Her mother went with her case to a female friend. The lady
said she would not trust to surgeons and apothecaries; she would have a
downright physician. "Why not go to the top of the tree at once, and call
in Dr. Short? You have heard of him?"
"Oh, yes; I have even met him in society; a most refined person: I will
certainly follow your advice and consult him. Oh, thank you, Mrs.
Bosanquet! _A propos,_ do you consider him skilful?
"Oh, immensely; he is a particular friend of my husband's."
This was so convincing, that off went another three-cocked note, and next
day a dark-green carriage and pair dashed up to Mrs. Dodd's door, and Dr.
Short bent himself in an arc, got out, and slowly mounted the stairs. He
was six feet two, wonderfully thin, livid, and gentleman-like. Fine
homing head, keen eye, lantern jaws. At sight of him Mrs. Dodd rose and
smiled. Julia started and sat trembling. He stepped across the room
inaudibly, and after the usual civilities, glanced a! the patient's
tongue, and touched her wrist delicately. "Pulse is rapid," said he.
Mrs. Dodd detailed the symptoms.
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