Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-11-04

forehead was encirced 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 gazed at The ex-
preston was so simple, the large blue eyes were
so innocent and shy, that for a moment was
completely lost in wondering how such man
such daughter. Miss Dillon was evidently
very retiring, and at this moment also feeling
de trop.
IL dare say, DR.. Merrifield," she said. bur-
riedly. blushing up to the roots of her hair.
that there is a room might sit in while Won
hold your consultation. Papa never likes me
TO leave him alone minute for fear ANYTHING
should happen. Anywhere 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
Alter careful inquiry came to a conclusion
which made me certain that this was the last
time should see Mr.. Dillon. The truth being
there was nothing much the matter with him,
that the old man was regular hypochondrac-
In fact. that all his ailments We're imaginary.
Bat yet. come what might, L must speak the
truth; even for the sake of further fees must
not give dishonest opinion. l would not be
the first OF the thirteen to act lie.
Mr.. Dillon now began to give me minute ac-
count of his ailments, and 10 repeat the advice
of various doctors.
'.And now, DIR. Merrifeld, feel sure you will
4
tive that should leave England at oncet cure
this troublesome cough"
If only could have agreed with him; but no.
Quite the contrary" said calmly. Il think
you should stay in England, the finest and most
healthy climate for q constitution like YOURS"
BLESS me. Bless me-" calculated Mr. Dillon,
looking distressed. do you really think sO?
without shadow of doubt, sir"
But about exercise? | ought to take very
little, of Course?"
IN oil,
viii be for YOU"
You are quite unique, sir. in your opinion
remarkable But about prescription, doctor.
l suppose you will write one for me, to allay
this cough. for instance?"
NO." L answered, ''any ordinary lozenge will
suffice" l knew now i 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. l hope l may come and
consult you as often as | feel the need of 1t;
which need, grieve to say, occurs frequently"
1 was amazed. CurOusly enough for once
the truth had pleased the old man, but now
was obliged to answer:
Il am sure you will find it quite unnecessary
to come again. unless some unforeseen"
Tut tut. DR.. Merrifeld, 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, and many times, too; and hone to
send others of the family here We all have
wretched constitutions; all except Lucia; I've
often wanted her to see doctor, but it's no
good; the girl never complains, even Of head
ache"
This time really smiled. 81 am sure we doc
tors are only too glad to see lady in perfect
health. The present excited life which many of
them lead" but Mr.. Dillon was not listening to
me, for he suddenly turned round (fOr he had
risen to leave,) cOughed violently, and then
alter q nervous fumbling among the pockets of
his great co at, he said:
'Biess me. l had nearly forgotten an i'm
portant little matter. Believe me. sir, | never
gave fee with greater pleasure or more graf
itude." He pressed his fat hand into mine.
and | felt small round thing slipped dexter
ously 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. |
escorted the par to the front door, and just as
Mr.. Dillon had entered the carriage his
daughter made pretense to run back for
glove.
''Please forgive me, Dr. Merrfeld," she said,
looking right up into my face with most anX-
ious expression on her sweet countenance
please forgive me, but what do you really
think of papa?"
I'm excellent health, Miss Dillon; pray don't
be anxious" But before she could say any
more her father called her impatiently, and she
was gone with just one sweet smile and
Thank you much" for all the world as if
had just cured her father of some obstinate dis
ease
And now, clasping my first fee, 1 returned to
my room. There unclasped my hand and in
the middle of my palm Law bright hard vel
low, ginger lOZenge,
The expectation had been great, and the re-
aiZatiOn was so small that burst out laughing
at my own bad luck and my discontinue Yet
not Tor moment did it enter my head to &C
quaint nv patient with his mistake | felt sure
II did SO the vision of golden hair would blush
with confusion even though / did not see her,
and the blue, truthful eyes would look
troubled.
Monty first fee was not worth guinea, but such
as it was, did not hate it, because-ah well
might well call myself fool for even fancying
that 1, Arthur Merrifeld. penniess and I'M
known. should. tor a moment dream that had
fallen in love at first sight with my rich patients
only daughter.
night l again slept the sleep of feeless ply
stefan.
The next day l found myself thinking of
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. Curiously
enough, however, about IL o'clock a cab drove
up to the door, and what was my astonishment
i need hardly say pleasure-when Miss Dillon,
followed by all elderly maid, made her appear
ance. There she stood as fair and soft and
beautiful as the day before but. if possible,
more shy and embarrassed. The little hand she
held out to me trembed visibly. as she said:
''Oh. DR.. Merriield, can you forgive NE for
disturbing you this morning.? l don't know
how | made up my mind to come but | felt |
must, even if, it" She paused, and tears al
most came into her blue eyes, while could
think of no words suitable enough to set her
mind at rest, being ignorant of what she
wanted to say.
Indeed, Miss Dillon, if there is ANYTHING /
can do for you shall be delighted so beg YOU
will not apologize for troubling me-"
1T isn't that exactly" she answered, once
more looking at me in a most distressed man
ner.
Perhaps you require further particulars as to
your fathers health. 1 must repeat what said
yesterday"
"Oh thank you, it was so kind of you; he
was much better last night | know you will do
him good; but that was not what l wanted to
ask you-oh dear! you will think me 80 rude,
or else an impOstOr. Or-Or-"
impossible" | said, more vehemently than
the case required.
81 don't know how to begin; mean, per.
haps you don't know the peculiar way papa