The fellow has been
out of his head ever since he was brought here, two months ago, and
fancies that he has been in a trance since the time of Noah and the Ark.
He has a strange hallucination that he can be awakened from his
protracted nap by a kiss from a certain female, whom he describes as
Arletta the Beautiful. Although he is as crazy as a loon, yet some of
his utterances are really remarkable for the depth of logic they
contain. The case has its amusing side also, for every woman by the name
of Arletta who visits this hospital cannot resist the temptation of
kissing the man, in order to ascertain whether they possess the secret
charm to restore his right senses. But so far the osculatory experiment
has proved a dire failure. He bears evidence of being a handsome and
distinguished person, notwithstanding he is a charity patient, and
without friends. His identification is unknown, he having been picked up
on the street in his present condition by the police, who had him sent
here. I fully believe-but Miss, you are crying. Evidently your nature is
too emotional for the sick room, so come, we will pass along."

SECOND VOICE: "No, wait a moment, Doctor. I--I think--I am positive that
I know this man. In fact, I was very well acquainted with him a few
years ago. It all seems so strange, but-well-you see-he often told me
that he loved me. Yes, my name is Arletta, but I did not love him, nor
even like him. My father and mother hated him, and we all had to
secretly leave home and travel abroad in order for me to avoid his
undesirable attentions. But notwithstanding that, my heart now bleeds
for him in his terrible plight, and I want to do something for him. My
conscience would not allow me to pass along without trying to aid him.
You say that in his ravings he claims that a kiss from Arletta would
save him. I have never done such a thing before in my life, but now an
irresistible force from within has taken possession of me and I feel
that it is my duty to try the experiment myself, and see if it will have
the effect of restoring his normal condition. Therefore, Doctor, whether
this strange method proves efficacious or not, I shall rely upon your
honor to keep the secret, and never mention the incident to him. If he
knew of it I should die of shame. My parents would disown me for such an
act."

As though awakening from a long and profound sleep the aforesaid
colloquy seemed to have been impressed upon my mind, and then I o