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 door. It was none other than Dr. Herschel who wished to see Mr. De Vere on important business.

Mr. De Vere's face blanched when told who the visitor was and he entered the library with an apprehensive face.

Dr. Herschel lost none of his dignity as he arose to meet Mr. De Vere with,—"I wonder if Mr. De Vere will believe in the efficacy of my treatment when I tell him that Hernando is cured!"

"Doctor," said Mr. De Vere, "you are an eminent man, a profoundly scientific one, and in presuming to still doubt your ability I must appear pig-headed; but leprosy has been treated and investigated for ages. Every known drug in the pharmacopœia has been tried, but always the result has been disappointing. I appreciate your efforts but can only reiterate that I have no faith in your ability to effect a permanent cure."

The doctor's expression did not lose one iota of its earnestness as he replied in a tone so convincing that his listener unconsciously