Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1895-07-31

there are someY
eyes, but your messenger did no,
appear to know of them,' I answered
and the old gentleman murmureo
omething about doctor always being
ready for new patient, as he led the
way into a room on the first floor al
the back and placed the lamp on the
table. glanced around the place
quickly, expecting to see some sign OF
the person had come to attend.
''The room was comfortably, almost
handsomely, furnished as a sitting
room, and contained cheerful look.
ing fire, before which two arm-chairs
were drawn up, with small table be-
tween them containing two glasses, a
bottle of whisky, and syphon OF soda
water besides box of cigars. But there
was no sign of patient.
Take your great coat off and sit
down. said the old gentleman; you
can put your things on the table. !
suppose you will not object to glass
of Scotch and cheroot? / can recon-
mend the cheroots.'
"He had seated himself in one of the
arm-chairs as he spoke and was filling
the glasses.
"'Pardon,' said, in considerable as
constituent, but had not better see
the patient before do anything else?
''He looked up as if surprised at my
suggestion.
so, I am the patient he said,
placidly.
II stared in greater surprise than
ever, for he looked quite picture of
health, and he smiled good-naturedly.
" If you will sit down I will tell you
what is the matter with me- he said,
as placidly as before. I do not like to
see man standing when am sitting,
and if you do not take your coat off
you will catch cold when you go out
again. You doctors never will use
your knowledge to take care Of your
selves. That is better'-as obeyed,
wonderingly.
81 am a victim to insomnia he
went on, after had taken the other
armchair; L suffer terribly. You can
not tell what it is to stay awake all
night while the rest of the world is
asleep. Not soul to speak to-the
one living person in a city of dead. I
think it will send me mad some day.
"'Yes, it is a great affection, said,
shortly, not little chagrlned that I
had been summoned at that time of the
night to consultation which could
have been held at any time, but it can
be cured in time with healthy living
but that does not help me to-
night said my patient, pushing the
box of cigars towards me.
You are suffering to-night?' I
asked, with my professional air.
Yes, am perfectly certain that I
shall not sleep a wink. 1t would make
me feel suicidal to go to bed and try.
That is why sent for doctor; but I
am sorry you have had to come so far
''Well it is lucky that I have
brought some drugs with me, said.
opening my brief-bag before me. I
will give you a sleeping draught for
tonight, but you must give up drugs
and live healthily, and take plenty of
exercise and diet yourself, if you really
want cure n
81 took out the soporific had pre-
pared before starting. as spoke, but
the old gentleman shook his head hope
lessly.
'''It is not the least use giving me
drugs, DOCTOR he said. 4 have satu-
rated my system with them, and they
have no effect upon me-
Then may ask why you have sent
for me?' l asked, feeling very much like
losing my temper.
"'Well! it is like this, DOCTOR he
said, placidly. I can't sit all night by
myself. l feel as though 1 should go
mad if do. must have somebody to
talk to-
"'And you mean to tell me-?' 1 be-
gan hotly, and paused for want of
words to express my Indignation.
my patient took advantage of the
pause to proceed in his gentle, half
apologize manner.
Il assure you, doctor, that looked
upon it quite as business matter. 1
90 not look upon a physician as phil
but as business man,
whose chief inducement, after all, is to
make money. May I ask what your
usual fee is?'
my usual fee is seven-and-six-
pence said, severely; I was mod
est beginner in those days. But when
am called out in the night
7'''You make it higher, of course, put
IN my patient, imperturbably; shall
we say ten shillings?'
nodded.
. And may ask how long your visit
usually takes?'
g 1t varies from five minutes to an
hour
1.-THE man performed short calcula-
ton on his fingers.
Then we may call your average
visit thirty-two and half minutes,
he said, quietly. We'll! 1 am quite
to pay you ten shillings for
every thirty-two and half minutes
that you remain with me. You came
in at exactly twenty minutes past
Twelve. Allow me to pay you up till |
seven minutes to one He gravely |
handed me half sovereign as he
spoke, and went on: If you prefer it,
have not the least objection to your
giving me medical advice all the time |