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

WITH quleC smlle paying rounu MS i"ieo
mouth-(Dr, Johns mouth was really very
large, ard truth compels us to state that
he had an under jaw to match, though the
rows of uneXceptionably white and even
teeth, and the silken chin-coverng, glossy
and soft as n woman's hair, entirely re-
deemed the lower part ofhis face from ug-
illness the physician wrote the few nee
essary Latin words, among which aqua
seemed really the most conspicuous, and
then passed into the other room The
doctor knew what awaited him. This
little game had been tried more than once
before.
"Good morning, Miss Estelle," said DR..
John, approaching the sofa, where the
languid beauty reclined, Your mother
tells me you are ILL.,"
Miss Estelle, with an almost impatient
gesture, brushed back the floating hair
from her temples-carelessly, and really
mintentionalIy, it would seem, barring by
the motion one Of the most beautiful arms
that sculpture ever raved about-and re-
piled:
"Your manner seems to say, Miss
Estclle, you are ARRAYS ill., Why don't
you behave vourself?' Oh, how happy
should be, DR.. John, il you would once in
your life be kind to inc. ] do really think
something is the matter with my heart.
What if | should die 2"
No picture of Wattcau's could ever have
been more witching, more charmingly
colored, than the little form before
him. Every accessory of toilet had
been brought to bear upon the citadel of
his heart; and to a handsome woman no
dress is so becoming as the n5qLigle of her
boudoir, with its lace and fantastic en-
broidery, sippcred feet and graceful post
mes. Then the vases filled with flowers,
the mirrors and jewels, and perfumes, and
enticing lolling chairs. Hei9ho many a
strong man has bowed TO such shrine
made fool of himself for liie-when in
the glare and glitter of the drawing room
no such nonsense would have been thought
of.
DR.. John acknowledged the beauty of
this picture. 1t was dainty, piquant, dan
gerous. 1t has been dished up for him on
several previous occasions, but never so
much to his mind as now. The beauty's
manner was earnest, and almost supplica-
ting. What man could fail to be apprecia-
tive under such circumstances Remem-
Der, too, that Dr. John was longing to be
loved--had that verv morning almost
prayed that heaven would send him little
bundle of comfort in shape of good wife,
and it vii not be strange that, notwith-
standing the efforts previously made to
enthrall him, be should think only Of the
present loneliness.
"What are you reading, Miss EStelle Z"
said DR.. John, after a moment of appro-
clative scrutiny. Wilson's Essays, eh ?"
and the doctors face showed all the sur
Prise and pleasure felt by its owners
"And upon my word, If here isn't Emer-
som That S healthy f)od--cathcr heavy,
though, | should think, for sick girl +"
Miss Eetelle drew a long breath For
THE first time in the twelve months of trial
had she received one single word Of COM
phment or commentator from the man
whom her mother had detcrm ned she
should marry.
And, as true as live, another book
under The pillow, Really, have some
curiosity to know the title Of that volume
also" continued the doctor, almost caress-
mgIy
"Oh, it is nothing" replied the would
tic invalid, languidly, " but stupid cook
cry book that | got from the library.
Mother depends on me, You see, for our
desserts, and can tell you that sometimes
my ingenuity is sorely tested"
One little hand tucked the volume
further under the pillow, while the other,
unconsclously of course, dropped upon the
DOCTORS. With the white iewcled fingers
lying on his, the fair dazzling face upturn.
ed, the words which would have doomed
him to misery all the days of his life were
almost spoken,
How wonderfully and providentially lit.
tie things sometimes appear to save from
desolstion and death The hand with
which she had strlven to hide the partially
concealed volume had strangely enough
lifted the frill Of the pillow, and disclosed
both title and aurher. One OF the mos
mischicvous and recklessly written book
ever translated into the English language
For moment the doctor sat silent witt
hog or and establishment. Not so mucl
THAT the young woman before him had de
yeloped taste for such literature but tina
she could so mblushingly lie to him.
II do not think" said he at last, "tha
you need any medicine So you have m.
permission to study the cookbook mdc
your pillow as diligently as you may fee
disposed. 1t is pleasant to know tina
fashionable young ladies are possessed O
such domestic and literary tastes. Goo
morning, Miss Waters"
DR.. John passed out Of that abode c
luxury sick at heart.
And vet" he murmured, /" | came YER
near losing myself in that trap. Wha
COMPOUNDED fools men are"
This thought was rather humiliatinG
and DR.. John was unable to shake it 0
during the day; and when he turned HI
horses head homeward, it was with fee
ing OF disgust ana loneliness, never pelol
experienced.
"Pretty much all alike, | am afraid" b
continued softly to himself.
Just then a little figure in the middle
the street attracted his attention.
child, to all appearance not day over fly
years, with upliited arms, stood, needles
of danger, looking straight into his fac
Quicker than can tell, DR.. John ha
jumped from his carriage, seized the lit
creature, and placed her on the seat behir
him.
, "You were in great danger, my dea
SAID the doctor, looking down into ii
singularly sweet and intelligent youI
face. "What made you stand in the nj
die o. the crowded streetW
care you doctor7' was the only rep
vouchsafed.
"By profession, yes, little miss, and