The little sufferer had not only the violence of a dangerous disease to bear, but there was added to this a system of medical treatment that of itself, where no disease existed, would have made the child extremely ill.
In the first place large doses of mercury were given, followed by other nauseous and poisonous drugs; then copious bleeding was resorted to; and then the entire breast of the child was covered with a blister that was kept on until the whole surface of the skin was ready to peel off.

Afterward the head was shaved and blistered.
During all this time, medicines that the poor sufferer's stomach refused to take were forced down her throat, almost hourly! If there had been any hope of escape from the fever, this treatment would have made death certain.
At the close of the ninth day the physician informed the parents that he could do no more for their child.

When Mrs.Parker received this intelligence, there was little change in her external appearance, except that her pale, anxious face grew slightly paler.
She tried to say in her heart, as she endeavored to lift her spirit upward--"Thy will be done." But she failed in the pious effort.

It was too much to take from her this darling child; this companion of her loneliness; this blossom so gently unfolding and loading the desert air with soul-refreshing sweetness.

It was too much--she bowed her spirit in meek endurance, but she could not say--"Thy will be done." Little Rachel died.