Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1892-11-10
MY FIRST PATIENT.

had been in my new lodgings for u
week. A week that had dragged itself
along in an endless series of DAYS, every
one bringing to me the dreams and the
hopes of an entire lifetime. Over the
glass door of my neat little apartment the
white door-plate, with which 1t is GUS
tomary to announce the Office of prac-
ticing physician, had shone for week.
For the same length Of time my little re-
ception and consultation-room had waited
with its dark curtains and straight
backed chairs for the patients who were
TO come to seek the advice and help of
DIR. Max Erhardt. After all, / had no
eau 'e to wonder that my room remained
so empty in the first days, for the neigh
borhood had first to get accustomed to
my name, and to the fact that they could
find good medical advice in their near
vicinity. All this l said to myself COM
fortingly at that time. When, by good
fortune, should be able to heal only one
patient, then the situation would quickly
change. My reputation would increase,
and soon the rush of people to my con-
sultation-room would proclaim my sue
cess. should soon go about in pretty,
little carriage, with dark, brown horse,
driven by a respectable coachman; then,
indeed, then
At last, thought which completely
overpowered me came to my mind.
was again in spirit with my Cou:in Ma
RE, who certainly would make the pref
test of doctors wives that one could
imagine. loved my fair cousin. AS O
boy, had shown her every little chival-
rous service which in either house or gar
den is demanded of the stronger com
rade. AS q junior in school, ha in
scribed my first poem to her; and as sem
ior. had badly injured my voice, which
was just then turning to baritone, by
singing necessarily of "the fsxen-haired
girl" When l returned home, after
passing the first examination, the first
thing of all that the student noticed was
that 1.-THE tiaxen-haired girl had come &c
love him as completely rs he loved her,
but neither said anything on that sub
jaot. My Uni yersity period passed by.
All the time l worked earnestly, and
whenever had undergone the tediou:
struggle of examinations VIGOROUSLY,
Marie's dear eyes seemed TO express heI
lively interest in the successful accom-
plishment OF all my endeavors. And
when Cousin Marie greeted me upon my
return, said softly, "Herr Doctor Et
hardt, looked deep into her dear eye.
and said more softly, Frau Doctor Err
hardt." Then / saw a bright blush com,
over her face, as she turned hastily toward
the window-seat.
Now and then, during the next few
days, / had opportunity 30 speak to Ma
rie of all the castles in Spain which q
young physician could build in his empt,
dwelling; but dared not inform her o
my dream in regard TO the future doc
tors wife. There lay in the blue eyes o
my dearest an expression which KEEP
back my words, even when they almos
found utterance. / had no doub
that Marie would eventually be my wife
| but 1t seemed as IL a lack of confidence
in my ability as physician lay in he
| glance. That increased my pride, ant
induced me to remain silent and avail
the time when the report of my first pro
fessional achievement would proclaim m.
ability to Marie.
With my thoughts absorbed in al
these things, / sat on the afternoon of
dreary November day in my consultation
room, and at first failed to notice fain
ring at my bell. Then l arose to opel
the door myself, Us had sent my GRAND
boy TO market.
| l confess that during The few step
which were necessary to bring me to TIA
door, a food of strange thoughts cam
over me- A caller was seeking my help
Very hkelyit was patient Of high birth
and should certainly receive a rich re
ward and fame, and-I was already mar
ried TO dear Marie. l opened tn
door. In the half-dark of the lat
August day stood poorly-clad woma
before me. Out of her haggard an
| charcoal-blackened face looked pair @
great. dark eyes beseechingly at me.
| Doctor" said the woman in tremt
ling voice, doctor, be merciful,
please. My little Marie is so sick"
The name atoned for the woman's ur
promising appearance, which coincide
badly with my latest dreams.
"Who are your Who sent you to met
l asked.
| NO OuC, NhC NOiudu ahcNCtNo HuiSh
" and in low voice. 30 Doctor, d
come! have been carrying coal all ola
from tho wagon into house near by.
live over there in the courtyard. NJ
child has been sick since yesterday.
found her so much worse that came I
you at once"
Ihesitated Iomewhat; the disenchan
ment was so goat.
The woman wiped her face with h
blackened hand.
It was fre which already shove
many burrows caused by sorrow an
trials.
II should lave gone for the CHART
physician" shrsaid, YEARLY, "but yo'
servant, DoctG. is a child OF the sho
maker in our courtyard, and he has tol
everyone that you are such good maj
oh. do help mI little grill"