Abbeville progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 1921-01-29

of the panel, and the bolt was OF thln
steel. | 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. Ii worked a spiritual
change. Man, said the morning, was
made to he happy.
Exulting in pleasant emotions, l let
myself out of the main door and re-
joiced in the beauty of the place and
the moment. l took short walk
across the lawn toward the woods.
4 gardener asked me if ! were the new
doctor and said If had leisure during
, the day he wished l would come TO
the cottage beyond the gardens. His
infant had cough.
The house was astir when | re-
entered. Jed was the first person
saw, and to my establishment he was
not only civil but pleasant and candid.
Did you have a fair night, DOCTOR
he asked. sometimes first night in
a new place is disturbed, and | owe
you apologies. We have had here oc-
casiOn at times for locking doors on
the outside as well as on the inside,
and last night | forgot myself and
threw the bolt of your door. l am oc-
casionally in liquor. and last night l
had a touch too much"
| smiled AT his cand0r and said
something jokingly in comment.
"a servant can't be blamed, doctor,
for that" he said, ''if his master leads
him into il. We have coffee before
breakfast. I'll serve you anywhere.
The morning papers are in the library.
There's porch off ii with n good
view. It's my favOrite spot of a morn
ing. 1 recommend that you have your
coffee there"
His friendlineSS was amusing, but l
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,
DOrCheS and balconies. 1t 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 IL
was ten o'clock before l was sum-
mOned. Mr.. Sidney was pleasant and
animated.
I'VE must arrive at schedule" L
suggested. ''This is little too late in
the day TO satisfy DR.. Brownells ideas
of what my duties are"
But, my dear DOCTOR" he said, 81
do not wake until nine. l need my
sleep. l do not go to sleep until one"
~ should advise early hours" l said.
"Of course you would, but you must
remember that you are dealing with
MAI, at the end of his life, trying to
make the most of it. like to remain
awake late"
Then you must" | said. 81 shall
consider it settled to see you at ten"
And, | hope. sometimes to sit up
with me until one. Do you like chess?"
II 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 a great
satisfaction to have some one whom
you can beat at chess and whom YOU
can see enjoying wine. Doctor, l have
yielded to my friend Brownell's de-
mand for constant attention, but as
you can see, there will not be a great
deal for a physician to do. | eat we'll
sleep well, and so long as my sensa-
tons are pleasant, l want to live They
are not always pleasant, but mostly
they are so. I'd like to have you as
a new friend in the house. l like. to
he talked to. l like to be read to.
VIII you relax and be Just q friend?"
with pleasure" l said, $50 long as
nothing interferes with the physician"
That's bargain" he said. AT
three o'clock this afternoon you shall
ltdl W IIt.
During my spare time l walked
about the grounds. A part of the es-
tate, about thirty acres, which seemed
to be INTELLECTUALLY intimate and re-
lated TO the house, was completely in
closed by a twelve-fOOt brick wall sur
mounted by sharp spikes. 1t was built
beyond the rivers edge, ald was con-
tinued out into the water in a heavily
huttressed fashion. Only a good SWIM
mer could have rounded it and come
into the place. II looked like care
fully but strangely designed protection.
In the dog kennels were maStiffs
and Il number of AiredaleS. | said to
Jed that it seemed as if precautions
had been taken against perceived
danger. He had been affable during
the day, hut his face clouded instantly.
The wall was here when Mr.. Sid
ney bought the place. but we are in a
way isolated" he said shortly. at is
reasonable to take precautions. 1t will
be precaution for you not to 20 roam
ing the grounds at night. The dogs
are not friendly then"
His surlilesS was easily passed over.