The Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 2, February, 1862: Devoted To Literature And National PolicyVarious
History
The Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 2, February, 1862: Devoted To Literature And National Policy
Various
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century -- Periodicals
At the first glimpse of morning I bore her carefully to the side of the
sleeping children, and, after replacing in the casket its contents, sped
to the house of the physician whom I have previously mentioned, and,
leaving word for immediate attendance, hastened back, and resumed my
watch. Oh! in the dawn how pallid and sunken the features which I had so
often seen flushed and full with the animation of life and genius!
Evelyn woke and smiled peacefully on me, but lay as if still exhausted
with weariness. The physician came. He was already aware that my wife
had been engaged in her profession, though ignorant of the objects which
had induced her to it. I informed him of my apprehensions. Conducting
him to Evelyn, I excused his presence by stating my fear that she might
require his advice after her excitement and fatigue. With skillful
caution he observed her, and in conversation elicited the statement that
some months since she had been ill from exposure. She had recovered, she
said, and was entirely well, except that occasionally slight exertion
prostrated her. Even while she spoke the monitor was continually making
itself heard.
I drew him to the other apartment, and in a hoarse whisper said,--'Well,
your verdict;--but I know it already from your countenance.'
'If you were wealthy,' he replied--
'Wealthy! I am rich--rich,' I interrupted him. 'Look!' (with this I
opened the casket, and run my fingers through the glittering contents,
like a miser through his coin.) 'Tell me what wealth can do, and these
shall do it. To gain these she has imperiled life. Let them restore it
if they can.'
I saw suspicion on his countenance. 'It is false,' I exclaimed, 'false!
I tell you she is as pure as heaven. It was for me that she earned all
these.' And I dashed them on the floor and ground them under my feet.
He seized me and was weeping. 'You are mad,' he said. 'I believe you.
Now I understand all. Do not delay. Take her to Italy, and may Heaven
preserve her to you.'
In a week's time we were on our voyage, accompanied by the children and
the physician--the latter professing to Evelyn that he desired to make
the tour of Europe. My own apology for the voyage was a wish to complete
the tour previously interrupted.
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