ONE WAY TO GET AN EDUCATION. 163

“ Well, then,”’ said Merle.
“Youd better begin and see,”’ said Nate.
So Lill began.

ONE WAY TO GET AN EDUCATION.

“Ts marm, the doctor, in?”

I suppose that will be one of the disadvantages—for a
little while— of being both a doctor and a“ marm.” By-
and by, when there is a woman physician in every town —in
the good time surely coming, “Is doctor in?” will come as
naturally and respectfully as it comes now on old Dr. Blue-
pill’s steps, across the street. Though now I think of it, I
do not know but the little fellow intended rather an unusual
exhibition of confidence in my professional capacity, than a
masculine and satiric fling at my sex.

However that may be, “‘ Marm, the doctor,” preparing at-
tenuations of aconite in the little back office, laid down her
bottle of tincture promptly, and went to the door.

Did I say a little fellow? It was a very little fellow. By
a stretch of imagination you might have said that the tip end
of the tip-top lock of his ragged hair reached to the door-
knob. His clothes were as ragged as his hair, and were
covered with lint and dust. ,

“ Why, Bob!” said I. Bob was an old friend and patient ;
I had sewed up two broken heads for him, and taken him
through scarlet-fever, mumps, and measles.