that day to see his patient he found,
on examining Charles, and feeling his pulse, that he was decidedly and
rapidly on the recovery. On his way down stairs he was met by Woodward,
who said,

"Well, doctor, is there any chance of my dear brother's recovery?"

"It is beyond a chance now, Mr. Wood-ward; he is out of danger; and
although his convalescence will be slow, it will be sure."

"Thank God," said the cold-blooded hypocrite; "I have never heard
intelligence more gratifying. My mother is in the withdrawing-room, and
desired me to say that she wishes to speak with you. Of course it is
about my brother; and I am glad that you can make so favorable a report
of him."

On going down he found Mrs. Lindsay alone, and having taken a seat and
made his daily report, she addressed him as follows:

"Doctor, you have taken a great weight off my mind by your account of my
son's certain recovery."

"I can say with confidence, as I have already said to his anxious
brother, madam, that it is certain, although it will be slow. He is out
of danger at last. The wound is beginning to cicatrize, and generates
laudable pus. His fever, too, is gone; but he is very weak still,--quite
emaciated,--and it will require time to place him once more on his legs.
Still, the great fact is, that his recovery is certain. Nothing unless
agitation of mind can retard it; and I do not see anything which can
occasion that."

"Nothing, indeed, doctor; but, doctor, I wish to speak to you on another
subject. You have been attending Miss Goodwin during her very strange
and severe illness. You have visited her, too, at Ballyspellan."

"I have, madam. She went there by my directions."

"How long is it since you have seen her?"

"I saw her three days ago."

"And how was she?"

"I am afraid beyond hope, madam. She is certainly not better, and I can
scarcely say she is worse, because worse she cannot be. The complaint
is on her mind; and in that case we all know how difficult it is for a
physician to minister to a mind diseased."

"You think, then, she is past recovery?"

"Indeed, madam, I am certain of it, and I deeply regret it, not only for
her own sake, but for that of her heart-broken parents."

"My dear doctor--O, by the way, here is your fee; do not be surprised at
its amount, for, although your fees have been regularly paid--"

"And liberally, madam."

"Well, in consequence of the favorable and gratifying report which
you have this day