home, ran for young
Ferret, who had lately begun practice as a physician. When
the good young doctor came, he found Miss Weasel lying on
the sofa, looking very pale and very interesting. He felt
her pulse, looked at her tongue, and soon discovered that
the lady was more frightened than hurt. However, as he had
not many patients, he did not choose to tell all the truth,
but prescribing a simple remedy, he ordered her to keep very
quiet, and promised to call again on the next day. Whether
it was that Miss Weasel had been hurt more than her
physician had thought, or whether there were any other
inducements, we cannot say; but young Ferret thought it his
duty to call at Holm-wood every morning, and sometimes twice
a day, for at least a month: and if any one could have seen
how frequently he felt Miss Weasel's pulse, and how
anxiously he studied every expression of her face, he would
have set down Dr. Ferret as a very attentive at least, if
not excellent physician.

When Miss Weasel became somewhat stronger, this good young
man would lend his arm for her support during an evening
walk, would bring her birds' eggs and other delicacies, and
in many ways endeavour to contribute to her restoration to
health.

This went on for some time, till the gossips of the
neighbouring village would smile whenever they saw the
doctor wending his way towards Holm-wood; and Miss Weasel's
two brothers would immediately leave their lessons, which
their sister used to teach them, as soon as ever the
physician appeared in sight.

[Illustration: THE _VERY_ ATTENTIVE PHYSICIAN.]

CHAPTER II.

The other relations of the Weasels who were on visiting
terms with them were, the Polecats of The Grange, who came
but seldom, and the Martens of Forest-farm, with whom they
were more intimate. Now old Mr. Marten had always intended
that his own son Longtail, who kept a boarding-school for
boys near the Warren, should marry Miss Weasel; and when he
heard of the physician's great attentions to that young
lady, he was very wroth. At first he thought of way-laying
young Ferret in the wood and killing him; but then he
recollected that the Ferrets were a powerful family, who
would never rest till they had been revenged. His next
thought was to go to his attorney, Sharp Weasel, Esq., of
Nettle Cottage, and consult with him as to the best means of
thwarting young Ferret's projects. So the old man took down
his pipe and his account-book, and set off t