t the close of a day's work. A plain old-fashioned brick structure
just off the Bowery was this factory, and across the front ran a
weatherbeaten sign which had not been changed for more than fifty years:

"HENRY WOODMAN, MANUFACTURING
CHEMIST"

The doctor's father had established the business fifty-two years ago,
and the son, who bore the father's name, had succeeded to its
management on his death, which occurred just after the return of the
younger man with his victorious regiment from their last campaign with
Grant before Petersburg and Appomattox.

He had given up the practise of medicine after the war, and devoted
himself to the business of which his father had been justly proud. The
house of Henry Woodman had been a pioneer in the establishing of a
trade in pure drugs. In the time of the elder Woodman, adulteration and
humbug were the rule, not the exception, in the business.

Woodman's stalwart figure towered in the doorway above his employees as
they passed into the street. For every man, boy, and girl he had a nod,
a smile, or a pleasant word. It was plain to see that the employer in
this case had made his business the way to the hearts of the people who
served him.

He took Stuart's hand in his big crushing grip and whispered:

"Have you any engagement this evening?"

Stuart smiled and hesitated.

"A girl--I see!" laughed the doctor. "Well, I'll get through by nine
o'clock. You can give me the three hours till then? It's a matter of
importance, and I want your advice."

"My advice--you!" Stuart exclaimed.

"Yes. You're the brightest young lawyer I know in town. I've gotten
along without lawyers so far, but I guess I'm in for it now. You can
come with me?"

"Of course," Stuart answered hurriedly. "Forgive my apparent
hesitation, doctor. I was just surprised at your worry. What's the
matter?"

The older man was silent a moment and then slowly said:

"I'll tell you later. I wish to show you something before I ask your
advice on a question of law; we must hurry. We will finish by nine and
you will be a little late for dinner. But if she loves you, you can
telephone and she will wait. It will be all right?"

Stuart coloured.

"Of course, it will be all right--besides, she doesn't know yet that
I've returned."

The doctor handed the young lawyer a letter which he opened and read
hastily.

NO. 60 GRAMERCY PARK.

TO DR. HENRY WOODMAN,