Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1886-07-15
A QUEER PATIENT.
A DOCTORS STORY.


am doctor. | live in New York
City, and in one of the most crowded
localities l am not ashamed to say
live there, because I find it better
place for a young physicians practice
than the more fashionable streets. Ny
patients were little shop-keepers, poor
mechanics, laborers and even beggars.
The latter, of course, paid me nothing,
though they showered blessings on me
by the bushel. The poorer they were
the oftener they sent for me, and on the
smallest pretenses.
had been in my present Office two
years, and had never had patient from
the more aristocratic circles, when one
night I was startled by violent ring at
my bell. and having just composed my
self for nap, after hard days work, l
can't say the summons was agreeable.
However, ran to my window at once
and cried:
"Who is there 2"
A voice answered:
"Only !, doctor. It's an urgent case.
Please come down to the door.
The tone Of the answer surprised me.
The form Honly II was still more aston
ishing, for grammar was not fayorite
accomplishment in that neighborhood.
That lady spoke felt sure-a lady of
education and refinement.
l hurried down stairs and opened the
door. There stood an elderly lady
dressed in mourning. Her face, though
wrinkled, was very fine in feature. Her
hair was arranged in elegant puffs under
a handsome bonnet.
She put out the smallest of hands in
a fine black kid glove, and said, pite-
ously:
ssAre you the doctor2"
eyes. 1 said.
ssThen come with me" said she.
''Don't delay. It's life or death. Come.
hurried on my overcoat, caught Up
my umbrella, and offering my arm to the
old lady, walked down the street with
her.
'sYou must be my guide, madame" !
said. II do not know where ou l.vs."
She instantly gave me street and
number that surprised me still more. 1t
was the most aristocratic quarter of the
city.
'sWho is i'll. madame, 2 inquired-''a "a
grown person or a child?p
"a young lady-my daughter" she
said.
'sSuddenly2"
eyes, suddenly" she answered. ssDo
you keep giga" You should have had
it out if you do. We would have been
able to go faster"
Il keep no conveyance, said.
''Perhaps you are poor" she said
eagerly.
oCertainly not rich, said.
"Cure her and I'll make YOU rich, !"
she said, in sort Of suppressed shrek
"cure her and I'll give you anything you
ask. don't care for money. I'm rolling
in gold. Cure her and I'll shower it on
you
"You are excited, madam" ] said.
Pray be calm.
"Calmr' she said scalml but you
don't know mothers heart
We reached the street she had indi-
Gated, and were at the door of one Of its
finest mansions. The old lady ascended
the steps and opened the door with
latch-key. A low light burned in the
hall, another. in one Of three parlors, the
furniture of which was draped and
shrouded in white linen,
"Wait here, sir, if you please, " she
said, as she led me into one of these.
cpl see if my daughter is prepared for
your visit.
And with sweeping courtesy, she
Sl1ucu away
Doctors are not used to being kept
waiting long ! waited what ! thought
most unreasonable time in those gloomy
parlors, when step, very different from
he old lady's was heard upon the stairs,
and stout, snort, red faced woman
hustled into the parlor.
I beg your pardon, sir, she said; in
singular tone; but my lady, the lady
who brought you here, is very nervous,
and was needlessly alarmed she begs
your acceptance Of the customary fee,
and there is no need Of your services. Z
Thus speaking, she handed me i've
dollar gold piece, courtesied ana opened
the door for me.
bowed, expressed my pleasure that
he patient was better, snd departed.
It was i queer sort Of adventure, but
ather amusing than otherwise; beside,