脑疾病专家指出露西这种失忆症并不罕见,是否能恢复记忆也因人而异。在露易丝的帮助下,露西吃下了放有麻醉剂的糖果。熟睡中的露西被带回了她原来的家,她会恢复记忆吗?
James and Mr.Burke met the great specialist in brain diseases at the noon train on Wednesday and drove him to Elmhurst.
Dr.Hoyt was a handsome,gray—haired man,with kindlyeyes and a distinguished manner.When he was ushered into the library the young ladies were attracted by the physician at once,and from the ?rst glance were inspired by con?dence in his powers.Yet Dr.Hoyt spoke rather doubtfully of the case in hand.
"These cases are not so rare as you might suppose,"he said;"yet no two of them are exactly alike.Usually the recovery is slow and tedious;but recovery is not always assured.In some instances,however,the memory is absolutely restored,and from what Mr.Burke has explained to me of Lucy Rogers's history this is what we may expect now.Or else,we must trust to time or an accident to awaken her dormanta mental faculties.The case is so interesting that I should like,with your permission,to make an experiment which can result in no harm if it does not succeed.""We put the matter entirely in your hands,sir,"said Uncle John."Act as you think best.""I thank you,"replied Dr.Hoyt,bowing.Then he turnedto the girls."Which of you young ladies has won the friendship of Lucy Rogers?"he asked.
Louise answered that she and Eliza Parsons had become good friends.
"Will you assist me?"asked the physician.
"Willingly,sir."
"I wish to send the girl into a deep sleep,to render her unconscious without her suspecting my intention,or realizing the fact.Can you suggest a way to do this?"Louise tried to think.
"What means will you employ,sir?"she asked.
"There are many ways to accomplish this.I prefer to administer a powerful sleeping potion.Have you any confe—ctionerya or bon—bonsb at hand?""Yes,indeed.I have just received a fresh box of bon—bonsfrom New York.But I'm not sure I can induce Eliza to eat candy.""Then let us prepare the potion in various ways.But youmust be careful,Miss Merrick,not to make a mistake andtake the dose yourself."Louise laughed.
"I'll be careful,sir,"she promised.
The two then retired to perfect their plan,and in an hour every arrangement was complete.
Louise went to her room,donned a wrapper,andbandaged her head.Then she summoned Martha and asked the housekeeper to send Eliza Parsons to sit with her in the darkened room,as she was suffering from a headache.
The maid came at once,to all appearances,as happy andcareless as ever.After expressing her sympathy she asked what she could do.
"Just sit down and keep me company,dear,"replied Louise."I'm not very bad,but I'm restless and can't sleep,and I want you to talk to me and amuse me."Eliza laughed.
"That is easy,as far as talking is concerned,"she said."But to amuse you,Miss Louise,may be more dif?cult."But the girls found a topic of conversation in the election,in which Eliza was much interested,and they chatted together for an hour or so before Louise made any move to consummatea her plot.
"I hope my foolish reports to Mr.Hopkins did no harm to Mr.Forbes,"Eliza was saying."I really had little to tell him of your conversation or movements.""You did no harm at all,for Mr.Forbes was elected,"replied Louise.Then she said,carelessly:
"Martha has sent me this pitcher of lemonade,and I don't care for it.Won't you drink a glass,Eliza?""No,thank you,"she replied,shaking her head."I never drink lemonade.""Then have one of these sandwiches?""I'm not hungry,Miss Louise."Louise sighed.Both the lemonade and the sandwiches had been "dosed"by Dr.Hoyt.Then she picked up the box of bon—bons that was beside her.
"But you will eat some candy,dear.Every girl likes candy.""I don't seem to care for it,"said Eliza carelessly.
"Just one piece,to please me,"coaxed Louise,and selected a piece from the box with dainty care."Here,my dear;you'll ?nd this sort very nice."Eliza hesitated,but ?nally reached out her hand and took the bon—bon.Louise lay back in her chair and closed her eyes,fearing their eagerness might betray her.When after a time she opened them again Eliza was slowly rocking back and forthand chewing the confection.
Dr.Hoyt's ?rst suggestion had been best.The potion had been prepared in several ways to tempt Eliza,but the candy had been the effectual bait.
Louise felt a glow of triumph,but managed to continuethe conversation,relating in an amusing way the anxiety of the Elmhurst folks when the ?rst returns seemed to indicate the election of Hopkins.