Something of a physician himself, Clark began the use of fumes of tar through a tube, and to the surprise of all "Miss Judy" rallied again.
"As soon as I can leave her in safety I shall return to St. Louis," wrote the Governor to friends at the Missouri capital.
"If I should die," said Julia sweetly one day, "and you ever think of marrying again, consider my cousin Harriet."
"Ah, but you will be well, my darling, when Spring comes."
And she was better in the Spring, thinking of the new house at St. Louis. Julia was a very neat and careful housekeeper. Everything was kept under lock and key, she directed the servants herself, and was the light of a houseful of company. For the Governor's house was the centre of hospitality,—never a noted man came that way, but, "I must pay my respects to the Governor." Savants from over the sea came to look at his Indian museum. General Clark had made the greatest collection in the world, and had become an authority on Indian archæology.
Governor Clark, too, was worried about affairs in St. Louis. Missouri was just coming in as a State, and a new executive must be elected under the Constitution.
"Go," said Julia, "I shall be recovered soon now." Indeed, deceptive roses were blooming in her cheeks.
With many regrets and promises of a speedy return, Clark hastened back to his official duties. He found Missouri in the midst of a heated campaign, coming in as a State and electing a Governor. For seven years he had held the territorial office with honour.
But a new candidate was before the people.
"Governor Clark is too good to the Indians!" That was the chief argument of the opposing faction. "He looks after their interests to the disadvantage of the whites."