Motion Picture Story Magazine (Feb-Jul 1911)

HIS BABY'S DOLL. 67 This woman, tho an infinitely tender and loving mother, was strong of soul, and fully realized that grief for one departed should not be allowed to outweigh duty to the living. Her absolute devotion to John Graham seemed to have grown even stronger in his affliction, and her whole and single object in life was now to restore to him his reason. To this end she read and studied, delving deep into the mysteries of the human mind, patiently conning the dry reports of State insane asylums, the observations of physicians on famous and atypical cases of insanity, and frequently visiting such institutions as were open to her inspection. Dr. French, who had developed a warm friendship for this brave little woman, would have smiled at the strange mass of data she collected, embracing the most advanced ideas of treatment, exploded theories, and even wild legends of old Bedlam, but for her terrible earnestness. Moreover, he was forced to admit that some of her conclusions, almost to be regarded as discoveries in their originality, were not without merit, and would gravely consider each new suggestion and idea. He did not dare to discourage her efforts, for he realized that the one idea of restoring to her husband his sanity was now the very essence and mainspring .of her life — with this taken from her, she might wither like a plant deprived of water and sunshine. Finally, six months after the child's death, she came to the great physician with the light of hope glowing in her eyes. "Doctor," she said, "I wish you to tell me frankly, whether or not you think there is any hope of my husband's recovery." He looked into her quiet, purposeful face, and dismissed his first inclination to temporize, to put her off with vague hopes. "No," he replied, "I do not. Physically he is now in peifect condition, and should some time ago have shown improvement, but he has not. Time may effect a cure; science cannot." "Could any harm come from an attempt thru suggestion and illusion — as nearly as possible a reversal of the incidents which brought about his insanity ?" "I do not see what harm could come, provided he is not subjected to great fright. At present he is tranquil, and, so far as we are able to judge, happy. A sudden fear might bring on a physical collapse, or leave him permanently terror-stricken." "Then I will ask your assistance, Doctor, in carrying out my plan. To all practical purposes, he is now but a child, and may with perfect safety to himself and to others be brought home. Here" — she spread a sheet of paper on the table — "is memoranda covering every point connected with his attack. And this is my plan." She spoke long and earnestly, and the physician gave close attention, his first expression of kindness and sympathy gradually giving place to one of keen interest, and he even nodded approval from time to time. "It can do no harm, and — mind you, I do not say I think it will, for I do not — may do good. We will carry out the plan at once !" he said, when she had concluded. In the doctor's automobile they made a quick run out to Lakeview, and entered the famous sanatorium. Graham, they were informed, was in the courtyard, and thither they went. A dozen harmless madmen idled about in the sunshine, and, seated by himself, a contented smile upon his face, they found the man for whom they had come. About him were several dolls which he constantly caressed with a tender pride. At the sound of Virginia's voice he looked up for an instant, but his eyes showed no expression, and he at once returned to his dolls. "He will follow anyone who has a new doll," a nurse whispered and slipped one into Virginia's hand. Without a word she held it in front of her husband, and he sprang up eagerly. "A new doll that will never be broken !" he laughed, and with wistful eyes upon it, followed his wife and the physician from the courtyard. The return to his home awakened no memories in Johr Graham's clouded mind, but he was soon utterly content