All his, "active treatment" had tended to break down the child, rather than cure the disease from which it at first suffered.

There was a great deal of heat about the child's head, and he said something about having it shaved for a blister.
"Wouldn't ice do better, doctor ?" I felt constrained to suggest.

He turned upon me quickly and seemed annoyed.
"No, madam!" he replied with dignity.
I said no more, for I felt how vain my words would be.

The blister, however, was not ordered; but, in its stead, mustard plasters were directed to be placed over the feet and legs to the knees, and a solution of iodine, or iron, I don't now remember which, prescribed, to be given every half hour.
I went home, some time after the doctor left, feeling sick at heart.
"They are murdering that child," I could not help saying to myself.
My own dear babe I found full of health and life; and I hugged it to my breast with a feeling of thankfulness.
Before the day closed, Mrs.Lee's poor child died.

Was it a cause of wonder?
.