The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1880-08-19
DIR. BLUNT'S PATIENT

1t ever a mortal man was fitly named,
such was the case with DIR. Blunt, the
name expressing one of the strongest
characteristics. Had he been called DR..
Skillfu!, the same could have been said
of him with truth. And then the ex-
preston on his face was faithful index
Of another equally strong point of char
acter, viz. great kindness of heart. So
quick spoken was the doctor ON ordinary
occasions, he not only abbreviated SEN
tences, but words themselves frequently
suffered very perceptible clipping.
All the village OF l. was very much
exercised one morning by the intelli.
gence that the two best rooms in Mrs,
Lowell's elegant house, which had been
unoccupied for year or more because
the rent was so high, had been taken by
q young lady who was real live heiress,
having no one but herself to support;
and she was going to furnish the rooms
with no end of costly "pieces" and
lovely ornaments; and furthermore, Law
yer Peckham, who had charge of her
estate, said she was beauty, but in very
poor health, he believed. So the good
natured gossips ruminated as to how sad
it WAS that one couldn't have everything
in this world. If you have wealth, like
ly as not you have no health with which
to enjoy it; things are pretty evenly dealt
out, after all; and 30 after the manner of
newsvenders.
Dame Rumor seems, for once, to have
heard only the facts in the case, for in a
few days the rooms were really furnished
and occupied as predicted, and Mrs.
Lowell was highly elated over the good
looks as well as atfluent circumstances of
her new boarder, though in describing
her she had said:
"But something ails the poor girl; she
is so nervous, my dear-but fresh look
ing as a daisy, and not the least
mite pale Or wasted, and my! the way
shc dresses!"
One morning, as Lawyer Peckham was
coming out of Mrs. LowelPs house, he
met DR.. Blunt going in.
"Morning, Peckham," said the doc
tor, in his quick way.
Good morning, doctor. Guess my
client is about to become you patient
eh?"
eyes, yes," jerked out the doctor
shouldn't wonder" and he disappeared
A moment later Dr. Blunt entered
Miss Lacey's room. A very fair youns
lady reclined languidly in the sumptuou
depths of "Sleepy Hollow" chair, bu
the quick experienced eye of medica
man knew at glance that something
was wrong; although, as Mrs. Lowell
had said, she was rosy and plump, th'
expression of the eye was troubled. rest
less and morbid. The doctor seated him
self beside his fair patient, felt he
pulse, and then vented the remarkable
query:
"Was it me Or the young doctor yo
wanted?"
"Oh, you, by all MEANS" said Mis-
Lacey with smile, but instantly tn
troubled looked returned. She added
II want all the experience possible
brought to bear upon my case"
"Any parents?" quired tho doctor.
"No, sir, my mother died of consumr
ton when was very young; my fathe
died when was mere child"
Humph! Have any local pains! Sul
fer from headache nausea?"
"No, sir; nothing of the kind. Ther
seems to be fear of something oil tn
time, an underlined apprehension; some
times I think may die, as mother did
of consumption.
SCOT any religion?" ,
"Why, certainly, doctor. | shoul
hope so. 1 am church member, an
have been for years. l love my religion,
and quick sympathetic tears affirmed tn
truth Of the prompt assertion. .
Ever seen Jesus Christ sick and wi
tied Him, or naked and clothed Him, {
ministered tOthe thousand and one want
'ithe little ones forever representing tn
.,soavior's symbolized sufferingsy
"Alas, mol" sighed poor Miss Lacey,
have wanted for years, but this nervo,
weakness units me for anything usef'
or practical. I give regularly to sever
charitable objects, and hope some goo
is done in that way"
"Humph! Well, I'm going nov
Don't know Just what I shall prescrlb
but feel confident I can help you. Pc
haps I'll run in again before night Wi
directions-bless me, what lookll
gloves! Will You mend these for IN
my dear?" 49,.
Certainly, with pleasure" laugh
Miss Lacey, and for that instant the
was no trouble in her clear eyes.
"Yot see, said the doctor apologetic'
ly, my kousekeeper isn't much
mending, according to my idea, Al
then there's only my boy, the you
doctor, q people call him-the mt
graceless piece. As for wife," and t
voice grew wonderfully tender" de
vffa hs. h>>x .;rr IN v,oradiaa thy