Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-11-24
H.

/ entered the room in my most profossiona
manner, and, looking straight before me, a
once saw what was unmistakably 'old Dill
lon,' but 80 much wrapped up that very littl,
more than quarter of his face was visible
l can honestly say never noticed Miss Dill
lon till her father himself waved small fa
hand in her direction saying;
MY daughter, Dr. Merrfeld; she alwnyt
comes with me wherever l go, for 1 am so in
firm don't think it safe to be left alOne-bu
she enjoys excellent health"
This last remark was made in a most de
plorable tone, and as l turned almost started
with surprise, for old Dillons daughter was 9
small, delicately made girl who could not be
more than seventeen years old. Her fore
head was encircled by the most golden hair
had ever seen, and her face though not what
could be called extremely beautiful, was yet
one Of the sweetest had ever seen. The ex
preston was so childlike, the large blue eye;
SO innocent aud shy, that for a moment was
completely lost in wondering how such mar
as the one before me had any right to possess
such daughter. Miss Dillon was evidently
very retiring, and at this moment appeared to
be feeling de trop.
81 dare say, DIR. Merrfeld," she said hur.
riedly, blushing up to the roots of her hair,
THAT there is a room l might sit in while you
hold your consultation. Papa never likes me
to leave him alone a minute for fear anything
should happen. Anywhere will do"
bowed and rang the bell, saying as calmly
as possible:
''Show Miss Dillon into the study"
The vision of fair hair having disappeared,
l gave myself up to the examination of my
patient. After q careful examination came
to a conclusion which made me certain that
this was the last time l should see Mr. Dillon,
the truth being that there was nothing much
the matter with him. He was a regular hy-
pOchondriac, and his ailments were mostly
imaginary. But yet, come what might, /
must speak the truth even for the sake of
further fees could not give dishonest opin-
ion. l would not be the first of the thirteen
to act a lie.
Mr.. Dillon now began to give me minute
account of his ailments and to repeat the ad-
vice of various doctors.
"ARd now, DIR. Merrifeld," he concluded,
Il feel sure you will agree with me in think
ing it absolutely imperative that 1 should
leave England at once to cure this trouble
some cough"
If only could have agreed with him; but
no.
Quite the contrary" l said calmly II
think you should stay in England, the finest
and most healthy climate for constitution
like yours"
"Bless me bless me 2" calculated Mr.. Dill
lon, looking distressed. "Do you really think
so Z"
Without a shadow of doubt, sir"
''But about exercise-I ought to take very
little, of course 2"
Not at all the more you walk the better
it will be for you"
You are quite unique, sir, in your opinion
remarkable But about prescription, doc
tor l suppose you will write one for me-to
allay this cough, for instance?"
''No," answered "any ordinary lozenge
will suffice" l knew now l had signed my
death warrant. Or, rather, thought knew
for what was my surprise when Mr.. Dillon
exclaimed
''My dear sir, you are the first physician
who has given me no prescription. l believe
you understand my case. hope may come
and consult you as often as l feel the need of
(which need, grieve to say, occurs fire.
quently."
was amazed. Curiously enough, for once
the truth had pleased the old man. But now
was obliged to answer:
II am sure you will find it unnecessary to
call again, unless some unforeseen"
Tut, tut, DR.. Merrifed not one of my
many medical advisers ever told me not to
come again. l assure you l shall come again,
whatever you may say-aud many times, too:
aud hope to send Others of the family here
We all have wretched constitutions-al ex-
cept Lucia. I've often wanted her to see a
doctor, but it's no good the girl never COM
plains, even of headache"
This time l really smiled.
II am sure we doctors are only too glad to
see lady in perfect health. The present ex.
cited life which many of tn hem lead"
But Mr.. Dillon was not listening to me, for
he suddenly turned round Che had risen to
leave), coughed violently, and then, after a
nervous fumbling among the pockets of his
great coat, said
BLESS me had nearly forgotten AN i'm
portant little matter. Believe me, sir, l new
er gave fee with greater pleasure or more
gratitude"
He pressed his fat hand into mine, and l
felt small round object slipped dextrously
into my palm. l then went to release the
vision of fair hair from my den, and at once
hoped that if Mr.. Dillon did come again Miss
Lucia would always accompany him. 1 es-
corted the pair to the front door, and Just as
Mr.. Dillon had entered the carriage his daugh-
ter made a pretense of running back for a
glove.
please excuse me, Dr. Merrifield," she
said, looking right up into my face with a
most anxious expression on her sweet coun-
tenance, "please excuse me, but what do you
really think of papa?"
''In excellent health, Miss Dillon pray
don't be anxious"
just then her father called 'her impatiently
and she was gone with just one sweet smile
and Thank you so much!" for all the world
a. if l had Just cured her father of some OBJ
stinate disease.
Aud now, clasping my first fee, returned
to nay room. There unclosed my hand, and
in the middle of my palm lay bright, hard,
yellow-ginger lozenge!
The expectation had been great and the
realization was so small that burst out laugh
ing at my own bad luck and my discontinue.
Yet not for moment did entertain the
thought of acquainting my patient with his
mistake. 1 felt sure that if did so the Wis
ion Of golden hair would blush with oonfu-
sion, even though l did not ses her, and the
innocent blue eyes would look troubled
No, my first fee was not worth guinea,
but such as it was did not hate it, because
-ah well might call myself a fool for even
fancying that /, Arthur Merriheld, penniless
and unknown should for a moment dream
that had fallen in love at first sight with my
rich patients only daughter.
put the lozenge away in box, and that
night l again slept the sleep OF feeless ply
sician.
III.
The next day found myself thinking of a
vision of fair hair, instead of taking in the
sense of a clever treatise on the anatomy of
the hand, which certainly could in no way be
connected with the events of the day before.
Curiousy enough, however, about eleven
O'Clock a cab drove up to the door, and what
was my astorishment q need not say pleas
ure) when Miss Dillon, followed by an elder.
ly maid, entered the room. There she stood,
as fair and beautiful as the day before, but, il
possible, more shy and embarrassed. The
little hand she held out to me trembled visi.
bly, as she said;
"Oh, Dr. Merriheld, can you forgive mo
for disturbing you this morning? l don't
know how | made up my mind to come, but
felt must, even if-if.-"
She paused, and tears almost came into her
blue eyes, while l could think of no words
suitable to set her mind at rest being igno-
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