Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-02-29
MDOCTOR JOHN.N

to lis carriage, taking the Teins from the
hands of the grnning Ethiopian who for
the last twenty minutes had been cherish
ing the fond d9lusion that he was to &C
company his master on his round of pro
fessonal inquiry.
"Not this time, Ebony" said the doc
tor, with good-natured shrug of his broad
shoulders. "You shall come tomorrow"
noting the look of disappointment in the
boys face. DR.. John was more tender Of
his servants than some men are Of their
wives.
son. never mind, Massa, never mind -
replied Ebony, like the average human,
quite forgetful of annoyance when the sub
iect of consideration. 81 knows what its
Just knows what 'tis," added Eb ny, as
he watched the carriage out Of sight.
He's got one of his spells, and wants to
talk 10 hissef | know him Of old. II
twas anybody but Dr. John, | should
just say, Ebony, that man has got soften
ing of the SKULL but no such nonsense
can be laid to him.
DR.. John did want to be alone or as
much alone as a man can be in the streets
of a crowded city, and he did want to
talk to himself. Most men who are in the
habit Of communing with their own souls,
do it in audible language; so in this re-
spect, whatever he might be in others, DR..
John did not differ from his brethren. A
mans own opinion is not unfrequently his
best and safest companion. 1t will keep
its owners secrets, and when the compan-
ionship is frequent, will in all cases prop
erly guide and admonish, Self communism
in its highest form is the avenue which
leads directly to the heart Of God.
Yes" continued the doctor"
SIR" Sometimes Dr. John was very re-
spectful to HIMSELF. "a doctors life is
no Joke Easy, my beauty, easy now
John, look at that horse. You are only
Just a little more of an animal than he is
It's fun for him to travel when there's an.
other horse close by that he can outrun
Exactly the case with you John. fit
hadn't been for another horse in the shape
of a doctor you were determined to get {
little the start of where would you have
been to-day? That's the point Worthy
ambition, ch ? to pass poor devil on the
road of life Upon my word, believe
should be better man if had wife.
rather like women; but it is little har,
touaderstand how fellow manages Will
woman tied TO him morning, noon ant
night That's what takes me. Then,
am not sure that anybody'd have me tina
was anyways suitable. Ofcourse, SHOULD
want intelligence-and intellectually
too, by George and never could endur,
pain woman, or a woman with louc
voice, or--Yes, sir, that question is il
order" continued the doctor, stroking hi
long, silky black beard. "That is what
call driving the nail in. What hare 90,
got, John Hessman, to give in exchange
for these royal treasures ofmind and body
A good name-yes; an unexceptOnabl
position, unimpeachable integrity-yes
sir. These are something's" and here on
NJ. D, reined up before an elegant brown
stone mansion, where ore of his best (pe
cuniarily speaking) and most Fashionable
patients resided. Here DR.. John was EN-
ployed by the year; and although the pc
sition was no snecure, on account of tn
amount Of patience required to battle wit
the nervous fancies of the principal invalid
of the establishment, still, DR.. John, t
use his own telling vernacular, considere
it " an exceedingly soft thing and sof
it was in more senses than one.
DR., John walked right up into the in
valids chamber.
ooh, good morning, doctor. A ittl
late, aren't you? Seems to me | hav
been waiting an unusual length of time,
drawled the lady from her luxurior
couch.
"About the usual hour" replied D
John, with no especial show Of deferenc
"What seems to be the matter this morl
ing?"
Now, really, doctor, that is COO crue
Matter this morning Do you remembC
what was the matter yesterday2 Plea:
don't be so blunt. You shock my nerve
terribly"
"Let me see," said the doctor "Ye
terday, according to your own admissio
you were tagged out with fashionab
party and at late supper. That, of cours
cannot be the case to-day"
81 know | should not have attemptt
it in my weak state doctor know ~
what you will think of it," sighed Il
fashionable woman from her downy be
But, then, you men will never undo
stand what society demands of us wome
Dear Estele dear Estelle was the invaliC
daughter) had quite set her heart on g
ing to Mrs. Donk's reception. Of course
could not allow the dear child to go una
tended and, bless your heart, Or. Hes
man, that girls father would not accor
pany her to party il she fell dead at |
feet in consequence. Oh, lord, such til
as | did have about it, trying to mdu
Mr.. Waters to escort her really belle
that scene had more to do with my sufi
ing to-day than the party had Dear n
such a set man as Mr.. Waters is | tt
him-says |, William, this may result
my death. What do you think he said
reply, doctor?' Says he When won
gets to be forty years old, and don't kn'
enough to take care of her own health, n
the healths other children, it is time s
died; and then, doctor, he lit his Gig
and putfcd out Of the house. tell y
this, because want you to know wi
has so unnerved me, and that you may I
lay it all to the party Estelle is quite
too, doctor, and when you have writ
out my prescription, | wish you wo,
walk into the next room and see her,"
DIR. John knew that something must
administered, or his professional repu
tion would be irretrievably damaged,