Tricked.

Otago Witness, Issue 2058, 3 August 1893, Page 49

Tricked.

I Dr X was in his consulting room. i A closely-veiled and well-dressed lady was ushered in and took a seat at the doctor's request. , f Ingrain he tried to discern her features through the dense black veil. "What is the nature of your ailment, madam?" The lady uttered a few words in a faint whisper. " Beg your pardon. I did not catch a single word." The lady pointed to her throat. " Ah, you are hoarse ; caught a cold ? Well, I will do my best to understand what you have to say" ; and he put his ear close to her face. " I am troubled with a dreadful headache, doctor ; besides, I am so nervous that I cannot sleep at night." /

"May I feel your pulse. ■ The lady drew off her long silk glove, and extended a delicate little hand.

" Ham ! hum ! a ratherserious case." " Besides, I have nearly lost my appetite. If this goes on I shall die of starvation one of these days." And without waiting to be asked, she put out her tongue. It was to all appearances quite healthy, but your medical man knows how to humour his patients. " Bad, very bad. And now let me tell you, madam, that you will have to go away for a change of air." " To the seaside, I suppose ? " " You have rightly guessed." "To Brighton?" " That is the place." "My husband objects." i "That is a piece of cruelty." JieFe the lady sprang from her chair, threw back her veil, and called out in a remarkably , loud voico : :

"And this cruel man is none other than Dr X . What have you to say for yourself now, you barbarian ?" The doctor said nothing, but he thought a good deal. "