Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-03-26

any apparent reason.
He was not partial to the fair sex, an
/ seldom consented to take woman unde
his care unless she was poor. This pect
| liarity was accounted for by the romantl
supposition that he had been deceived II
early youth by the woman he loved. In
only thing people did not agree upon wa
the selection of the faithless one.
Whatever the doctor might have been il
his youth, he was now ugly and cross AM
crusty. Yet there were those among HI
patients who thought him an angel 0
kindness. To his honor be it said, thes
were poor people, who did not pay, ant
who sorely tried the short patience OF the
beloved doctor by their long explanations
and senseless fear of death.
The only intimate friend of DR.. Lamber
was his dog Fido. They went everywhere
together, and on fine afternoons the doctor
and his dog might always be seen sitting
at the window, looking at what happened
in the street, and exchanging opinions
thereupon; for the doctor seriously believ
ed that Fido understood what was said tc
him, and that he made distinct and very
sensible remarks on all subjects worth dis.
cussing. And no one had ever dared TIC
contradict the doctor.
Miss Morette arrived at the top of the
steep street in which the nobility OF Val
mont chiefly congregated, and where DIR.
r ~ hoI
years. She rang the bell of a large stone
house, Of which he occupied the second
floor, and was admitted into the ante-cham-
Der by the doctors housekeeper.
Jeanette had shared the vicissitudes OF
domestic life with the doctor during TWEEN,
ty-fve years. She was acquainted with
his .ways, and declared on all proper oc-
casions that he was the best and kindest
of masters.
'sCan l see the doctor?" asked Miss
Morette, with an engaging smile.
That smile reached Jeannette's heart,
and she became instantly confidential. Il
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 amp"
s'No; it is for little girl, and want to
see him so much!"
well, you might try, if it is an urgent
case. But it won't be pleasant for you; he
is rather cross this morning."
ooh, do not mind that at all,n said
Miss Morette, cheerfully; sit will not hurt
me-"
''No, ma 'am; it is all bark and no bite.
Only don't 10 * as if you We're afraid Of
him, he can't bear that y
Then she knocked at the doctors door.
'sCome in" said sonorous voice.
Jeanette insinuated her head within
the room.i sit 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 bu-
ried in his book Miss Morette walked
quietly to 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 eX-
changed between them, after which fldo
stretched himself at Miss Morette's feet
and continued to 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. ssOh dear.'' she exclaimed,
piteously.
s'Wnat's the matter? Are you sick?''
asked the doctor grufiy.
'sNo, indeed, sir.''
''Then why do you disturb me?'
s'I'am sorry. did not mean to speak,
but 1 dropped stitch just as l was taking
up the heel aEd-but don't suppose you
know anything about knitting stockings. y
Then the doctor turned round and look
ed at his visitor. He saw a plump little
figure, face still fresh and fair. two small
clouds of short grayish curls, and two blue
es es that met his with smile. Her clothes
were old fashioned, but not cheap. She
was neither rich nor poor. neither old nor
young, nti her bold nor yet afraid. The
doctor did not know whether to lie C oss
or not.
$50 you have taken the trouble to come
here to tell me / do not know anything
about stockings2n DR.. Lambert spoke
sneeringly, but his small yellow-brown eyes
tWinkled pleasantly under their bushy eye
brows.
s'No, sir; came to speak to you about
little girl. And as I have interrupted
you, perhaps you might hear me now, and
then can 60 away"
And without waiting for an answer, Miss
Morette stated her case as briefly as posi-
ble
ssPoohl It is nothing" said the doctor
"Give her plenty of milk and fresh air
and she will get we'll"
"Ye S, sir. but Snould ike TO naVeyo
look at her."
s'Do you suppose l cure people by look.
ing at them?''
'sNo, sir. But you might see"
"Ah, yes-see. That is the way with al
women; they all want you to see. But l
madam, have no time to waste upon sight
seeing. Where do you live?"
"Not very far, sir; only half mile
'sHalf mile! DO you think I would
walk half mile on such a hot day to SEE
anybody?''
..lt is not so hot after you have passed
the bridge, because there are SO many trees
It is on the road to Florssant, the thilt
house on the left from the Green Road
And perhaps you might ride"
s'Perhaps l might. Allow me to say