The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-11-30

of the medical school, was talking
eagerly to pleasant-faced, slight
young student who stood before him.
The young man had taken his degree
and received his diploma only the day
before. He had graduated ut the top Of
his class, and, as DIR. Best had said to one
Of his fellow professors, as they sat to-
gether signing the diplomas, he was
the only man in the class who really
had a genius for his profession.
DR.. Best was a New York physician
OF wide reputation who had kept his
professorship in the medical school Of
one of the small inland colleges, both
because it was his own college and be-
cause the few weeks which his lectures
covered gave him almost the only vaca-
ton that he could manage to get
through the long hard-worked years.
''l'm not SO sure that won't take you
into partnership, my boy" he said, after
ordinary means of persuasion had
seemed to fail. THAT is, if you will take n
few months first in the - hospital
where I'll get you grand chance. You
otght not to bury Yolaself in a country
practice with your gifts. Ill push you
aleng as fast as can if you'll come to
New York"
The younger man threw back his
fine head with a sudden eager gesture
strange wistful look shone in his eyes.
He knew well enough all that the doc
tors generous offer and fatherly affec-
fionateness meant; fame and money
and all delightful social advantages
were put easily within his reach. He
was reverent of the world of art and of
letters, and of mans best knowledge
md close acquaintance with affairs.
But he could not shut his eyes to that
other vision of q familiar upland coun-
try, the dark hills, the narrow rocky
roads, the gray and red farmhouses OF
Alton. He remembered, too, his father,
the old doctor of all that region, physi-
clan of souls and bodies, whom every
body had missed, he himself most of all.
You're very kind, DR.. Best" said
John Ashurst, with bright color in
his cheeks. 81 know how much your
kindness, would mean-but you see
they need doctor up at Alton"
"There are plenty of doctors" said
the old gentleman, gruffly. "The peo-
pie up there can get doctor-there's
Duncan or Grafton or Smith who prom
lse fairly well, and don't know where
In the world to settle. You ought to
have larger place. Come, make a
push and take what belongs to you"
81 feelas if were needed up at Alton,
SIR" said the young doctor, with the
anxiety slowly leaving his face, and a
happy light coming into his eyes again,
though he reached bis hand for the
back of chair close by and took hard
hold of 1t. Dutytwas SO shining clear
that the moment of temptation was
quickly over, but he suddenly remem,
bered that ne was turning his back
upon the most beloved companionshir
that he had ever known, except his
fathers. The doctors. about Alton
whom he should sometimes meet, were
pld-fashioned men, not of the best sort
some Of whom were likely to be jealous
Of him. There would be no more tall
for him now with DR.. Best or with
other friends who saw their profession
from anything like O wide point o.
view, to whom he could speak in hi'
own language. He was facing a gooc
deal of loneliness; he could not hope tc
70 to New York very often; he was il
debt already for his education. DIR
Best was an old man, too; they might
never meet agaiu.
The old doctor rose grufly-tho mo
ment had grown too painful for then
both. "Well, well" he said, impatient
ly. "You must do as you think best
mother living and depending upon you
wouldn't feel at home anywhere else
sacred inheritance from your father tt
take up his work; I know, know, bu
If he We're here he'd feel just as I do
No, no, sha'n't forget you. I'm toC
busy to write much, l never promise
but you write to me if you like, ant
keep up with the periodicals; poor a
they are, they're better than nothing
md you must follow the new notions
Some day, if can get off, l may rui
up among the hills in the summer
God bless you, my boy!" said the oil
gentleman, handing him a book, bu
not even offering to shake hands, ant
turning again, grumbling to himself
to tumble among some papers. Johi
Ashurst escaped as quickly as he coulc
Nhe felt little hght-headed ant
broken, as If It would be easy to shet
tears When he reached his boarding
place he sat down drearily, and though
Tor long time, deeply and anxiously
And at last he looked at the grea
book. 1t was the very best Frencl
surgical work of the day, one that Dr.
Best had. just imported; he could no
have bought 1t himself with month
hard vyork