The Argosy — page 174: what you’re looking at

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

Isabel Clifford, M.D. 157 another word, as again and again the scalding sponge was placed on the delicate skin. At last the doctor stood back from the bed. Mrs. Lawrence looked mutely the question she dare not put into words, and received the reply she had hardly hoped for. “Yes, she will do now. Keep her warm and watch closely while | go and prepare some medicine. I think I have with me what I want.” Left alone, and almost overwhelmed by her relief, Mrs. Lawrence gave herself the indulgence of a few tears; but she bravely dashed them away and sat down to watch her child, who was quietly sleeping, She remembered, and now with a feeling of surprise, that the girl who had come to her in her despair, and had done so much for her, had sat beside her for nearly a week at the table d’héte, yet she had never discovered the profession of her neighbour. Muss Clifford generally spoke only to her aunt, or to an old French artist who sat opposite, and with whom she seemed to have quickly become friends. Mrs. Lawrence thought again of the slight figure in its trailing white robe, of the small head with its coils of golden-brown hair, and of the delicate white hands that had ministered so deftly to her Nellie. Yet, unlike as Miss Clifford seemed to her preconceived notion of a woman-doctor, Mrs. Lawrence never felt a moment’s distrust of her skill. ‘There was too much unconscious dignity and composure about her for that. “She is sleeping,” whispered Mrs. Lawrence, as the doctor again entered the room, bearing a small bottle and a glass. “You must give her this now. Afterwards she may sleep as long as she likes.” And as the child swallowed the medicine and sank to sleep again, Isabel added: ‘‘ My room is next but one on the left ; you must call me if she does not continue to sleep quietly. But I think she will be all night after a few hours.” It was now one o’clock, and Isabel returned to her room and lay down. ‘The moonlight was fading away as she fell asleep. By five she had risen and dressed, and, as some noisy tourists left the hotel, she knocked once again at Mrs. Lawrence’s door. Nellie lay fast asleep, holding her mother’s hand. Mrs. Lawrence looked up with a smile. ‘““She has not waked once. How can I thank you?” ‘Lie down on the bed and go to sleep. I will stay with you.” “Please do stay, though I can’t sleep. My husband will be here in a few days, and he will thank you properly. We ‘ Miss Clifford interrupted her. “I have a very strong objection to telling people that Iam a doctor when I am abroad, unless it is neces- sary. You will do me a great kindness if you will forget it, or at least not tell anyone here.” “May I not tell even my husband? I want him to know what you have done for Nellie. But no one else shall know, if that is your wish.” | COnniclooOolks yin