y; that until very lately she had
always seemed as happy as the day was long, and to desire no other company
than that of the visitors who dropped in upon them occasionally.

'Well, we must have something more amusing for her than _visiting_;
something more exciting.' The doctor here mused again for a few moments:
'You say she has seemed happy until very lately?'

'Yes, it is only lately that she has seemed to droop.'

'Well, perhaps she's been particularly dull lately; now by way of
experiment, suppose you at once summon a large party to your house; let it
be a very general invitation; all your acquaintances, that is the young
ones, _her_ acquaintances; all who have ever visited at the house; and as
_you_ may not be able to remember them all, it will be best to direct her
to do it in your name; this will of itself furnish her with a rather
exciting occupation. All this is by way of experiment I say, for it may
_not_ be that she needs amusement, but by the effect that company and
gayety have upon her, which I shall take care to be by and watch. I have a
notion that I shall be enabled to decide upon the character of her
indisposition. One thing however; remember you must give me
_carte-blanche_ as to the course of treatment to be pursued; your
prejudices, you confess you have them, must not hamper me.'

'My prejudices!' replied Mr. Lee; 'why what can they have to do with your
prescriptions? You know me well enough to be aware that I do not undertake
to meddle with matters I do not understand; the art of medicine for
instance, to which I make no pretensions; of course I shall not interfere;
only tell me what is to be done for my child, and you may be very sure no
difficulty will arise on my part, should it be that I must take her to
Egypt or Kamtschatka.'

'It is not probable that I shall call upon you for any such effort; on the
contrary, I have a strong impression that a very simple course will
answer; I was afraid you might not like its simplicity.'

'Really,' said Mr. Lee, 'that is too bad; am I that sort of person? Don't
tantalize me, Doctor, but just tell me what ought to be done for my poor
child, and you must be assured that _I_ will not object.'

'Of course, no father would,' said Dr. Kent.

'Then why the deuce do you imagine for an instant that _I_ would?'

'Nay now,' said the physician, 'it is only a whim of mine, and every one
must be allowed some whims: but good day; remember your promise.'

'Oh yes