Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-10-01

and IL you Qeslre, Will GILL upou Iho JouuS
doctor and state this in polite way. No
doubt be will consent to the arrangement at
once"
Very reluctantly, Mr.. Whitman agreed to
this proposal 1t was really strange how he
clung to the young doctor, and how much he
FELT that he should miss his kindly words and
smiles, and his gentle touch and light tread
so different from the bustling way Of portly
DR.. Pembroke.
But there was no help for it. He might be
dependent for long time, and it was not tor
him to dictate how his neighbors should be-
friend him.
So with his best coat and his most dignitied
manner, Philip Benton, or Squire Benton as
he was commonly styled, waited upon DR..
Lansing, and politely stated his errand but,
to his unutterable surprise, the request was as
politely declined.
DR.. Lansing regretted that he could not
oblige Mr.. Benton and his friends whom he
represented, but the case had progressed so
successfully under his charge that he could
not cons,;entiously relinquish it to another"
Prepcsrerous And to speak of conscience
in the matter, when it was perfectly evident
that it was mere avaricious desire to get all
he could from the poor man.
twas the talk of the whole village. The
minister, from the pulpit, denounced in very
strong terms those who defrauded the poor.
The old doctor gave more expressive shrug
than usual when his young rival was men,
toned Dobbs the miller, gave the bags an
extra shake, and the worthy blacksmith wiel-
ded his hammer with unusual energy, as they
thought of DR.. Lansing, while the auld aoives
raised their hands and eyes with indignation
when they saw him pass their door, and the
young maidens avoided returning his cour-
teous salutation, although they INDUCED in
sly peep at his handsome form and fashiona-
bly, cut coat and then sighed as they thought
of the popular DR.. Pembroke.
Still everything went on swimmingly at
neighbor Whitman's. The young doctor con-
tinued his visit, and the patient was making
rapid progress toward health. 1t would be
long, however, before his arm regained its
strength, and fears for the future would some
times arise. Inspite of the subscription which
had been raised for him there we're still many
wants unsupplied, and nothing more could be
expected from the neighbors, for they chad
no notion of raising money to pay that spruce
young DOCTOR" In fact they we're somewhat
indignant that neighbor Whitman did not in
sist upon his dismissal.
At length, however, when the children were
actually seen barefooted as the cold weather
came on, and it was observed that the wood
shed was still untitled, and rumor was
abroad that the cow was to be sold, charitable
feelings were again called forth, and special
meeting was appointed at the vestry to see
what could be done.
The room was we'll filled. Facts were stated
and expressions of opinion were desired, the
great question vas how to assist their neigh
Dor without placing it in hispower to pay the
doctors bill.
This, all agreed, was not to be thoug hit of.
The young man, as everybody knew, was we'll
off, and by no means dependent upon his pro-
fession; even if he were, it was but just that
he should be the loser in this case, for had he
not declined to resign the case to DR.. Penn
broke, who had offered his services gratis !?
So after much consultation it was decided that
committee should be appointed to receive
subscriptions, and expend the money in any
way which they might judge to be for the ben
eft of the family. Fifty dollars were raised
on the spot, and the worthy villagers went to
their own homes we'll satisfied with the result
of the meeting.
The committee were men Of business, and
two or three days passed before they were at
leisure to attend to the duty which had de-
volved upon them. But at length they fixed
upon an evening, and agreed to meet at neigh
Dor Whitman's and ascertain from him what
was most needed.
They found him comfortably seated in his
arm chair, with the youngest of his children
climbing upon his knee. He gave his neigh
bors cordial welcome, and appeared so
cheerful and contented that they hardly knew
how to speak of the errand upon which they
| came.
At length, after few preliminary efforts,
such as clearing the throat, poking the fire,
etc., Squire Benton, who was as usual, fore.
man on the committee, remarked that he was
glad to see neighbor Whitman so smart once
more, and supposed he would soon be at work
again.
every soon, hope," was the reply. Il am
out Of the doctors hands at last. He gave
me my discharge yesterday"
"And round bill with it, I'll warrant y
exclaimed the three committee men in a
breath.
Neighbor Whitman smiled with very
meaning look, as he quietly replied, "He did,
indeed"
81 knew he would. always said as much" !"
cried Squire Benton, almost exultingly. "a
mean piece Of business it was, and what no
gentleman would have been guilty Of Ex-
cuse me, Mr.. Whitman, but if had been in
| 4 !
quick enoug h."
II might have been the loser, Squire"
"Not in my opinion. DR.. Pembroke would
have done better for you than that young up
start. But as to his BILL Plain speaking is
always best, neighbor. At vestry meeting
the other evening, we raised fifty dollars for
your benefit, and we are prepared to expend
it for you in any way you see fit, always ex-
cepting paying that doctors bill. That we
must absolutely decline having anything to
do with"
ut is not desirable that you should" re-
piled neighbor Whitman, again smiling.
''Seriously, gentlem IN, / am exceedingly CRATE
full for the kindness which has been shown me,
but would not willingly take what might,
perhaps be better bestowed upon those more
needy than myself have just received
little gift, which will enable me to purchase
what comforts are really necessary until can
get to work"
"Indeed !'' was the somewhat disappointed
reply of the astonshed auditors. "You are
fortunate, certainly; but your doctors bill,
how will you settle that?"
90, the gift disposes of that for me. Read
this note. gentlemen, and you will understand
the whole affair.""
| A. be smoke be handed them q neatly folded