Doctor Luttrell's First Patient

turns the best to t

Mrs. Crampton held the lantern, and the cook and the two maids carried the arm-chair, with jolting uneven footsteps, that brought a suppressed groan to Mr. Gaythorne's lips. A

t until the doctor comes," she observed.

oor Miriam had typhoid fever. The foot is swelling already, and it will be a job to get the boot off.

et. He is a doctor and very clever, and I am nearly sure that he is in just now."

Luttrell? You are suffering so much, and your foot ought to be treated at once. It is impossible for any one to kn

e to have a parcel of women round me.-There is no need for you to go, madam"-with an attempt at

ent tact, only smiled plea

d the doctor across, there is nothing

s hand as she spoke a

ill soon be relieved. Perhaps you will not mind my inquiri

s so full of kindly sympathy, that Mr.

; but he watched her keenly

ha was on her knees before the fireplace trying to revive the blackened embers with the help of the kitchen bellows, and Dr. Luttrell, with

ce, please?"-and here Olivia's voice was full of suppressed excitement. "Mr. Gaythorne has slipped against the curb and hurt his foot; he

caught up his black bag and nodded acquiescence. The tired frown l

xcitement. It was her doing that Marcus had his first patient. Those foolish maids would never have thought of sending for him. D

etch a bundle of sticks and a newspaper, and relay the fire, while I k

rtha, rising reluctantly from her knees; "I have been ironing Miss Baby's pinnys." O

he green-shaded lamp diffused a mellow light. The tea-tray was set and the plate of French toast was frizzling gentl

en brought her in to say good-night to her father. But she w

looked fair and sweet as she sat in her low chair with the sleepy child in her arms.

ge has sent you, too, a pot of her home-made marmalade, because she knows how fond you are of it. Sit down and begin, I shall not be a moment," and Olivia's voice

came back. "What have you done? Was the foot very

e is laid up for the next two or three weeks; he is not in good condition and the shaking and fright have upset him.

mpton says he hates doctors," and

able for the night, he waxed a shade more gracious and thanked me quite civilly. I fancy he is a character and has lived so long alone t

d books, and the massive oak furniture. I had not time to notice things, but I could not help feeling how d

n the first floor full of beautiful plants, and an alcove where he can sit and enjoy them. I could not help stopping a moment to admire them, but Mrs. Crampton did not invite me to go in. You

in such pa

to Mrs. Luttrell, and I trust that I shall soon have an opportunity of thanking her properly for

The first patient, the first brief, the first book-a

ugh his successful life Dr. Luttrell will look back to this evening as the turning-point of his career, when; he stood cold

of coins in his wife's hand. Martha's wages, Dot's pelisse, and even the gloves and new hat-trimming were all duly canvassed. When Marcus said, abruptly, "Aunt Madge is a trump," his glistening eyes were

beguiling and absorbing. "Oh, we lived then." How often we hear that phrase, as the old

gs fanned him blissfully. Marcus Luttrell was young, but he was no coward. For two years he had waited patiently until the tide should turn. "Wait till the clouds roll by," he used to say, cheer

rossed the road, he looked back once, and Dot kissed her dimpled hand to him. Olivia, who admired her husband wit

she thought, regretfully, but his smooth

great a hurry to satisfy his wife's curiosity. "The foot was going on as well as he expected, but Mr. Gaythorne was unable to leave his bed.

her purchases to make. Then it was only right to go round and tell Au

ll, Olive," she remarked, with commendable p

and when the neighbours see him going in and out, it will be a sort of testimonial; besides, I shall quote Deb

ve; are you sure it

aughed in a s

rcus's favourite dish, and Martha does it so well. There is a whole pound of steak and just a little over. I

is feasti

a little sadly when sh

ery day is a feast and a delight. One day Marcus will drive in his carriage and pair. He is a clever fellow and there is real grit in him, and people will find it out, they always do. And O

returned from his second visit to Galvaston House. Mr. Gaythorne was not exactly an ideal pat

three days, but Mr. Gaythorne perversely refused to do anything of the kind; he would put on his dressing

I should say, 'if you will not follow my directions it will be useless for me to prescribe for you. My professional reputation is at stake, and I

a splendid doctor you are; and so that poor g

decent people. She is a pleasant, hard-working young woman, and they have two little children, and the place is as clean as possible. I told Mr. Gaythorne about them just to amuse him, but he only grunted and looked bored. By-the-way, you are right in one of your surmise

ture, Marcus. How nice of hi

to find that he was an old bachelor; he is far too fussy and precise for a widower. But, my dear child, we are getting into very gossiping ways,