Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-08-11
MADEMoIsELLE FINErTE.
How q Young Doctors Fortune Was Made
by Curing Lamartine's Greyhound.

| From the Youths Companion.
In the last days of his life Lamartine, the
French poet and statesman, lived in the Boil
de Boulogne near Paris, in little hous.
given him by the nation. Though much tor
| mented by creditors he lived in compare
tive comfort. surrounded by five or si,
greyhounds, to which he was greatly at
tached, and cultivating roses, cabbages and a
little literature His favorite greyhound was a
particularly slender and graceful one named
Mademoisele Finette. The care of her was the
first duty Of lis servants, who were permitted
to speak Of and to her only in the formal third
person.
One day, during . fearful rain storm. Mad
emoiselle Finette was taken very ill. Lamartins
called maid. who happened TO be green
young girl, fresh from Burgundy.
Run and fetch a veterinary surgeon in
stantly," he commanded; ''Mademoiseiie Fl
nette is very ILL.,"
The girl started off and began inquiring for
the nearest doctor. She was referred to DR..
lie, young physician who had lately estab-
lished himself in the neighborhood. He had
had eight patients and four Of the eight had
quickly passed beyond the reach of medical
attendance.
Who wants me such day a. thisy" said DR..
Ike sharply, as the girl rung his bell
"Oh, it Monsieur de Lamartine, SIR" she
said, and you must come right of; Made
moiselie Finette is very ill ~
Lamartine! The young doctor was in a
furry. In spite of the weather he put on
his best frock coat, his most Respondent
necktie and his hsndsomest pair of gloves,
and fastened to Lamartine's cottage. What an
opportunity! Physician to the family OF LAM
artine; for-he said to himself-Mademoiselle
finette Is evidently one Of the great mans i'm
mediate family; niece, perhaps.
flushing IN in n cab the doctor fOnnN
Lamsrtine's gate opened. and the poet him
self standing near it, under big umbrella.
II have been waiting for you, sill" said the
poet, with cruel impotence. You have come
very ILL.,"
How old is shef'' asked the doctor, hdset-
ing timidly.
Three years"
"Only three years. Do you think 1t is the
Group, Monsieur de Lamartine?"
Tho Group! Oh, think not, but here we
are"
Lamartine tiptoed into darkened chamber,
the young doctor following him. impressed and
solemn, toward curtained bed.
Here 10 our little sufferer" said the great
man, with deep, poetic sigh. You shall see
II had not ample cause to call you in haste"
He lifted the silk curtain. and there, curled
up and shivering on a satin coverlet, lay the
greyhound.
What" exclaimed the doctor, 'its a dog Is
Madenoiselle Finette a greyhound, sir?"
certainly. said Lamsrtine, but what's the
matter with you, sir?'
I'm not a veterinary surgeon!' said DR..
Ike.
What are you, thenT'
II am physician. Monster de Lanartine"
The poet was in fresh alarm, though he could
not quite help from laughing az the blunder.
However, DR.. Ike volunteered to do what he
could for Mile. Finette, and his services were
accepted. He treated the dog faithfully and
che recovered.
From that time the young doctor had pow
erful friend. He met people Of distinction at
the poets house, and whenever any one was
i'll Lamartine exclaimed:
"Why don't they try DR.. Ike? He cured
Finette"