Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1896-08-13
MademOiselle Finette.

In the last days of his life Lamar
tine, the French poet and statesman,
lived in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris,
in little house given to him by the
nation.
Though much tormented by credi-
tors, he lived in comparative
comfort, cultlvating roses, cab
cabbages, and little literature, and
surrounded by five or six grey
hounds, to which he was greatly at
tached.
His favorite greyhound was a par
ticularly slender and graceful one,
named Mademoiselle Finette.
The care of her was the first duty
of his servants, who were permitted
to speak of and to her only in the
formal third person.
One day, during q fearful rain
storm, mademoiselle was taken very
ill. Lamartine called a maid, who
happened to be "green" young girl
fresh from Burgundy.
Run and fetch a veterinary sur
geon instantly" " he commanded ;
Mademoiselle Finette is very i'll! "
The girl started off and began in
was referred to Doctor Ike, a young
physician who had lately established
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 on such a day as
this?" said DR.. Ike rather sharply,
as the girl rang his bell.
"Oh, it's Monsieur Lamartine,
sir" she said, "and you must come
right off; Mademoiselle Finette is
very i'll !"
Lamartine ! The young doctor
was in a furry. In spite of the
weather he put on his best frock-
coat, his most resplendent necktie,
and his handsomest pair of gloves,
and fastened to Lamartine's cottage.
What an opportunity Physician
to the family of Lamertine for-he
said TO himself Mademoiselle FL
nette is evidently one of the great
mans immediate family; neice,
perhaps.
Rushing up in a cab, the doctor
found Lamartine's gate open, and
the poet standing near it, under a
big umbrella.
"I have been waiting for you,
SIR" said the poet, with cruel i'm
patience. "You come none too
soon. Mademoiselle Finette is very,
very ill.,"
How old is she?" asked the
doctor tidgeting timedly.
" Three years."
"Only three years! Do you
think it is the Group, Monsieur de
Lamartine
"The Group? Oh / think not :,
but here we are"
Lamartine tiptoed into aidarkened
chamber, the young doctor follow
ing him, impressed and solemn, to-
wards curtained bed.
"Here is our little sufferer" said
the great man, with a deep. poetic
sigh. You shall see if l 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,
"it's dog! Is Mademoiselle FL
nette greyhound, sir?"
Certainly" said Lamartine,
" but what's the matter with you,
sir?"
"I-I'm not a veterinary sur
geon " said DR.. Ike.
What are you, then?"
1" l am a physician, Monsieur de
Lamartine."
The poet was in fresh alarm,
though he could not quite help
at the blunder. However,
Doctor Ike volunteered to do what
he could for Mademoiselle Finette,
and his services were accepted.
He treated the dog faithfully, and
she finally recovered.
From that time the young doctor
had a powerful friend. He met peo-
pie Of distinction .at the poets
house; and whenever anyone was
i'll Lamartine exclaimed:
"why don't you try Doctor Ixe?
He cured Finette!"