The review. [volume] (High Point, N.C.) 1908-19??, 1920-08-05

retained my first Impressions.
Jed preceded me through corridors
to my door and left me surlily. AS he
closed the door I thought I heard an
other sound than that of the clicking
of the latch. l had. 1t was the throw
| ing of bolt on the outside: Jed had
locked me in. I made sure of this by
| trying the door. 1t could not be
opened. Here was an astonishing sit
uatiOn for first night in place. My
| impulse was to make a noise and ask
for an explanation, but on second
thought I did not. My room was on
| the second floor, and saw, looking
out of the window, that it would not
be impossible to make a descent on
the outside in an emergency. l de-
cided not to begin my stay with pro-
test against any habits of the house
or occurrences in it. In the night I
was awakened out of a sound sleep
with an idea that had been disturbed
| by noises, but nothing I could hear
sustained it, and went to sleep again.
| was up early, dressed and found
that my door had been unbOlted. I
examined the outside of it for: bolt
|
ingeniously had it been concealed. The
knob seemed a part of the decoration
of the panel, and the bolt was of thin
steel. I found it only by finding the
socket into which it could be shot.
The rain had stopped, and although
the woods were dripping, there was
glorious, radiant sunlight. The effect
was exhilarati1g. 1t worked a spiritual
change Man, said the morning, was
made to be happy.
Exulting in pleasant emotions, let
myself out of the main door and re-
joiced in the beauty of the place and
the moment. / took a short walk
across the lawn toward the woods.
A gardener asked me if were the new
doctor and said if had leisure during
the day he wished 1 would come to
the cottage beyond the gardens. His
infant had a cough.
The house was astir when I re-
entered. Jed was the first person l
SOW, and to my establishment he was
not only civil but pleasant and candid.
did you have a fair night, doctOr?"
he asked. Sometimes a first night In
a new place is disturbed, and l owe
you apologies. We have had here oc-
casiOn at times for locking doors on
the outside as we'll as on the inside.
and last night I forgot myself and
threw the bolt of your door. I am oc-
casionally in liquor, and last night l
had q touch too much"
I smiled at his candOr and said
something jokingly in comment.
"a servant can't be blamed, doctor,
for that" he said, eff his master leads
him into it. We have coffee before
breakfast. I'll serve you anywhere
The morning papers are in the library.
There's q porch off it with a good
view. It's my favorite spot of morn
I. ing. recommend that you have your
coffee there"
His friendlinesS was amusing, but
found his suggestion good, and being
fond of coffee. enjoyed it with half
hour of magnificent view and cigar
cite. The morning was odorous after
the rain.
The house was a charming struc-
tural disorder of LIS and wings,
porches and balconies It was very
old, and one could see where different
generations had contributed to Its
growth. The walls were backgrounds
for hollyhocks or support for climbing
roses or ivy. 1t had plenty Of sun
light. but dense white oak woods came
close up.
held myself in readiness to attend
my patient at his convenience, but 1t
was ten o'clock before ! was sum-
moned Mr.. Sidney was pleasant and
!. animated.
1--WE must arrive at a schedule" /
suggested "This is little too late in
the day to satisfy DR.. BrOwnelrs ideas
of what my duties are"
But, my dear DOCTOR" he said, II
do not wake until nine. I need my
sleep. 1 do mot go to sleep until one"
81 should advise early hours" said.
"Of course you would, but you must
. remember that you are dealing with
man. at the end of his life, trying to
make the most of it. like to remain
/ awake late"
'"Then you must" I said. II shall
consider it settled to see you at ten
"And. l hope, sometimes to sit up
, with me until one. Do you like chess
. 81 never played"
LUCKILY, Jed does, just well enough
to interest me and have me beat him.
, Do you like wine?"
"A young doctor does not drink"
Luckily, Jed does. 1t is great
satisfaction to have some one whom
YOU can beat at chess and whom you
can see enjoying wine. Doctor, I have
. Welded to my friend Brownell's de-
/ mand for constant attention, but as
; Evou can see, there will not be great
deal for a physician to do. eat well,
sleep well, and so long as my sensa-
tons are pleasant, want to live. They
; are not always pleasant, but mostly
, thew are so. I'd like to have you as
, now friend in the house. I like to