My
mother seemed so cheerful that evening that I began to hope that I might
have been too much alarmed; but, when I had opportunity for speaking
privately with Aunt Patience, her words confirmed my worst fears. She
informed me that at her earnest solicitation my mother had that day
summoned a physician; that he had prescribed some medicine for her, and
given her some advice in regard to diet, walking or riding in the open
air, &c. She further informed me that she had herself spoken privately
to the physician, requesting him to tell her candidly what he thought of
my mother's case. He replied,--
"As you have asked me a plain question, I think it my duty to give you a
candid answer. I know not," continued the physician, "how it might have
been had I been called six months ago, but now I fear the case of Mrs.
Roscom is beyond the reach of medicine. I will gladly do my utmost for
her, but I fear that a few months, it may be a few weeks, will terminate
her life."
This was _fearful_ tidings to me, as I had strongly hoped that the
opinion of the physician would have been more favorable. When I became
outwardly composed, I rejoined my mother, in company with Aunt Patience.
My mother was not aware that Aunt Patience had held any conversation
with the physician regarding her illness.
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