of few words, and I am not one to expatiate on my own merits, but I must say that the first surgeons of the day have mentioned me in their reports; that I'm much respected in my own neighbourhood, and my name known beyond it; that I'm up early and late; that I'm moderate with the rich and gratis to the poor."

The summing up of his own virtues effected what Julian's merits and peril had failed to do, and Mr. Jobb actually cried.

"Such as I am, then, miss, my time is worth, at a fair valuation, three pounds per day; but the paying me-that wouldn't answer, for perhaps I should lose my connexion. Now, if, by running that risk, I got one of my ten provided for, and myself paid at the rate of five pounds a day, I'd venture it, and devote myself almost entirely to the young gentleman, till he's entirely out of harm's reach. And if that is not an instance of self-sacrifice and professional devotion, I don't know what is."

"I think," said Ellen, " my uncle tomorrow will agree to your own terms; but,

as your opiate still affects him, I wish him not to be disturbed to-day. If he can sleep away this terrible season of suspense, how much he will be spared! but in the mean time do you wish for any other advice?

desirable to call in Sir A

A

Do you think it

or Mr. L?”"

"I don't pretend, miss, to rank in fame with Mr. L― or Sir A—, but in skill I do not knock under to either of them. Of course, as the old gentleman is so rich, they might be called in ; but they haven't seen the case from the first, so they'd be all in the dark, and I couldn't be expected to help them to put my own nose out of joint. Besides, I don't believe they're the philanthropists I am; they wouldn't give up all their time, money couldn't buy them. They'd just look in, order something without having watched the case as I have, and drive off to my lord duke's, or my lady countess's.

"I extracted the ball, I'm prepared to undertake an entire cure, and, if any other is called in, I consider myself most unhandsomely treated, and I don't answer for the

consequences. But you must make up your mind at once, miss; for, if I don't stay here on the terms I mentioned, I must be off on my rounds."

"While I decide then," said Ellen, “will you step to my cousin's room, and bring me an account of him?"

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Mr. Jobb departed. "I must decide," said Ellen. "I cannot arouse my uncle, nor, even if I did, could he in the first wild alarm know what to do. Mamma and Augusta would only bewilder me. Miss Tibby could form no opinion on such a case. Mr. Grunter is too ill to decide on any thing; and De Villeneuve is not in the house. This interested boaster is clever; I will engage him on his own terms, if Julian is now doing pretty well, and to-morrow, if needful, he can have other advice."

Mr. Jobb returned. "Better than I had hoped for, miss! No fear of tetanus-very little fever, and disposed to sleep."

"Thank Heaven!" said Ellen, clasping her hands; "you who have done so well for him

hitherto, watch over him entirely, I beg. I agree, in my uncle's name, to the terms you propose; he will use his interest for your son, and pay you at the rate of five pounds a day while you remain here."

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Well, miss, that's quite sufficient. Of course a young lady like you wouldn't take upon yourself to answer for any thing she couldn't be sure of."

Certainly not; what I promise for him, my uncle will perform," said Ellen, rather proudly.

"I am above feeling a doubt on the subject, miss, so I shall sacrifice every thing to the young gentleman; and as to both the old gentlemen, I've given them each another mild composing draught. Do them a world of good, miss before Mr. Lindsay comes among us to-morrow evening, the young squire will be, I trust, out of danger.

"Now, miss," said Jobb, "as my patient down stairs is asleep, and the nurse would be glad of her dinner, you may take her place for one hour, if you particularly wish it--that

is, if you think your strength equal to it; but I warn you you'll be on my list for weeks for this day's work. I must just drive home, to tell Mrs. Jobb what I've consented to.

"In the mean time, Mr. Smith will stay with you, miss; he's now in Mr. Grunter's room; if the young gentleman complains, call him in. I'll just step now to the old and the young lady, and then, as my gig's at the door, I'll drive home and be here again in an hour and a half. But remember you must take one of your own draughts, and do not speak to the patient, nor if possible let him know you are in the room."

Here Jobb took Ellen's hand, shook his head, said, "Feverish, miss," and then went up stairs to Mrs. Lindsay and Augusta. Ellen stole into her cousin's room, whisperingly sent the fat old gourmande of a nurse down to her one o'clock dinner, and took her seat, pale, breathless, and yet comparatively happy, by Julian's bed-side.