Page:The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.djvu/58

50 two last articles, more valuable than all the gold of Peru, are sadly undervalued and neglected."

At first it must be confessed that Charlotte was disappointed that the doctor prescribed no medicine, no plaster, nothing from which she might expect sudden relief; but she soon looked calmly and submissively at the case as it was, and received most thankfully the prospect of alleviation. Dr. —— inspired her with entire confidence; and afterward, in relating the story to Susan and Harry of her long interviews with him, she said it seemed to her mysterious he took such an interest in her. To them it did not, nor could it to any one who knew the sweetly patient sufferer, nor to any one who knew Dr. ——, and knew that he valued his profession chiefly as enlarging his means of doing moral and physical good to his fellow-creatures.

"And only think," said Charlotte, in conclusion, taking from her trunk a note which she had wrapped in her handkerchief, that it might get no spot or blemish on it, "only think, after all, after his coming to see me six times, and staying as long as if he had been a common doctor, and had not any other patient, only think of his sending me this billet at last."

In justice to Charlotte, we shall first give her note to the doctor, as we think it marks the dignity, integrity, and simplicity of her character.

"—As father and I have concluded to leave to-morrow, will be much obliged if you will send in your bill this afternoon, if convenient. As, from all that's passed, sir, you may