The doctor listened very attentively and patiently to this pathetic statement of the melancholy case of poor Mr. Tippetson, and shook his head, and said, "Indeed!" That is quite as much as any doctor can do or say gratuitously. Mr. Tippetson then continued,
"Doctor, are you of opinion that nervousness is contagious?"
"There are many opinions on that subject," replied the doctor. "I hardly can presume to set up my opinion against so many great names: though I have been successful in many nervous cases."
This did not answer the young gentleman's question; but it answered the doctor's purpose, which was to procure a patient.
While this discourse was passing between the two gentlemen in the audience, and to the edification of the Countess, Miss Henderson made her appearance in company with her eloquent "pa." The whole group were happy in the meeting, and many compliments passed on all sides. Miss Henderson had not seen Mr. Tippetson since that magnanimous resignation of all claim upon his affection in favor of Clara Rivolta. This, their first meeting since the great event, might be supposed probably full of deep interest and emotion, if not to Mr. Tippetson, at least to Miss Henderson; but it was really no such thing. Such was the philosophical conformation of that young lady's mind, that she met Mr. Tippetson with most perfect composure; and such was the ingratitude of Henry Augustus Tippetson, that he thought nothing of the great sacrifice which she had made for his welfare and happiness. There was much volubility of talk between the parties, greatly to the edification and satisfaction of the talkers. Very kind and considerate was it in these fashionable people that they talked so loudly and so long, with a view no doubt to the illumination and instruction of all in the room. Mr. Tippetson conducted the Countess to her carriage, after having made an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Crack on the subject of nervousness.
CHAPTER XIX.
"What physic must we give him for his cure?"
Shirley.