little faith in what doctors say."

"I know that by experience, madame," replied Hortebise.

"Present company of course always excepted; but, do you know, I once
really believed in you; but your sudden conversion to homeopathy quite
frightened me."

The doctor smiled. "It is as safe a mode of practice as any other."

"Do you really think so?"

"I am perfectly sure of it."

"Well, now that you _are_ here, I am half inclined to ask your advice."

"I trust that you are not suffering."

"No, thank heaven; I have never any cause to complain of my health; but
I am very anxious about Sabine's state."

Her affection of maternal solicitude was a charming pendant to her
display of conjugal affection, and again the doctor's expression of
assent came in in the right place.

"Yes, for a month, doctor, I have hardly seen Sabine, I have been so
much engaged; but yesterday I met her, and was quite shocked at the
change in her appearance."

"Did you ask her what ailed her?"