ould make of these facts, so far as the mass of
general readers is concerned, is the following: If, during feebleness
and sickness, human nature will bear up, for a long time, under
irregularities of this sort, is it needful that we should be alarmed and
fly at once to medicine in cases _less_ alarming--above all, in these
cases, when, except in regard to costiveness, the health and habits are
excellent? May we not trust much more than we have heretofore believed,
in the recuperative efforts of Nature?

CHAPTER LXXIV.

WHO HATH WOE? OR, THE SICK WIDOW.

Early in the year 1852, I received a letter, of which the following,
with very slight needful alterations, is an extract. It was written from
the interior of Massachusetts.

"About three months ago, I took a long journey by stage-coach, which
brought on, as I think, an internal inflammation. Since that time I have
taken very little medicine. Please tell me whether it is right for me to
bathe daily in, and drink freely of, cold water; and whether it is safe
to make cold applications to the parts affected.

"I take as much exercise as I can without producing irritation. I do
not, by any means, indulge in the food which my appetite craves.

"I am twenty-six years of age; was married and left a widow, while young
and very ignorant, under circumstances the most deeply painful. I have a
strong desire to get well if I can; though if I must give up the thought
I am willing to die.

"I should be very glad to see you, if you will take the trouble to come
and see me. I should have made an effort to consult you, in person,
before now, if I could have safely taken the journey."

At the time of receiving this letter I was travelling in a distant
State, and, as an immediate visit was wellnigh impracticable, I wrote
her, requesting such farther information as might enable me to give her
a few general directions, promising to see her on my return in the
spring. In reply to my inquiries, I received what follows:--

"I have been, from childhood, afflicted with bunches in the throat.
There is no consumptive tendency on either my father's or my mother's
side; but I come, by the maternal side, from a king's evil[I] family. I
am an ardent, impulsive creature, possessing a nervous, sanguine
temperament; naturally cheerful and agreeable, but rendered, by
sickness, irritable, capricious, and melancholic. I fear consumption so
much, that were I convinced it was fully fastened upo