who designated her as the "mad woman," to our great surprise, and to the
alarm of Timothy, who sprang over the counter, and took a position by my
side, she walked into the shop. Her eye appeared wild, as usual, but I
could not make out that it was insanity. I recovered my
self-possession, and desired Timothy to hand the lady a chair, begging
to know in what way I could be useful. Timothy walked round by the end
of the counter, pushed a chair near to her, and then made a hasty
retreat to his former position. She declined the chair with a motion of
her hand, in which there was much dignity, as well as grace, and placing
upon the counter her hands, which were small and beautifully white, she
bent forwards towards me, and said, in a sweet, low voice, which
actually startled me by its depth of melody, "I am very ill."

My astonishment increased. Why, I know not, because the exceptions are
certainly as many as the general rule, we always form an estimate of the
voice before we hear it, from the outward appearance of the speaker; and
when I looked up in her face, which was now exposed to the glare of the
argand lamp, and witnessed the cadaverous, pale, chalky expression on
it, and the crow's feet near the eyes, and wrinkles on her forehead, I
should have sooner expected to have heard a burst of heavenly symphony
from a thunder-cloud, than such music as issued from her parted lips.

"Good heavens, madam!" said I eagerly and respectfully, "allow me to
send for Mr Cophagus."

"By no means," replied she. "I come to you. I am aware," continued she
in an undertone, "that you dispense medicines, give advice, and receive
money yourself."

I felt very much agitated, and the blush of detection mounted up to my
forehead. Timothy, who heard what she said, showed his uneasiness in a
variety of grotesque ways. He drew up his legs alternately, as if he
were dancing on hot plates; he slapped his pockets, grinned, clenched
his fists, ground his teeth, and bit his lips till he made the blood
come. At last he sidled up to me, "She has been peeping and screwing
those eyes of her's into this shop for something. It's all up with both
of us, unless you can buy her off."

"I have, madam," said I, at last, "ventured to prescribe in some trivial
cases, and, as you say, received money when my master is not here; but I
am entrusted with the till."

"I know--I know--you need not fear me. You are too modest. What I would
request is, that you would