ar of what the morrow should bring
forth.

After but one day of doubt, Jane's sickness proved to be smallpox of the
prevailing virulent type. But she was not removed to the hospital, for
I kept the thing secret and hired a nurse, who had recently been
revaccinated, for her from a London institution. The doctoring I
directed myself, although I did not actually see her, not now from any
fear of consequences, for I was so utterly miserable that I should have
been glad to die even of smallpox, but because she would not suffer it,
and because also, had I done so, I might have carried infection far and
wide, and should have been liable to prosecution under our isolation
laws.

I wished to give up the fight for the seat, but when I suggested it,
saying that I was ill, my committee turned upon me fiercely.

"Smallpox," they declared, "was breaking out all over the city, and I
should stop there to 'sweep out my own grate,' even if they had to keep
me by force. If I did not, they would expose me in a fashion I should
not like."

Then I gave in, feeling that after all it did not matter much, as in any
case it was impossible for me to leave Dunchester. Personally I had no
longer any fear of contagion, for within a week from that fatal night
four large vesicles had formed on my arm, and their presence assured me
that I was safe. At any other time this knowledge would have rejoiced me
more than I can tell, but now, as I have said, I did not greatly care.

Another six days went by, bringing me to the eve of the election. At
lunch time I managed to get home, and was rejoiced to find that Jane,
who for the past forty-eight hours had been hovering between life and
death, had taken a decided turn for the better. Indeed, she told me so
herself in quite a strong voice as I stood in the doorway of her room,
adding that she hoped I should have a good meeting that night.

It would seem, however, that almost immediately after I left a change
for the worse set in, of such a character that Jane felt within herself
her last hour was at hand. Then it was that she ordered the nurse to
write a telegram at her dictation. It was to Dr. Merchison, and ran:
"Come and see me at once, do not delay as I am dying.--Jane."

Within half an hour he was at her door. Then she bade the nurse to
throw a sheet over her, so that he might not see her features which were
horribly disfigured, and to admit him.

"Listen," she said, speaking through the sheet