The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-11-04
S2 PER ANNUM

any profession. lie was, however, good
natured, generous youth, delighted to do a
kindness, and with no greater vice than a
love of doing nothing useful.
"Hello, Merrifeld p he exclaimed, chow
are you? Worked to death, I expect, since
you set up on your own hook. I've only
come to town this very day, but made a
point of hunting you up, as 1 promised. I
came at lunch-time, for fear, otherwise of
finding you closeted with some rich hypo-
chondriac
II am very busy just now," [ answered,
'but delighted to see you at any time"
"Well, how many fees have you taken p
asked the irrepressible Jones' "Of course,
London is already ringing with your
praises" [ wished he would talk on some
other subject, but truth compelled me to
answer, carelessl ly:
"No, no, not yet; these are early days;
the truth is l have very few patients. To
be quite open with you, my dear fellow, you
are my first. D"
Jones jumped up, pulled face, and then
gave his chest mighty slap, intimating he
was perfectly sound in that direction.
'My dear Doctor, I wish I could think
there was anything the matter with me,
but, upon my word, [ never felt better in
my life. I haven't pain Or an ache about
me. However, if the case is as you say,
you won't quite despise my news; | fear it
is not worth more than a guinea fee, but it
may lead to more. My rich old uncle Jona-
than Dillon, is coming to consult you this
very afternoon, because | told him you were
the very man he wanted, but I just looked
in to tell you that he is very crotchety, and
you must manage him properly. AS to his
ailments, don't believe they are of much
consequence, because he has been just the
same ever since was in arms. Never looks
a day older"
'Ill do my best, professionally" I said,
secretly not much believing this rich man
would turn up. GAS to managing him, I
am afraid that is not in my line. -
"Well, that's pity, because if he were
to take fancy to you, you would want no
other recommendation. He'll recommend
you right and left and the whole Dillon
class are disgustingly rich. And all inherit
asthma or bronchitis. Fact
| began to express my thanks, for, in
spite of his of-hand manner, [ felt sure
Jones had taken some trouble about me,
but he only laughed at my gratitude.
sDon't mention it. Besides, old Dillon
may take a dislike to you. However, he
mustn't find me here; perhaps he wouldn't
believe | had come to consult you, though
[ did tell him you were the cleaverest fel-
low in London. And so you are, in my
opinion. I wouldn't mind telling the Queen
as much if | had the chance" And then
he was gone. But no, once more he turn
ed back
II say, Merrifeld, old Dillon's daughter
is sure to come with him; he never goes out
without her; perfect slave he makes OF
that girl =
1t was towards four o'clock ON a winter s
afternoon that carriage and pair dashed
up to my door; then grand footman jump
ed down from the box and gave the correct
announcement of my first patient; [ had
Just time to escape to my den before the
front door was opened. [ heard voices
then a loud cough, then doors being closed
Yes-my first patient had come. In an
other moment his card was handed me, and
on it was written:
''Mr. Jonathan Dillon"
CHAPTER II.
entered the room in my most profes
sional manner, and looking straight before
me at once saw what was Enthusiastically "old
Dillon" but so much wrapped up that
very little more than a quarter of his face
was visible | can honestly say l never
noticed Miss Dillon till her father himself
waved small fat hand in her direction
saying
"My daughter, DIR. Merrifeld; she al
ways comes with me wherever [ go, for
am so infrm [ don't think it safe to be left
alone-but she enjoys excellent health. "
This last remark was said in most deplor.
able tone, and as | turned, [ almost started
with surprise, for old Dillon's daughter was
small delicately- made girl, who could not
be much more than seventeen years old
Her forehead was encircled by the most
golden hair [ had ever seen, and her face,
though not what might be called extreme
ly beautiful, was yet one of the sweetest
had ever gazed at. The expression was sc
simple, the large blue eyes were so innocent
and shy, that for moment was completely
lost in wondering how such man as the
one before me had any right to possess such
daughter. Miss Dillon was evidently very
retiring, and at this moment also feeling de
trOp.
Il dare say, DIR. Merri6eld,' she said
hurriedly, blushing up to the roots of her
hair, chat there is a room | might sit in
while you hold your consultation. Papa
never likes me to leave him alone minute
for fear anything should happen. Any
where will do" | bowed, and rang the
bell, saying, in as calm tone as possible:
'Show Miss Dillon into the study" The
vision of fair hair having disappeared, !
gave myself up to the examination of my
patient. After a careful inquiry came to
a conclusion which made me certain that
this was the last time | should see Mr.. Dill
lon. The truth being there was nothing
much the matter with him, that the old man
was regular ypochondriac- fact, that
all his ailments were imaginary. But yet
come what might, l must speak the truth;
even for the sake of further fees, must
not give dishonest opinion. would moi
be the first of the thirteen to act lie
Mr.. Dillon now began to give me min.
ute account of his ailments, and to repeat
the advice of various doctors
"And now DIR. Merrifeld, feel sure you
4
imperative that I should leave England al
once, to cure this troublesome cough"
IF only could have agreed with him
but no.
"Quite the contrary" I said calmly. 81
think you should stay in England, the fin
est and most healthy climate for consti-
tuition like yours"
"Bless me! Bless me!' calculated Mr.
Dillon, looking distressed. "Do you really
| kI oD