"I have taken the greatest pains imaginable, doctor, to get rid of these horrible nervous sensations. I don't think a single medicine has been advertised for the last five years which I have not taken. I have taken balsams, and balms, and syrups, and decoctions, and lozenges, and pills, and steel, and bark, and soda, and cinnamon, besides a great variety of compositions from private and family recipes; I have consulted almost every medical man of any eminence, and I have perseveringly taken all that they have prescribed. Indeed, I have taken so much medicine, that I may be said to have nearly lived upon it. The apothecary's shop has been my kitchen; and yet I seem to be growing worse instead of better. I do think that my complaint is the most obstinate one ever known, nothing will cure it." That is very true. Mr. Tippetson's is not a singular case, many are the nervous patients whom nothing will cure; but few are those who have the fortitude to take nothing. Dr. Crack's great nostrum was constructed on this principle. He gave or prescribed to his patients that which amounted to nothing; but as it had a name, and he had a fee, and as his patients seemed to themselves to be taking something, their imaginations were amused, and some of them absolutely got well. Now when the doctor heard the sad story of Mr. Tippetson's nerves, he found that he should have no great difficulty to restore the young gentleman to health. He spoke therefore with great confidence, affirming that his case had been evidently misunderstood and very improperly treated. Then the doctor proceeded to mention the names and cases of several patients of high rank with whom his treatment had been successful; and at length the conversation passed on from nerves to fashionable life. Among other fashionable amusements, mention was made of Mr. Henderson's preaching. Both the doctor and his patient agreed, that it was never worth while to go to church but for the sake of hearing an eloquent and splendid preacher. They also agreed, that Mr. Henderson was a very pleasant gentlemanly man, not at all like a parson. They also coincided in the opinion, that Miss Henderson was pretty and agreeable. Mr. Tippetson thought her something of a blue-stocking, and Dr. Crack thought her a very well-informed and intelligent young lady. Mr. Tippetson, by means of that instinct of which we have spoken above, soon perceived that the doctor was somewhat captivated with the charms of this lady; and having no reason for disliking Miss Henderson, but rather wishing to see her provided with a husband, so as he himself was not the person, he spoke fluently and readily in praise of the young lady, till the ingenious Dr. Crack fancied that the wisest step which he could take would be to make at once an offer of his hand to the daughter of the celebrated and popular Mr. Henderson. It occurred to him also, that by such a connexion his professional notoriety would be increased, and the number of his