The Argosy — page 380: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Extracts from the Diary of a Young Lady. 359 I thought the men were saying these things to me; the words sounded in my ears in a sort of chorus, but what were the words to me? It was Marcus I wanted; he was there, I was with him, and it did not matter what anyone said. “The Doctor will be back in a few minutes,” one of the men cried. “He went home for something for you, poor thing ; not for him.” “Go away ; please go away,” was all I replied. I think they spoke together and agreed to leave me till the Doctor came. I think they said it was only for a few minutes, and would not harm me, and it might be best. I am not sure, but I think some such words were ringing in my ears. I knew well, however, that I was alone with him ; and, flinging myself on my knees beside him, I covered his cold, white face with those kisses that I had not given before. One prominent feeling in my mind was a keen remorse that I had withheld them. These kisses had a wonderful power. He opened his eyes and smiled, and at that moment the Doctor came in. Ah, I did not want him; I was the best doctor. Could he restore life as I had done? Doctor Winsley looked surprised at his patient. I believe he had never thought to see his eyes open again, but what do doctors who confine their studies to matter know of spiritual power ? He was to be arranged on the sofa so as to prevent the necessity of his being carried to his bed, and Doctor Winsley did scarcely more than so arrange him, and order that he should be given stimulants and strong beef-tea at short intervals. He beckoned me out of the room when he left, and broke to me very tenderly that the case was hopeless, and beyond the skill of doctor or nurse. ‘There would probably be.a rally, and he would recover the power of speech and might be able to express all his last wishes ; but no more than that was possible. There were internal injuries, and life could not last for many hours. It was a case of hours, not of days. I listened as one ina dream. I suppose I was stunned, or it was the calmness of despair; I don’t know. I have not an idea what I felt. I think I felt nothing, and yet I certainly angered that Marcus was to die. The separation was what I had ever been looking eaead to, but not thus. Ihad expected my own death—but Azs / I understood, but perhaps I did not believe; I was quiet; I said nothing. I cannot tell why Doctor Winsley was frightened and made me sit down and swallow brandy, and felt my pulse and looked deep into my eyes, murmuring to himself, ‘ Poor thing, poor thing,” and then charged me not to be a moment alone with him, as I was unfit, most unfit. I shook my head and told him I felt quite strong, and should watch by him myself, and no one must disturb us. He said he would look in again to see how I was: I noticed he did not say how Ze was; and then he went away. COMICAOO SS (CO)