"A thousand dollars!" I repeated with sparkling eyes. "That will indeed be an inducement."
"Of course I shall pay you your regular fees besides."
I could hardly credit my good fortune. I was like one who had just received intelligence that I had drawn a large sum in the lottery. I determined to win the promised check if there was any chance.
I began to question Mr. Vincent as to his trouble. I found that it was a case of rheumatic gout. A difficult case, but very similar to that of my aunt. I resolved to try the same treatment with him.
I wished to ask some questions, but he forestalled them.
"I have no wife," he said. "I was left a widower many years ago. My niece and myself constitute our whole family."
"Don't you feel lonely at times?" I asked.
"Yes. My niece has her friends, suited to one of her age, but little company for me. If I had a nephew now—like yourself—it would cheer me up and give me a new interest in life."
"I wish you were my uncle," I said to myself.
"I am an old man, but I have great interest in young company. I think it was that that drew me toward you at Patti's concert. When I learned that you were a physician I saw that I could make it worth your while to call on an old man. I hope you are not a very busy man."