politely, and inquires if her husband is in.

"Yes, he is in; but I regret to say he is exceedingly engaged this
morning. His business is frequently of a nature which cannot suffer
interruption. He would have been pleased to have seen you."

The doctor's pocket-book is produced, and the neatly drawn bill is
presented.

"If convenient to Mr. Lawton, the amount would be acceptable."

"I will hand it to him when he is at leisure. He will attend to it, no
doubt."

The doctor sighs involuntarily as he recalls similar indefinite
promises; but it is impossible to insist upon interrupting important
business. He ventures another remark, implying that prompt payment would
oblige him; bows, and retires.

On, on goes the faithful horse. Where is to be our next stopping-place?
At the wealthy merchant's, who owed so much to the doctor's skill some
two months since. Even the doctor feels confidence here. Thousands saved
by the prevention of that fever. Thirty dollars is not to be thought of
in comparison.

All is favourable. Mr. Palmer is at home, and receives his visiter in a
cordial manner. Compliments are passed. Now for the bill.

"Our little account, Mr. Palmer."

"Ah! I recollect; I am a trifle in your debt. Let us see: thirty
dollars! So much? I had forgotten that we had needed medical advice,
excepting in my slight indisposition a few weeks since."

Slight indisposition! What a memory some people are blessed with!

The doctor smothers his rising indignation.

"Eight visits, Mr. Palmer, and at such a distance. You will find the
charge a moderate one."

"Oh! very well; I dare say it is all right. I am sorry I have not the
money for you to-day, doctor. Very tight just at present; you know how
it is with men of business."

"It would be a great accommodation if I could have it at once."

"Impossible, doctor! I wish I could oblige you. In a week, or fortnight,
at the farthest, I will call at your office."

A week or fortnight! The disappointed doctor once more seats himself in
his chaise, and urges his horse to speed. He is growing desperate now,
and is eager to reach his next place of destination. Suddenly he checks
the horse. A gentleman is passing whom he recognises as the young
husband whose idolized wife has so lately been snatched from the borders
of the grave.

"Glad to see you, Mr. Wilton; I was about calling at your house."

"Pray, do so, doctor; Mrs. Wilton will be pleased to see you."

"Thank you;