Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-02-18

suited him. But it was difficult to tell
when 1t suited him, for he was capri
cious, and took strong likes or dislikes
to people without any apparent reason.
de was not partial to the fair sex and
seldom consented to take woman under
his care unless she was poor. This pecul-
iarity was accounted for by the roman
tic suppOsition that he had been de-
ceived in early youth by the woman he
loved. The only thing people did not
agree upon was the selection of the faith
less one
Whatever the doctor might have been
In his youth, he was now ugly, cross and
crusty. Yet there were those among his
patients who thought him an angel of
kindness. To his honor be it said, these
were poor people who did not pay, and
who sorely tried the short patience of
their beloved doctor by their long expla-
nations and senseless fear of death.
The only intimate friend of Dr. Lam
bert was his dog Fido. They went ev-
erywhere together, and on fine afternoons
the doctor and his deg might always be
seen sitting at the window, looking at
what happened in the street and ex-
changing opinions thereupon; for the
doctor seriously believed that Fido un.
derstood what was said to him, and that
he made distinct and very sensible re-
marks upon all subjects worth discuss
ing. And no one had ever dared to con-
tradict the doctor
Miss Morette arrived at the top of the
steep street in which the nobility of Val
mont chiefly congregate, and. where DIR.
Lambert had lived for period of thirty
years. She rang the bell of large stone
house, OF which he occupied the second
floor, and was admitted into the ante
chamber by the doctors housekeeper.
Jeanette had shared the vicissitudes
OF domestic life with the doctor during
twenty-five years. She was acquainted
with his ways, and delared on all proper
occasions that he was the best and kind
est of masters.
Can ] see the doctor?" asked Miss
Morette, with an engaging smile
That smile reached Jeannette's heart,
and she became instantly confidential.
+" am afraid not, ma'am. This is one of
his bad days, so to speak, and he wouldn't
be easy to deal with. Is it for yourself,
ma'am?"
mo; it is for little girl, and I want
to see him so muchw
"Well, you might try, if it is an urgent
case. But it won't be pleasant for you;
he is rather cross this morning"
"Oh, do not mind that at ALL" said
Miss Morette, cheerfully lit will not
hurt me-"
mo, ma'am; it is all bark and no bite.
Only don't look as if you were afraid of
him, for he can't bear that"
Then she knocked at the doctors
door.
"Come in," said sonorous voice.
Jeanette insinuated her head within
the room. 1t is lady to consult you
about child, sir"
There was no answer. Taking silence
for consent, Jeanette gently pushed
Miss Morette into the lions den.
The doctor was seated at his desk, in
one corner of the room, reading. He
neither turned his head nor spoke; he
seemed buried in his book. Miss Moretta
walked quietly 10 a green sofa, seated
herself upon it, unpinned her shawl, took
out her work and began to knit.
Fido came up to her, and, the smell Of
her dress being pleasant to his nose, he
tried her hand. A few dumb civilities
were exchanged between them, after
which Fido stretched himself at Miss
Morette's feet and continued his nap.
When the doctor got tired of reading
he began to write, which he did with
great vigor and loudly scratching pen.
About fifteen minutes had passed in
this way, when Miss Morette suddenly
broke the silence. 90 dearp she ex-
claimed, piteously.
whats the matter? Are you sickY'
asked the doctor, grutfiY.
No, indeed, sir"
"Then why do you disturb me?"
AZ am sorry. Ibid not mean to speak,
but dropped stitch just as / was TAX
ing up the heel-but don't suppose you
know anything about knitting stock
lngs.' -
Then the doctor turned round and
looked at his visitor. He saw plump
little figure, face still fresh and fair,
two small clouds of short grayish curls,
and two blue eyes that met his with q
smile. Her clothes were old-fashioned,
but not cheap. She was neither rich nor
poor, neither old nor young, neither bold
nor yet afraid. The doctor did not know
whether to be cross or not.
$50 you have taken the trouble to
come here to tell me did not know any.
thing about stockings?" DR.. Lambert
spoke sneeringly, but his small, yellow
brown eyes twinkled pleasantly under
their bushy eyebrows.
"No, sir; / came to speak to you
about a little girl. Ana as / have inter
rupted you, perhaps you might hear me
now, and then can 60 away"
And without waiting fer an answer
Miss Morette stated the case as briefly
as possible.
"Pooh! 1t is nothing" said the doc.
tor. "Give her plenty of milk and
fresh air and she will get well"
"Yes, sir. But l should like to have
you look at her."
"Do you suppose l cure people by
looking at them!"
mo, sir. But you might see"
"Ah, vessel! That is the way with
all women; they always want you to see.
But I, madam, have no time to waste
upon sightseeing. Where do you liver,
"Not very far, sir; only half mile"
aHalf a mile Do you think l would
walk half mile on such hot day to see
aIt is not so hot after you have passed
the bridges, because there are so many
trees. II is on the road to Florissant,
the third house on the left from the
L tartat