"And is the disappointment very great?" said the merchant, touched with the manner of his visitor, which showed more pain than mortification at the cheat practised upon him.
With an effort at self-command, Doctor Grimes regained, to some extent, his lost composure, and rising, remarked, as he partly turned himself away—
"Forgive this intrusion, sir. I ought to have been more on my guard."
But an interest having been awakened in the mind of Mr. L——, he would not suffer his visitor to retire until he held some conversation with him. In this conversation he learned, through delicately asked questions, even more of his real condition in life than the latter meant to communicate; and he still further learned that the mother of Doctor Grimes had been one of his early friends.
"Will you be willing to take the place of Resident Physician at the —— Hospital?" finally asked Mr. L.
"To one like me," replied Dr. Grimes, "that place would be exceedingly desirable. But I do not suppose I could get it."
"Why not?"
"I am a stranger here."
"Can you bring testimonials as to professional ability?" asked Mr. L——.
"I can. Testimonials of the very highest character."