replaced his usual leisurely manner.

"Good-morning, Mrs. Levice," he said, taking her hand in his, and looking
searchingly down at her. "How are you feeling this morning? Any starts or
shakes of any sort?"

"No; I am beginning to feel as impassive and stupid as a well-fed animal.
Won't you sit down, Doctor?"

"No; I have a consultation in a very short time. Keep right on as you have
been doing. I do not think it will be necessary for me to call for several
days now; probably not before Friday."

"And to-day is Tuesday! Am I to see no one till then?"

"No one but those you have seen. Pray do not complain, Mrs. Levice," he
continued rather sternly. "You are a very fortunate invalid; illness with
you is cushioned in every conceivable corner. I wish I could make you
divide some of your blessings. As I cannot, I wish you to appreciate them
as they deserve. Do not come down, Miss Levice," as she moved to follow
him; "I am in a great hurry. Good-morning."

"How harassed he looked! I wonder who is his patient!" observed Mrs.
Levice, as Ruth quietly returned to her seat. A sunbeam fell aslant the
girl's preoccupied face. The doctor's few words had given her food for
thought.

When later on she remembered how she was going to disprove for herself
Louis's allegations, she wondered if he could have found anything to mock
at, had he been present, in Kemp's abrupt visit of the morning.