ARTHUR
59

Married couples have entered their rooms, and no alarms or confusion follow. This is an unexplained condition. I waited impatiently until morning had to give a solution of the difficulty. Morning arrives. A strange event indeed, happened in their bedroom. They found a baby asleep in their bed. Thetford had been woken up twice in the night, once by a noise in the closet, and afterwards by a voice at the door.

Some links between these sounds and abandoned babies are naturally suspected. In the morning the closet is inspected, and a pair of rough shoes are found on the floor. The bedroom door, which Thetford locked at night, was open, as were the windows in the kitchen.

These appearances are a source of astonishment and doubt for others, but are very clear to me. I rejoice that my stratagem has no more dangerous consequences, and marvel at the ingenuity and perseverance you use to rid yourself of such a critical state."

This narrative is just a verification of my own guess. The facts were quickly replaced in my mind by the disastrous images he had made of the state of the hospital. I was confused and shocked by the magnitude of this crime. The cause is clear. Poor people who can be bought with money are, of course, immoral and unprincipled. Supervised and controlled, they may be useful instruments; but they cannot be bought.

What qualities are required in the governor of such an institution? He must have passion, perseverance, and perseverance. He must act from a noble and pure motive. He must be gentle and firm, brave and obedient. Someone highly qualified for the office was desirable, but unlikely, to be found. An impartial and honest spirit in duty and humanity may be very useful. Am I not blessed with this spirit? Can't my feeble efforts eliminate some of these evils?

Until now no one has claimed this disgusting and dangerous situation. My strength and sharpness are small, but if done honestly, they will definitely be of little use.

The impulse generated by this reflection was to rush to City Hall, and convey my wish. This impulse is controlled by the memory of my own indifference, and of the state of Wallace. To give this young man to his friends was the strongest obligation. When this is done, I may return to the city, and free myself from more comprehensive tasks.

Wallace now enjoyed a break of a few hours, and was persuaded to embark on the journey. It was now midday, and the sun was emitting an intolerable radiance. Wallace is more sensitive than I am about their bad influence. We haven't reached the outskirts of the city yet, when his strength is completely depleted, and, if I don't support him, he'll drown on the pavement.

My limbs were hardly any less weak, but my resolution was much heavier than her. I underestimated his unconsciousness, and tried to convince him that his strength would return in proportion to his distance from the city. When we have to reach the shade, a short pause will restore our health and cheerfulness.

No one can revive his courage or encourage him to move on. To go back or continue is just as impractical. But, should he be able to return, where should he look for a retreat? The danger of a relapse was imminent; his own room at Thetford's was empty. If she can get back this house, may I not give her a doctor and do for her part of the nurse?

At that moment a horse and a horse-drawn carriage passed us. The vehicle was traveling at high speed. He who drives it might give us the help we need. He might be persuaded to stray from his path and bring the helpless Wallace to the house we just left behind.

This thought immediately pushed me forward. Although weak, I even ran at high speed, to overtake the vehicle. My goal was done very hard. Fortunately the train contained only one person, who stopped at my request. His face and cover were soft and encouraging.

Good friend," I exclaimed, "this is a young man who is too sick to walk. I want him taken to his inn. Will you, for money or for charity, allow him to sit in your chair, and drop him off at my place? gonna direct?" Observing the signs of doubt, I continued, "You need not be afraid to perform this task. He was not sick, but only weak. I'm not going to ask for twenty minutes, and you may ask what gift you think you deserve."

But he still hesitated to obey. His business, he said, did not take him to the city. She simply passed through the skirt, where she imagined that no danger would appear. He desires to help the poor; but he cannot think of risking his own life for the sake of a stranger, when he had a wife and children who depended on his existence and efforts to obtain bread. It made him ill to refuse, but he thought his duty to himself and others required him not to jeopardize his safety with obedience.

This request is unbearable. The gentleness of his attitude suggests that he may have been overpowered by persuasion or tempted by reward. I will not take advantage of his tractability; but should refuse his help, even if it has been offered spontaneously. I turned away from him in silence, and prepared to return to the place where I left my friend. The man was preparing to continue his path.

In this confusion, it occurred to me that, since this fellow was going to the countryside, he might, perhaps, agree to take Wallace with him. I strongly believe in the beneficial influence of rural air. I believe that weakness constitutes the whole of his grievance; that a continuation in the city might lead to his relapse, or, at least, delay his recovery.

I once again spoke to the traveler, and asked him which way and how far he went. To my unspeakable satisfaction, his reply told me that his house was located outside Mr. Hadwin's house, and that this path led him straight through the man's door. He is willing to accept Wallace in his chair, and leave him at his uncle's house.

This joyous and auspicious event surpassed my loveliest expectations. I rushed to bring the good news to Wallace, who eagerly agreed to get into the carriage. I don't think at the time itself, or how far the same way to escape my danger can be used. The stranger couldn't possibly be anxious because of me; and Wallace's annoyance and weakness might apologize for not asking my company, or express his fear for my safety. He immediately sat down, then the wanderer hurried away. I stared at them, motionless and mute, until the train, turning the corner, passed my sight.

Now I have free time to return to my own condition, and reflect on the sudden and varied series of events that have occurred over the hours that have passed in the city: the: the end of my arrival was thus achieved quickly and satisfactorily. My hopes and fears fluctuated quickly; but, respecting this young man, it had now subsided into a favorable calm and certainty. Before the sun set, he would enter his father's roof, and spread indescribable joy throughout the peaceful and holy asylum.