He listened to all my long complaints
about my health most patiently, asked me every question; but he did not
ask to examine me, nor look at my tongue, nor feel my pulse, as other
doctors do. He said that I did not look like a person with the complaint
mentioned, but as if circulation and nerves were out of order. He
prescribed four internal and four external remedies and baths. I wrote
down all his suggestions, and rehearsed them that he might correct any
mistakes."[5]
After the interview with Count Mattei Isabel did not remain at Riola,
but with all her medicines returned to Trieste. The remedies were not,
however, of any avail.
In June Isabel presided over a _fete_ of her Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals, and made a long speech, in which she reviewed the
work from the beginning, and the difficulties and successes. She wound
up as follows:
"May none of you ever know the fatigue, anxiety, disgust, heartaches,
nervousness, self-abnegation and disappointments of this mission, and
the small good drawn out of years of it; for so it seems to me. Old
residents, and people living up the country, do say that you would not
know the town to be the same it was eleven years ago, when I first came.
They tell me there is quite a new stamp or horse, a new mode of working
and treatment and feeling. I, the workwoman, cannot see it or feel it.
I think I am always rolling a stone uphill. I know that you all hear
something of what I have to put up with to carry it out--the opposition,
and contentions, treachery, abuse, threats and ridicule; and therefore
I all the more cherish the friendly hand such a large assembly has
gathered together to hold out to me to-day to give me fresh courage.
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