Iron County register., 1882-10-26

entered the room in my most profess
sional manner, and looking straight before
me at once saw what was Enthusiastically
''old DiIlon,' but so much wrapped up that
very little more than quarter Of his face was
visible. can honestly say I never noticed
Miss Dillon till her father himself waved a
small. fat hand in her direction. saving:
''My daughter, DR.. Merrifeld; she al
ways comes with me wherever I 90, for I
am so infirm don't think it safe to be left
alone-but she enjoys excellent health"
This last remark was said in deplorable
tone, and as l turned, [ almost started with
surprise, for old Dillon's daughter was a
small, deicately-made girl, who could not
be much more than seventeen years old.
Her forehead was encircled by the most
golden hair L 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 expression was so SIM
pie, the large blue eyes were so innocent
and shy, that for a moment was completely
lost in wondering how suah a I'm as the
one before me had any right to possess such
a daughter. Miss Dillon was evidently very
retiring, and at this moment also feeling de
II dare say, DR.. Merrifeld," she said,
hurriedly, blushing up to the roots of her
hair, ''that there is room / may sit in
while you hold your consultation. Papa
never likes me to leave him alone a min
ute, for fear ANYTHING should happen. Any
where will do" 1 bowed, and rang the
bell, saying. in as calm a tone a possible:
"Show Miss Dillon into the study" The
vision of fair hair having disappeared, I
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.. Dillon.
The truth being there was nothing much the
matter with him, that the old man was a
regular hypochondriac-in fact. that all his
ailments were imaginary. But yet, come
what might, I must speak the truth; even
for the sake of further fees I must not give
a dishonest opinion. / 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
advice of various doctors. "
And now, DR.. Merrfield, Ifeel sure you
will agree with me in thinking it absolutely
imperative that [ should leave England at
once to cure this troublesome cough.'
If only could have agreed with him; but
no.
"Ouite the contrary I said, calmly. 'I
think you should s. ay in England, the finest
and most healthy climate for a constitution
like yours. !"
BLESS mel Bless mer' calculated Mr.
Dillon, looking distressed. "Do you really
think sop
Without a shadow of doubt, sir.n
"Bnt about exercise? I ought to take
very little, Of cOurser'
Not at all; the more you walk, the bet
ter it will be for you.'
You are quite unique, sir, in your opin-
ion-remarkable! But about prescription,
Doctor. 1 suppose you will write one for
ME. to allay this cough, for instance?'
"No." answered, "any ordinary lozenge
will suffice" knew now I had signed my
death warrant; or rather, 1 thought knew
for what was my surprise when MIR. Dillon
| exclaimed: -'
MY dear sir, you are the first physician
| who has given me no prescription! l be-
llieve YOU understand my case. I hope
may come and consult you as often as / feel
the need of it; which need, grieve to say,
| occurs frequently."
1 was amazed. Curiously enough for
| once the truth had pleased the old man, but
| now l was obliged to answer:
81 am sure you will find it quite unnec-
| essary to come again, unless some unfor.
seen -'
/ "Tut, tut, DIR. Merriield, not one of nv
many medical advisers ever told me not tC
] come again. I assure you'll shall come ag ain
whatever you may say. and MANY times, too;
| and hope to send others of the family here.
| cent Lucia; I've often wanted her to see q
| doctor, but it's no good; the girl never
| com mprains, even of headache"
| This time really smiled. I am sure
| we doctors are only too glad to see a lady in
| perfect health. The present excited life
| which many of them lead" but Mr.. Dill.
! lon was not listening 10 me, for suddenly
| he turned round (for he had risen to leaveC
! couri,ed violently. and then, after a nerv.
oas f,mbiing among the pockets Of his great
! coat, he said:
| =" Bless me! [ had nearly forgotten an i'm
portant little matter. Believe NE, sir,