Although he is as crazy as a loon, yet some of
his utterances are really remarkable for the depth of logic they
contain. The case has its amusing side also, for every woman by the name
of Arletta who visits this hospital cannot resist the temptation of
kissing the man, in order to ascertain whether they possess the secret
charm to restore his right senses. But so far the osculatory experiment
has proved a dire failure. He bears evidence of being a handsome and
distinguished person, notwithstanding he is a charity patient, and
without friends. His identification is unknown, he having been picked up
on the street in his present condition by the police, who had him sent
here. I fully believe-but Miss, you are crying. Evidently your nature is
too emotional for the sick room, so come, we will pass along."
SECOND VOICE: "No, wait a moment, Doctor. I--I think--I am positive that
I know this man. In fact, I was very well acquainted with him a few
years ago. It all seems so strange, but-well-you see-he often told me
that he loved me. Yes, my name is Arletta, but I did not love him, nor
even like him. My father and mother hated him, and we all had to
secretly leave home and travel abroad in order for me to avoid his
undesirable attentions. But notwithstanding that, my heart now bleeds
for him in his terrible plight, and I want to do something for him. My
conscience would not allow me to pass along without trying to aid him.
You say that in his ravings he claims that a kiss from Arletta would
save him.
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