Rising in the world

by T. S. Arthur

[CHAPTER VII.]

ACTING FROM PRINCIPLE.

"FATHER, I cannot! You may call it a weakness; I will even acknowledge that it is. But to let my sisters support me by hard labor is more than I will permit. Let me go South. I will find some place where my services are needed. It will be better than to sit down idly here to wait for a practice that may be years in coming."

"Martha and Ella will do what they say, independent of your movements altogether, and I approve their determination. All of us should be usefully employed. They have the time and the ability, and are wise to give them both a right direction. But, independent of all that, here is a home for you. The burden of your presence, my son, will be far lighter than the burden of your absence. Do not go then. I shall be unhappy if you leave us so causelessly."

The reasoning of his father Lloyd had withstood, but could not resist an earnest appeal like this, made with a lip that trembled and a voice that had lost its uniform steadiness.

"Let it be as you wish," he said, in a low tone. "I trust that all will be right. If you feel the burden too heavily, you will say so. As quickly as I can, I will relieve you."

There were cheerful hearts in the dwelling of the watchmaker when it was known that Lloyd had yielded, and was to remain.

An office was immediately secured, and Doctor Hudson put up his sign. He did not expect any practice at first, and, therefore, was not disturbed because he received none. Anatomy and surgery had attracted most of his attention while a student, and to the perfecting of skill in these he gave the principal portion of his time and attention now. He attended all the hospital operations of consequence, and assisted the surgeons in the performance of their difficult and often dangerous tasks. His devotion to this branch of his profession, amounting almost to enthusiasm, did not escape the notice of those with whom he was thereby brought into contact. He was often alluded to by surgeons of high standing, when he deemed himself scarcely noticed by them.

One day the professor of anatomy in the school from which he had received his diploma called upon him. It was nearly a year after he had opened his office, and at a time when he was beginning to feel discouraged about a practice. The professor soon made known his business.

"Doctor," he said, "our demonstrator of anatomy is not half so capable as you are, nor is he a great favorite I would prefer you a hundred times, and so, I believe, would every student in the school. Now it so happens that he has been called away for a couple of weeks, and some one must be had in his place during his absence. I wish you to fill it. This will give you a chance to exhibit your superior skill, and so far make in your favor, that it will be an easy matter to have him displaced and you appointed in his stead some few months hence."