The Price He Paid — page 129: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

120 A NEW PATIENT. hope or encouragement; but his brief, clear re- marks, and prompt, definite instructions, inspired confidence, and produced on his patient a remark- ably soothing effect. | Meanwhile Agnes Moser remained in the back- ground, busying herself with the children. Butif Agnes thought so to escape further intercourse with Dr. Brunnow, she was mistaken. With a few brief parting words he enjoined strict attention to his in- structions, promised to return the following day, and then, with the utmost coolness and easy seren- ity, followed the girl as she went out. “So Tam notto look on youas my patient any longer, fraulein?” he began, as soon as they were out of doors. “ Your father seems to attribute to me all the blame of a misunderstanding for which I really was not responsible. He had me informed in the most unequivocal terms that he did not desire a renewal of my visit.” Agnes cast down her eyes in painful embarrass- ment. “I beg your pardon, Dr. Brunnow, the fault was mine alone. Pray believe that it is no lack of confidence in your professional skill which induces my father to decline your advice. ‘There are, I be- lieve, other grounds——” “Political grounds!” interrupted Max, with undis- guised irony. “Councilor Moser detests the revolu- tionary name I bear; he insists upon seeing in mea socialist and ademagogue. Far be it from me to impose my counsels on him or on you, but 1 should like to ask the fate of my prescription. You made no use of it, I suppose.” “Oh, yes,” replied Agnes, inalow voice. “I took the medicine.” “With any good result?” “Yes. I feel better since I. began it.” “T-am glad to hear that. But how does my worthy colleague, who is now treating you, ap- prove of your taking another doctor’s advice?” “No one is treating me just at present,” con- fessed the young girl. “Dr. Helm, who was origin- ally sent for, took the mistake that had occurred in very ill part. I suppose Iwas rather embarrassed Eomichbooks.com