od overcoat. There, try that on and see how it looks."

Dr. Beswick drew the overcoat on, and Mrs. Beswick gave herself the
pleasure of buttoning it about his manly form, and of turning the
doctor around as a Bowery shopkeeper does a sidewalk dummy, to try the
effect, smoothing the coat with her hands the while.

"That looks a good deal better, Mattie," he said.

"Yes; but it's fraying a little at the cuffs, and when it gives away
there darning and patching won't save it. There, don't, don't, love,
please; I'm in a hurry."

This last appeal was occasioned by the doctor's availing himself of her
proximity to put his arm about her.

"Annie Jackson got twenty-five dollars for nursing the Martin child.
Now, if I'd only done that."

"But you couldn't, Mattie. You're a doctor's wife, and you owe it to
your position not to go out nursing."

"I know. Never mind; your practice'll rise now that Dr. Gunstone has
called you, and they sent a carriage with a coachman and a footman after
you. That kind of thing makes an impression on the neighbors. I
shouldn't wonder if you'd be able to keep your own carriage in a few
years. I'm sure you've got as much ability as Dr. Gunstone, though you
don't put on his stylish ways. But we must manage to get you a new
overcoat before another winter. Take off the coat, quick."

The last words were the result of a ring at the door. The doctor slipped
quickly out of his overcoat, laughing, and then instantly assumed his
meditative office face, while Mrs. Beswick opened the door. There stood
a man in shirt-sleeves who had come to get the doctor to go to the dry
dock to see a workman who was suffering from an attack of cart-pin in
the hands of a friend with whom he had been discussing municipal
politics.

Fifteen minutes later Mrs. Beswick's wifely heart was gladdened by
another ring. When she saw that the visitor was a fine-looking
gentleman, scrupulously well-dressed, even to his gloves and cane, she
felt that renown and wealth must be close at hand.

"Is Dr. Beswick in?" demanded the caller.

"He was called out in haste to see a patient, who--was--taken down very
suddenly," she said; "but I expect him back every moment. Will you come
in and wait?"

"Can I see Mrs. Beswick?" said the stranger, entering.

"I am Mrs. Beswick."

"I am Mr. Millard. My aunt, Mrs. Martin, referred me to you. The
occasion of my coming is this: Miss Callender, while caring for my
little cousin, has caught dip