ne in Pliny's room. Both Theodore and Dr. Vincent
were his companions. Theodore was making his morning call, and the young
doctor was waiting to see what effect the morning walk would have upon
the invalid, who was so slowly and feebly rallying back to life. Mrs.
Hastings and Dora had gone to Hastings' Hall, where they were now able
to spend a small part of each day. The conversation between the two
gentlemen, faintly helped along by Pliny, was interrupted by the
entrance of Mr. Hastings, and with him a stranger to Theodore, but he
was greeted by Pliny as Dr. Armitage, whereupon Theodore made him an
object of close scrutiny, and discovered that his face not only bore
traces of the frequent use of liquor, but stood near enough to learn
from his breath that he had so early in the morning indulged in a glass
of brandy. He came forward with an easy, half-swaggering air, bestowed
an indifferent glance on Theodore, and a supercilious one on Dr.
Vincent, and addressed Pliny.

"Well, young gentleman, you've had a hard pull, they tell me, as well as
myself. Fortunately I could consult with _myself_ or I should have died.
How is it with you?"

"I had better advisers than myself," answered Pliny, smiling.

"Wants building up," said the doctor, turning abruptly from the son to
the father. "Never'll gain strength in this way--ought to have begun
tonics three weeks ago. Well, we'll do what we can to repair the
mischief. Port wine is as good as anything to begin on. You may order a
bottle brought up, if you please."

As Mr. Hastings rang the bell and gave the order, Pliny stole a glance
of mingled entreaty and dismay at Theodore and Dr. Vincent. The latter
immediately advanced, and respectfully addressed the old doctor.

"I beg your pardon, sir; but if you will study the patient's pulse a
moment you will observe that his nerves are not in a condition to bear
liquors of any sort."

Dr. Armitage answered him first by a prolonged stare before he said:

"I studied pulse and nerves, and things of that sort, before you were
born, young man."

"That may be," answered Dr. Vincent, firmly, "but Dr. Arnold and myself
have been studying this gentleman's for the past six weeks, and in a
fearful state they have been, I assure you. You must remember that you
have hardly seen him as yet, and have not examined the case."

By this time the wine had arrived, and Dr. Armitage, while he busied
himself in pouring out a glassful, assumed an air o