human
I fear she will only recover her reason to die, observed Dr. Humphries to Harry.
gpt
Could her constitution sustain the frenzied excitement she now labors under, I would have some hope, but the months of wretchedness she has passed through, has so weakened her frame that nothing remains but a wreck of what was once a healthy woman.
human
This is bad news, remarked Harry,
gpt
I do not yet despair, replied the doctor,
human
he continued, changing the conversation,
gpt
I heard on yesterday that his trunks had been searched, but nothing had been discovered in them, beyond the fact that he was Mr. Awtry, and not an Englishman, as he pretended to be.
human
Have they discharged him?
gpt
Oh no; Harry replied,
human
It is very likely, then, that he will eventually pay the penalty of his crimes,
gpt
Yes; and I trust it will not be long before he suffers death, Harry answered, and then added:
human
I am not bloodthirsty, nor do I favor the hoisting of the black flag, as so many appear desirous of doing. But for a wretch like Awtry, I have not the slightest pity, and would hear of his execution with pleasure. If even there is no proof discovered of his being a spy, his brutality to Mrs. Wentworth merits punishment, and if only for that, I should desire to see him hung or shot. However, I have no fear but that the fact of his being a spy will be discovered, for several of the most expert detectives in the service are on the search for the necessary evidence to convict him.
gpt
And which evidence I trust they will soon discover, remarked the doctor.
human
Like you, I am averse to a war of extermination, but when instances like the one before us are brought to our notice, an outraged and indignant people demand satisfaction and should have it accorded to them.
gpt
Ah! my dear sir, replied Harry,
human
You are right, Harry, said Dr. Humphries.
gpt
It is our duty to search for the unfortunate poor, and not to wait until they appeal for assistance. There are many destitute women and children in our midst who have been driven from their once happy and prosperous homes by the hated Yankees. Among them are many high-toned and respectable families, whose pride shrinks from begging for bread, and who now live a life of penury and starvation rather than become the mendicant. And if even they bury delicacy at the mandate of stern Want, they are so apt to be refused assistance by the heartless, that they imagine all of our people alike, and fearing further refusal, shrink with natural horror from a second rejection.
human
This can be prevented, observed Harry.
gpt
Let the benevolent make it a business to find out the suffering who are worthy of assistance, and let such aid be given, not as charity, but as a duty we owe those who have remained faithful to our cause, and abandoned their homes rather than submit to the enemy. By so doing, we not only alleviate hardships, but we render the soldier happy and contented to serve his country. The knowledge that his family is protected by those at home, and supplied with all that is necessary, will remove from his mind all anxiety for their welfare. It will, besides, grasp them from the clutches of the wretches who are speculating and extorting, and will not only be an act of everlasting honor to those who perform this good work, but will aid our cause as much as if the parties were serving in the field. Many a man who now lies in the deserter's dishonored grave, would have been this day sharing the glory of his country and been looked upon as a patriot, had not his starving wife and children forced him in an evil hour to abandon his post and go to them. It is true, there is no excuse for the deserter, but where the human affections are concerned, it is but natural that the soldier will feel solicitous for the comfort of his wife and children.
human
Something of that sort should, indeed, be done, remarked the doctor,
gpt
The majority, if even good and charitable, are to blame, replied Harry, firmly,
human
I agree with you, said the doctor,
gpt
Good morning to you, gentlemen, said Dr. Humphries, as soon as they entered.
human
I am very glad you have answered my call so promptly. The case I desire you to see is one of great seriousness, but I withhold any opinion until you have seen the patient and expressed your ideas about it.
gpt
I Suppose it is the lady who was accused of theft,
human
Yes sir, answered Harry,
gpt
I observed her features very attentively during the trial, remarked Dr. Mallard,
human
Yes, replied that gentleman,
gpt
We had better see her now, said Dr. Purtell,
human
Certainly, answered Dr. Humphries,