Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-27
CHAPTER IX.-MR vIMPANY ON INTOXICA.
TION

CHAPTER IX.-MR. VIMPANY ON INTOXICA.
TIoN.
There was no unSteadiness in the doc
tors walk, and no flush on his face. He
certainly did strut when he entered the
room: and he held up his head with digui-
ty when he discovered Mountjoy. But he
seemed to preserve his self-cOntrol. Was
the man sober again already?
His wife approached him with her set
smile, the appearance of her lord and mas
ter filled Mrs. Vimpany with perfectly as
sumed emotions of agreeable surprise.
This is an unexpected pleasure" she
said. You seldom favor US with your
company, my dear, so early in the even
ing. Are there fewer patients in want OF
your advice than usual?"
You are mistaken, Arabella. I am
here in the performance of painful duty"
The doctors language and the doctors
manner pres ented him to Iris in a charac-
ter that was new to her. What effect had
he produced on Mrs. Vimpany? That ex-
cellent friend to travellers in distress low
cred her eyes to the floor and modestly
preserved silence. Mr.. Vimpany proceed
ed to the performance of his duty; his pain.
full responsibility seemed to strike him at
first from medical point of view.
eff there is a poison which undermines
the sources of life," he remarked, 1T is
alcohol If there is a vice that deorades
humanity. it is intoxication. Mr.. Mount
joy, are you aware that [ am looking at
you"
Impossible not to be aware of that"
Hugh answered. MAY | ask why you are
looking at me?" 1t was not easy to listen
gravely to Mr.. Vimpan> s denuuciation OF
intemperance after what had taken place
at the dinner of that day. Hugh smiled
The moral majesty of the doctor entered
its protest.
'dThis is really shameful" he said.
"The least you can do is TO take it seri-
ously."
what is it?' Mountjoy asked "And
why am to take it seriously?"
Mr. Vimpauy's reply was, to say the
least of it, indirect. If such an expression
may be permitted. it Smelt of the stage
Viewed in connection with Mrs. Nimpany's
persistent assumption of silent humility,
it suggested to Mountjoy a secret under
standing of some kind between husband
and wife
what has become Of your conscience,
sir?" Mr.. Vimpany demanded. rs that
silent monitor dead within you? After
giving me bad dinner, do you demand
an explanations Ha! you shall have it."
Having delivered himself to this effect
he added action tc words. Walking grand
lv to the door. he threw it open. and sa
luted MountJoy with an 1ron1caI DOW
Iris observed that act of insolence; hel
color rose, her eyes glittered. do you see
what he has just done'" she said to Mrs.
Vimpany.
The doctors wife answered softly: 81
don't understand it." After glance al
her husband. she took Iris by the hand
Dear Miss Henley, shall we retire to my
| roomf"
Iris drew her hand away. mot unless
Mr.. Mountjoy wishes it." she said.
Certainly noti' Hugh declared. "Pray
remain herei Your presence will help me
to keep my temper He stepped up te
Mr.. Vimpany. Have you any particu
lar reason for opening that door," he ask
ed.
The doctor was a rascal: but, to do him
| Justice, he was no coward. Yes" he said
81 have reason ~