Year: 1878

No one will come tonight, said the
doctor, glancing at the clock on ithe
mantelpece, as he drew the chair close
to the fire, seating himself comfortably
in it, and planting his feet on the fen
der, he began 10 read.


The servant had gone to bed an heur
before; the boy was in his dOrmilory;
the cat and dog occupied the centre OF
the hearth-rug under their masters legs
in a strangely complicated embrace
lust as they had fallen asleep In the
midst Of their play-Buff the cat, having
his fsre.paw around Nelson's neck, and
Nelson, a beautiful young water spaniel
with his nose snugly beded in the
thick tan colored fur which had given a
name to his friend.


The doctor laid his book upon his
knee, and taking up the poker, gently
tapped and played with a large COAL
through whose fssures the blazing fire
spirited with a sputter ard fume that in
the deep midnight silence sounded clear
and loud. He was enjoying to the full
that sense of security from interruption
which medical men so seldom have an
opportunity Of feeling. He had in in-
mediate prospect none Of those urgent
cases with no regard for time nor tide
and the wind that hewled in the chin
neys and the heavy rain that beat fur
ously against the windows promised
him security from all cases Of minor
necessity. So he played with the blaz'
ing coal, aud enjoyed his comfortable
dreside as much as a man can who has
no wife to share II with him.


As the sound Of the wheels rumbling
along the street mingled with the noise
of the storm, he gave an eXultins poke
to the coal, which left it heap of fam
ing ruins, and then he nestled deeper
into his chair, with serious thoughts OF
setting public opinion at defiance by
smoking a cigar. But suddenly the
spaniel raised his head, erected bis silky
ears, and uttered a short, inaulsltlve
bark. In the next moment the doctor
heard that wheels stopped before his
door. Putting on a long face that
seemed to commseratc himself on the
disturbance Of his quiet. lie sat upright
waiting for the summons, and mutter-
ing, philosophically. Put nOt thy faith
in any sert ofweatherv


Then came ring at the night bell,
and a female voice that called from the
vehicle.


Don't knock You need net rouse
the whole house.


'Ihope they'll make haste and come
them replieda a gruil voice. the tones Of
which carried with them strong con
yictien that the vehicle outside must be
a cab. III dou't knock 'cm up |
shall be kept waiting here for an hour!


There is some one coming-see, a
light replied the voice from the cab.
Inquire if the gentleman is at home


Here's the doctor himself, l suppose,
said the cabman, as the street door
opened and showed the figure in slippers
and morning gown thatstOod within.


Open the door and let me out! sait
the lady impatlently; and no sooner
had the driver, in his deliberate, sleepy
way, obe yed her commands than three
light bounds placed her safely on the
door mat. She seemed to be young bu'
her thick veil ef'ectually hid her face.


De you want me to go anywheres
said the doctor, glancing at his slippers
for ifso, Pill


No, oh, no.! she interrupted. :
wish 10 speak with you. Wait for me.
she added, addressing the cabman; :
will pay you double for your time, il
consideration Of the bad weather.


The door was shut, and the driver
dvesting himself ofhis waterproof coat
which he threw oyer the rocking flank
of his horse, enscon0ed himself iu th
inside of his carriage to exchange hi
habitual dozy condition fora state Q
complete somnolency. In the mean
time the doctor had politely bowed III
visitor into the parlor and seated her ol
the sofa.


This is dreadful weather for you t
come cut IN, ma am he began, but
suppose the case is very urgent.


should judge from the lveliness OF you
movements that you cannot have com
on you. account


You are mistaken, sir, she replied
| seek your advice and assistance for
myself, being in the same time in per
feet health


Il must ask you to be more explicit
said the dectsr, quite mistifed.


To enable you to judge correctly
the case, l must explain all the clrcum
stances she said. To begin then ;


have a father and mother, two aunt'
one a widow and the other an old malt


living with them married sister o
| the other side Of the street, and sewers


grown-up brothers; so you may easil.
Imagine what an overpowering weigh


OF family influence can be brought t


bear upon my individual will. in case


in which it dares to act for itself. Wei
urged by the wishes OF my family, an


and also, / must own, in accordanC


with my own inclinations, SON
months ago entered into an engag'