The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1884-10-22

Ell ?'
s'Oh, worsep' cried the lovely visitor.
F'FilIed with the finest needles"
tsAh!"a calculated DIR. Ventpor. He
was thoughtful for minute-then adj
ded: "Give me your address. I'll call
tomorrow"
She handed hima card upon which
was printed:
G.. B. BRANsoN,
No Walnut Street, philadelphia.
The doctor knew the gentleman by
reputation; he felt sure that there was
heavy fee in prospect.
"You will be sure to come? ' his WISH
tor asked, with a delightful tremor in her
voice.
She arose, and dropped her vail over
her face, her diamond rings catching a
thousand sparkles of light.
"Without fall" was the doctors an
swer, as he accompanied her othe door.
as your father in distress now"
every much so, SIR
They had reached the doorstep. 1T
was so early in the evening yet, that she
was not in need of an escort.
Gone thing more, Miss Cranson, he
said. '..It may be best for me not to call
as physician"
.Why not?'' she asked in quiet sur
prise,
'.s1e may be prejudiced," replied the
doctor. Probably you have not caught
my meaning. A great deal will depend
upon adroitness. Could not come upon
some pretended business! Oh. a kind in
which he takes an interest ?"
She bent her head, and he noticed how
finely poised it was.
'tHe has houses to rent OH Brandywine
street, she said, after a pause. 10
rent and to SELL"
Very good" rejoined the doctor,
"that will serve me. Now, Miss Bran
son, you must mot ~be surprised if cut
up some queer antics" He laughed as
he said that. ''Watch me closely for q
clew as to what l would have yousdo or
saw"
He felt that she was keenly regarding
him, in the dimness, through her veil.
81 think understand" she simply
said. GOOD evening, sir.
The next morning Doctor Paul Vent
nor took from a drawer a strong horse
shoe magnet. He rubbed steadily upon
the blades of his pocket-knife with one
of the poles of the magnet, thoroughly
electrifying. He purchased paper of
very fine needles at an adjoining store
then set out for the residence of his pa
tent.
He found the latter to be man well
advanced in life, intelligent and genial
so genial, in fact, that the doctor won
dered at their being SO much of the sus-
pectful in his nature.
The room was magnihcently furnished,
yet without violation OIL harmony. or
OF wealth., dISpOSeu 70 COriSufC ms ease
THE doctor at once opened a converse
ton about the houses on Brandywine
street, in which Mr.. Branson earnestly
joined, and wildly explained points in
the speculation.
Sir, could trouble you for drink of
water?" the doctor suddenly aked.
Certainly" replied the other. "Kate
please bring Mr.. -"
'Ventnor," supplied the doctor
"A glass of water" completed MIR.
Branson.
lie was addressing his daughter, who
had called upon the doctor the evening
before, and she was seated in one Of the
bay windows. She put aside her book,
left the room, and returned with glass
OF water, which the doctor accepted with
bow.
He was more impressed with her love-
illness than ever, now that he had bet
ter view of her. Her hair was black
and abundant, her air dignified, her
manner royal; she was undoubtedly an
intelligent, refined, sensible, pure mind
ed young woman.
No glance of recognition passed be-
tween them-at least her father did not
notice any; but the doctor saw awaiting,
wistful, trustful, anticipating look in her
eyes, which made his pulses throb fas-
ter.
He raised his glass TO his lips, and
then well-feigned look of astonish-
ment crossed his face. He elected some
OF the water, plucked at his mustache,
then strobe to the window, where he
seemed absorbed in an examination of
the contents of the glass.
what is the matter?'' asked Mr..
Branson.
"Matter?' sharply repeated the doc
tor, as he turned from the window. "Sir,
who is this girl ?" he sternly asked.
Girl n' exclaimed Mr.. Branson, with
a frown. "She is my daughter"
II beg thousand pardons ~ humbly
reejoined the doctor, seeming quite fur
RED. This is remarkable Very re-
markable !" and he stared into the glass.
What is remarkable ?' asked Mr..
Branson with gasp.
There are needles swimming in the
water!' announced the doctor, the non
plussed look still on his face. Hundreds
OF them, sir How did they getin Why
did she bring me such stuff as this ?''
Needles % exclaimed Mr.. Branson,
becoming very much excited. 'sThere
Kate p he added, with an air of triumph,
What have | always told you ?' .
Miss Branson stared into the tumbler,
her face comically demure.
II see no needles. y she said