Such was the medical gentleman whom Lord Ellingham called to consult.
"Excuse this late visit, doctor," said the Earl; "but I knew that I might take the liberty of intruding upon you."
"The words early and late are not in my vocabulary, so far as they regard myself," was the reply. "My hours are at the disposal of my patrons, amongst whom I have the honour to include your lordship."
"Then, without farther apology, I shall proceed to state the object of my visit," said the nobleman.
"Give me your hand—you look dejected—you are very pale—your pulse——"
"It is not concerning myself altogether that I have to speak," interrupted the Earl, withdrawing the hand which the doctor had seized: "I wish to consult you upon a subject intimately affecting my happiness."
The physician looked surprised, and drew his chair closer to that in which the Earl was seated.
"To tell you the truth," continued Arthur, "I am deeply enamoured of a lady whose social position, beauty, fortune, and intellect render her in every way worthy to become my wife."
"Well—why don't you propose to her?" demanded the physician drily.
"I have—and am rejected," was the answer, accompanied by a profound sigh.