remained, at her request, in the waiting-room. I need not go into details, but it proved to be a peculiarly malignant case of cancer. `I knew it,' said she. `How long have I to live?' `I fear that it may exhaust your strength in a few months,' I answered. `Poor old Jack!' said she. `I'll tell him that it is not dangerous.' `Why should you deceive him?' I asked. `Well, he's very uneasy about it, and he is quaking now in the waiting-room. He has two old friends to dinner to-night, and I haven't the heart to spoil his evening. To-morrow will be time enough for him to learn the truth.' Out she walked, the brave little woman, and a moment later her husband, with his big, red face shining with joy came plunging into my room to shake me by the hand. No, I respected her wish and I did not undeceive him. I dare bet that evening was one of the brightest, and the next morning the darkest, of his life.
"It's wonderful how bravely and cheerily a woman can face a crushing blow. It is different with men. A man can stand it without complaining, but it knocks him dazed and silly all the same. But the woman does not lose her wits any more than she does her courage. Now, I had a case only a few weeks ago which would show you what I mean. A gentleman con-
