irrespective of their station in life, his manner was irresistibly frank

sionable hearts beat high at his coming, and thought tenderly and hopefully of him when he had gone. That, too, in spite of the fact that their owners knew perfectly well that it

ulfrey as they had all their lives trusted the old Doctor. The children would talk to him as between man and man, and with an artlessness and candour which as a rule obtained only among themselves. With the women it led in some cases

but none the less, among the women-folk, of a sentiment which in these days of wider

ion, that is to say in all, and so none could claim to say with a

wounded his affections that it was probable he would never marry, unles

tain an extremely cheerful face, and his manner to Elino

very surprising. For it needed no professional acumen to recognis

ies of living as appertained to so exalted a position, winner of the prize so many had coveted, and-wife

ver would till the day he must die, would have scorned the very idea. Was he not a man,-rich and hot-blooded, able and acc

yes had seemed to grow larger, and there were sometimes dark shadows under them. Without doubt she had not found any too large measure of the comfort and happiness she had looked for. At times, mind actin

han useless as a burden-sharer. Her only counsel was not to be too thin-skinned, and above all to present a placid face

sympathy in her troubles and vexations, and his friendly advice towards encouragement and hope of better

that pained and surprised him, both as friend and doctor. He doubted if she always told him all, even at such times. More than once she had

omise not to do so without first consulting him. So over-wrought and alternately excited and depressed was she that there were times when, in spite of her

r much debate within himself, bring himself to the point of discussing the matter, in strictest confidence, with the parson, one night. But he, jovial sportsman and recipient

Take my advice and leave 'em alone. These things always straighten themselves out in time-one way or the other. Deuce take the women! They're not blind kittens when they marry. They'