ability and great promise. Handsome in person, agreeable in manner
and thoroughly in love with his profession, he was rapidly coming
into favor with many of the old doctor's patients, the larger
portion of whom belonged to wealthy and fashionable circles. Himself
a member of one of the older families, and connected, both on his
father's and mother's side, with eminent personages as well in his
native city as in the State, Doctor Angier was naturally drawn into
social life, which, spite of his increasing professional duties, he
found time to enjoy.

It was past two o'clock when Doctor Angier made his appearance, his
garments white with snow and his dark beard crusted with tiny
icicles. He found Mrs. Voss lying in swoon so deep that, but for the
faintest perceptible heart-beat, he would have thought her dead.
Watching the young physician closely as he stood by the bedside of
his wife, Mr. Voss was quick to perceive something unusual in his
manner. The professional poise and coolness for which he was noted
were gone, and he showed a degree of excitement and uncertainty that
alarmed the anxious husband. What was its meaning? Did it indicate
apprehension for the condition of his patient, or--something else? A
closer look into the young physician's face sent a flash of
suspicion through the mind of Mr. Voss, which was more than
confirmed a moment afterward as the stale odor of wine floated to
his nostrils.

"Were you at Mr. Birtwell's to-night?" There was a thrill of anxious
suspense in the tones of Mr. Voss as he grasped the physician's arm
and looked keenly at him.

"I was," replied Doctor Angier.