past, my present, my
future are made by her; but you will help me if you can. May Almighty
wisdom aid you!' And the agitated father rushed out of the room, unable
any longer to control himself.

Dr. Kent looked after him with something of commiseration in his
countenance; but being a decided enemy to homeopathic innovation, he had
made up his mind that a strong dose of apprehension was positively
necessary; and now, only gratified at its powerful effect, he resumed his
surveillance with a heartlessly satisfied air. This was no doubt rendered
the more easy to him by Mr. Lee's continued absence from the room: the
young Lucy, thus relieved from the observation which she unconsciously
dreaded, growing more and more at her ease, enabled him to settle his
opinion regarding her completely.

The evening finished, as all evenings will; the night also took its course
as usual; but when on the following morning Dr. Kent appeared according to
promise in his friend's parlor at the appointed hour, he saw at once that
it had been passed by both in a manner very different from those lately
preceding it. Lucy looked as if some new impetus had been given to her
whole being; too much agitated for happiness, yet with animation glowing
in every feature, while the poor old father's care-burdened brow
proclaimed that anxious apprehension had completely usurped the hours
destined to repose. Dr. Kent really began to fear he had been too violent
in his measures; at any rate, feeling sure, as he said to himself, that
the instrument had been wound up to the striking point, he took his old
friend by the arm, saying he wished to speak to him in the next room on
business. Of course Mr. Lee was no sooner out of hearing of his daughter,
than he began to question his visitor with the utmost eagerness; upon
which the doctor slowly and warily proceeded to unfold his suspicions, or
rather his convictions.

It was curious to observe the changes passing over the countenance of the
hearer as Dr. Kent made this disclosure. Pleased surprise was evidently
the first emotion excited, but painful perplexity soon usurped its place.

'My good friend,' said he, as Dr. Kent finished speaking, 'I am greatly
relieved to find that you think the cause of my child's illness so
superficial; but as to the remedy you propose, believe me, I cannot
consent to it; I do not believe it necessary.'

'Believe it or not, as you will; I tell you it _is_ necessary.'

'But I tell