on the
basement-lodger principle I had not control enough; so we now entered
upon a more business-like arrangement, by which a sum (though, alas! an
absurdly small one) was to be paid her for her services. I would it had
been ten times as much, for a better and a more loyal servant man never
had. Our fortunes seemed to turn from the hour that she re-entered the
house.

Slowly, week by week, and month by month, the practice began to spread
and to strengthen. There were spells when never a ring came to the bell,
and it seemed as though all our labour had gone for nothing--but then
would come other days when eight and ten names would appear in my
ledger. Where did it come from you will ask. Some from old Whitehall and
his circle of Bohemians. Some from accident cases. Some from new comers
to the town who drifted to me. Some from people whom I met first in
other capacities. An insurance superintendent gave me a few cases to
examine, and that was a very great help. Above all, I learned a fact
which I would whisper in the ear of every other man who starts, as I
have done, a stranger among strangers. Do not think that practice will
come to you. You must go to it. You may sit upon your consulting room
chair until it breaks under you, but without purchase or partnership you
will make little or no progress. The way to do it is to go out, to mix
everywhere with men, to let them know you. You will come back many a
time and be told by a reproachful housekeeper that some one has been for
you in your absence. Never mind! Go out again. A noisy smoking concert
where you will meet eighty men is better for you than the patient or two
whom you might have seen at home. It took me some time to realise, but I
speak now as one who knows.

But--there is a great big "but" in the case. You must ride yourself on
the curb the whole time. Unless you are sure--absolutely sure--that you
can do this, you are far best at home. You must never for one instant
forget yourself. You must remember what your object is in being there.
You must inspire respect. Be friendly, genial, convivial--what you
will--but preserve the tone and bearing of a gentleman. If you can make
yourself respected and liked you will find every club and society that
you join a fresh introduction to practice. But beware of drink! Above
everything, beware of drink! The company that you are in may condone
it in each other, but never in the man who wishes them to commit their
lives to his