The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-05-12
with a thoughtful countenance, took his

young physician in good practice in the
city of Boston. His father was wealthy
man, and resided in distant metropolis.
The son had studied medicine, not from
the necessity of acquiring profession, but
to crafty q love. for it and by the assis-
tance of a few influential friends of his
fathers, had obtained alarge and lucrative
practice. His society was courted, he was
fine-looking, intelligent, talented, and in
him the poor found kind friend and as
sistant. ia 'H.
The young lady, whose scornful looks he
had perceived, was not unknown to him,
but for reasons of his own he was glad she
had not remarked his presence. The other
he never remembered having seen, but
was charmed by her modest and lady-like
demeanor, and the unusually sweet ex-
preston of her features. Her attire, though
not rich, was extremely neat and showed
the good taste of the wearer.
"I wonder who she is" thought the
young physician. "I must manage, in
some way, to discover her name and resi-
dence." Visions Of small white hands and
beautiful features haunted him in dreams
during the following night.
The next morning message was left at
his Office, requesting him to call profess
sionally at the house of Widow West, ON
P--street. Being at leisure, he complied
Immediately. Upon ringing, the door was
opened by small girl, who conducted him
to Mrs. West.
"I am not much sick, doctor, but
thought it best to call you, and perhaps
save long and tedious Illness" said
sweet voice. The speaker was woman
about forty years of age, pale and thin,
but possessing the remains of great
beauty.
"You did we'll, madam" cordially re-
piled Doctor Malcolm, drawing the chair
to the bed and seating himself "Your
pulse is rapid, you have considerable fever,
and must be attended to Immediately.
Having prescribed remedies, he entered
into conversation with his patient. His
manners were free, easy, and invited con-
fidence and Mrs. West felt that the IT,
midity which had naturally arisen in the
presence of a stranger, was fast disappear
ing under the kind words and sympathizing
countenance of the doctor. The latter had
his suspicious that they had once seen bet
ter days, if not been wealthy. A harp
which stood in one corner with music be-
side it, several articles of furniture which
were apparently valued too highly to be
parted with, added to the general appear
ance Of his patient gave him reason to
think he was right in these conjectures.
His thoughts were confirmed by the words
of Mrs. West.
He learned that she had been the wife of
a rich merchant, who had been wholly de-
prived of his property by the dishonesty of
partner. While her husband lived, they
subsisted comfortably; but upon his decease
friends deserted them, and herself and TWO
daughters had been obliged to take in what
sewing they could get for a livelihood.
They had been tolerably successful in pro-
curing work, and were then in better cir
cumstances than she had anticipated in the
first hours of her bereavement.
While listening with attention to this re-
lation, the physician had not noticed the
entrance Of young lady, who now ap-
preached the bed and affectionately spoke
to her mother He raised his eyes and
was much astonished, though pleased, at
recognizing in the blushing beauty before
him, his unknown charmer. His surprise
was SO great that he scarcely noticed Mrs.
Vests remark Of h"''
"My daughter Flora, Doctor Malcolm
Though somewhat embarrassed by his ear
nest glances, Flora gracefully bowed, and
the physician drew her into conversation.
"Flora is treasure, . observed the moth
er, fondly. "When become disheartened
and sad, her dutiful attentions and afIec-
tionate ways revive my dropping spirits
and encourage me to hope on. You win
make allowance, doctor, for the partiality
of doting parent, " added Mrs. West, with
a smile
Flora blushed again, and looked very
pretty. naG
"You are favored in possessing such
daughter" he replied, earnestly.
"Did you succeed, Flora ?" asked the
mother after short pause. a
+" did," replied the young girl, "but
Miss Shirley wishes the work to be return
ed tomorrow. fear / cannot do it. and
nurse You as l wish.p