To say that I was astonished would be quite conventional, but measurably untrue, for--I was paralyzed. I think my visitor must have noticed the effect his unexpected entrance had upon me, for, after a deferential bow and a polite “Good evening,” he calmly awaited my pleasure. There was a quizzical expression in his eyes, and a pitying smile animated his curiously wrinkled face as I finally stammered: “W--why, g--good evening, sir. This is quite--quite, ah--unexpected, you know.” “And also unconventional, I presume,” said my caller. “It is not _en regle_, I believe, for people who are helpless to call upon the doctor. He is supposed to do all the calling himself. Patients who have sound legs and strength enough to walk are the only sort who are expected to visit their medical adviser. We will not consider those ‘has beens,’ who are sometimes so grateful to the doctor for helping them out of the world that they call upon him afterward o’ nights,” and the baby smiled sarcastically. I do not believe in ghosts, yet I must confess that I blushed hotly at the implied unfair criticism of my noble profession. My young friend noticed my confusion and said: “Pardon me, I did not mean to be personal. There are doctors and doctors you know--and also spooks and things.” “Great Hippocrates!” I exclaimed, springing to my feet in sudden, amazed recollection. “I thought you could neither walk nor talk, and you have not only come to see me but are talking as fluently as any one could.” “Oh, well,” replied my visitor, “things are not always what they seem--even to doctors. I have not walked much as yet, it is true, but I thought it best not to do so. My limbs have never looked very promising, and consequently nothing has ever been expected of them. It is much easier to ride or be carried about than to walk--even with good legs--so I let the sympathy of the people about me have full sway. “As for speaking, pray tell me what inducement there is to conversation in my case. I am not fond of hearing myself talk--not at all, and there’s no use talking to the people around me. They could not understand me and there are no subjects of mutual interest. Besides, if I should display my linguistic skill, my folks would be a little shy of me. They are very confidential, you know, and on account of my apparent inability to repeat what I hear, I get in on many a nice bit of grown-up gossip.” “Well,” I said, “there does seem to be some advantage in concealing your power of speech, but I don’t quite comprehend your statement that the people about you would not understand you. Your language certainly seems clear enough for ordinary understanding.”