us an hour of his time."

I murmured an assent which I endeavoured to make not too joyous.

"So that matter is settled," said Mrs. Poyntz; "and now I shall go to Mr.
Vigors and prevent his further interference."

"Oh, but, Margaret, pray don't offend him,--a connection of my poor dear
Gilbert's. And so tetchy! I am sure I do not know how you'll manage
to--"

"To get rid of him? Never fear. As I manage everything and everybody,"
said Mrs. Poyntz, bluntly. So she kissed her friend on the forehead, gave
me a gracious nod, and, declining the offer of my carriage, walked with
her usual brisk, decided tread down the short path towards the town.

Mrs. Ashleigh timidly approached me, and again the furtive hand bashfully
insinuated the hateful fee.

"Stay," said I; "this is a case which needs the most constant watching. I
wish to call so often that I should seem the most greedy of doctors if my
visits were to be computed at guineas. Let me be at ease to effect my
cure; my pride of science is involved in it. And when amongst all the
young ladies of the Hill you can point to none with a fresher bloom, or a
fairer promise of healthful life, than the patient you intrust to my care,
why, then the fee and the dismissal. Nay, nay; I must refer you to our
friend Mrs. Poyntz. It was so settled with her before she brought me here
to displace Dr. Jones." Therewith I escaped.