Running down into the parlor with it, where her husband sat reading the morning papers, she exclaimed: 

“Oh, Henry!  I’m afraid that Jane has been giving this child something to make him sleep.  See!  I cannot awake him.  Something is wrong, depend upon it!”

Mr. Campbell took the babe and endeavored to arouse him, but without effect.

“Call her down here,” he then said, in a quick, resolute voice.

Jane was called down.

“What have you given this child?” asked Mr. Campbell, peremptorily.

“Nothing,” was the positive answer.  “What could I have given him?”

“Call the waiter.”

Jane left the room, and in a moment after the waiter entered.

“Go for Doctor B——­ as fast as you can, and say to him I must see him immediately.”

The waiter left the house in great haste.  In about twenty minutes Dr. B——­ arrived.

“Is there any thing wrong about this child?” Mr. Campbell asked, placing little Henry in the doctor’s arms.

“There is,” was replied, after the lapse of about half a minute.  “What have you been giving it.”

“Nothing.  But we are afraid the nurse has.”

“Somebody has been giving it a powerful anodyne, that is certain.  This is no natural sleep.  Where is the nurse? let me see her.”

Jane was sent for, but word was soon brought that she was not to be found.  She had, in fact, bundled up her clothes, and hastily and quietly left the house.  This confirmed the worst fears of both parents and physician.  But, if any doubt remained, a vial of laudanum and a spoon, found in the washstand drawer in Jane’s room, dispelled it.

Then most prompt and active treatment was resorted to by Doctor B——­ in the hope of saving the child.  But his anxious efforts were in vain.  The deadly narcotic had taken entire possession of the whole system; had, in fact, usurped the seat of life, and was poisoning its very fountain.  At day dawn on the next morning the flickering lamp went out, and the sad parents looked their last look upon their living child.

“I have heard most dreadful news,” Mrs. May said to her husband, on his return home that day.

“You have!  What is it?”

“Jane has poisoned Mrs. Campbell’s child!”

“Ella!” and Mr. May started from his chair.

“It is true.  She had it to wean, and gave it such a dose of laudanum, that it died.”

“Dreadful!  What have they done with her?”

“She can’t be found, I am told.”

“You recommended her to Mrs. Campbell.”

“Yes.  But I didn’t believe she was wicked enough for that.”

“Though it is true she ill-treated little Charley, and we knew it.  I don’t see how you can ever forgive yourself.  I am sure that I don’t feel like ever again looking Mr. Campbell in the face.”

“But, Mr. May, you know very well that you didn’t want me to say any thing against Jane to hurt her character.”