than a patient was usually allowed to remain, for it wa3 hoped the woman would ultimately recover and bo able to identify the boy, when he could bo returned to liis parents. "But when Mary began to rally," the nurse observed, "we were shocked beyond measure to find that her mind was gone — or, rather, that she could remember nothing nothing about her previous life, and did not show the faintest recognition of the child; although he knew her instantly the moment we took him to her, and clung to her until she frightened him by pushing him roughly from her.

"As she grew stronger, she began to make herself u-efnl about the wards; was quiet and handy, and the nurses petitioned that she bo allowed to remain in the institution, as a servant, instead of being sent to the work-house. "It was a sad day for nil the nurses when it was at length decided that the boy must go. Seveial bad made strenuous efforts to find a good homo for him ; but without avail, and he was finally sent to one of the homes for the poor. I have only seen him a conple of times since then, for my duties have been so heavy I conld not go to visit him," the nurse concluded with a rogretful sigh. Mr Carrol then related something of what Jamie's life had been, and how he had at length fallen into his hands, when becoming deeply interested in him, he had resolved to see if. he could not trace hts friends and restore him to them, "But, " he concluded, with a doubtful shako of his head, "it looks now as if that would be an impossibility." "What will you do with him, then? " the woman inquired earnestly. •' Ohl " she added, feelingly, "ho was such a beautiful child! I was sure that he bo' longed to a fine family, and it nearly broke my heart to have him sent to that dreadful alnishouse." " I have not yet decided what to do with him if I do not succeed in gaining some clow to his parentage," Mr Carrol gravely replied; "I have no home of my own — no friends with whom I could place him; but of one thing I am sure — I shall never allow him to drtft back into the slums, whence he came to me." " Thank you J thank you! " said the nurse, earnestly, as if he had done her a personal favor; ''that is noblo of you, and I am saro that you willhave yourreward." The young man had not once thoaght of any reward, beyond the satisfaction of rescuing the poor little waif from tho life which he had been living; but, later when his philanthropy did receive its recompense, no one was more astonished than himself at its magnitude and the romantic incidents leading up to it. '• Was ths child's clothing saved," he inquired of the woman. " No," she said regretfully, " ifc was so burned and charred that it literally fell to pieces when it was being removed from him — there was absohiusly nothing about either him or bis nurse by which they could be identified." "You feel sure that the woman was his nur3e? * queried the young man. . ''Certainly — she could have been nothing else; there was nothing in common between them; and, besides, she wore the aurae's cap and apron, while the baby looked the little aristocrat in every line and feature." " And does now," said her compani»u, " in spite of his rude life. I was amazed, after he had been subjected to

a vigorous bath and was decently dressed ; to find what an interesting child lie is. Will it l>o possible for one to see this woman, Carzy Moll, as she is culled?" he inquired in conclusion. "Yes, if you wish; although I am sure you will reap no satisfaction from the interview. But I will arrange for her to come t» you," the nurse returned with ready compliance as she aiose to leave the room. She was absent some time, but finally returned and was followed by a woman of perhaps thirty-five years. She vms a quiet, demure looking ppr--on. having a tfooil, honest face, in sjiiteof its vacant, expression, black hair anil eye;. She was very neatly clail, had a piniiip, well formed figure, although sho was somewhat awkward in I her movements. '• Thia is the gentleman who wishod to see you, Maiy," said the nurse by way ot introduction, and Mary made an awkward courtesy, but without betraying the slightest interest in her visitor. " I suppose it will be of no u-e to questiou her?" Mr Carrol remarked. " Not the slightest — that was tried, times without number, years ago," the woman returned. An expression of sadnes3 swept over the young man's countenance; but after studying the unfortunate creature's face intently for & few moments he put a couple of shillings into herjhard red hand and kindly told her that she might go. She now looked eagerly up at him and laughed out like a child that had ivceii ed toy, thus showing that she knew s nnething of the value of money if she was daft on all other subjects. She thanked him, made another courtesy,and then at a signal from the nurse, Jeft the room After chatting a few moments longer, Mr Carrol took bi3 leave and returned to his lodgings. He wentd'rectly to Dr Fields' rooms; but finding patients there, was obliged to wait until she was at liberty. Then he told her wheie he bad been, what he had learned, and inquired if Crazy Mary cotld be cured of her dementia.' " There is no dementia in divine science," returned Dr Fields with her grave, sweet smile. "Of course — I am beginning to understand that we must not make a reality of such things," he relumed with an answering smile at her gentle reproof. "But can it reach this woman's case?" " Most assuredly." The young man's face lighted, " Then will you take her as a patient? — will you treat her?" he questioned, eagerly. " Ohl" he added, " think Iv>w much depends upon her cure — not only her own con<fort and happines3, but the whole future of the bright boy, for whom yon have already done so much ."

"Yes," said Dr Field, afti-r a thoughtful pause, '• if the authorities at the hospital will allow me to do so. I could no: take the case without their consent, since the woman is practically under their guardianship." " Of course they will allow you," said Mr Carrol with an assurance that made his listener smile again. " You aae very sanguine," she quietly observed, - " And why should I not be? Common humanity should prompt them to allow anything to be done that nould result in the restoration of this poor oreature's mind," he said with great earnestness. " Well, my friend, I am ready to do my part," -Dr Field responded; but without expressing any opinion as to the probable success of his j?lan. Accordingly, early the following morning, the young man repaired again to tho hospital and asked to sec tho superintendent. Greatly to kis disappointment, he was informed that he was out, whereupon he called for the assistant. lie was shown iuto his office, wh in he made his application in behalf of (Jrnzy Mary. It was received with outspoken derision, the man expressing himself astonished that a person of so much intelligence as his Tisitor appeared to possess should allow himsolf to be humbugged into the belief that a few gentle mutnmerieß, on the part of a deluded woman could cure a case that, for years, had baffled the united skill of London medical experts. Mr Carrol pleaded his own cure, in opposition to this, and also related the wonderfull demonstration in connection with his protege. But ali in vain; his listener heard him through with an irritating air of loleration,accompanied byasmileof skepticism. Then, with an evident desire to gi t rid of him, politely informed him that he wonld consult with his superior upon bis return and he could coma later for his decision. (to bb cohtinukd).