"I changed one of the few remaining _louis d'or_ in my purse, and, sallying forth into one of the most popular streets, I wrote down the addresses of some of the most respectable-looking houses, and going up to a porter, desired him to knock at the doors named, and inquire if the celebrated Doctor P---- was there, as his presence was immediately required at the hôtel of the Duc de ----. "I despatched no less than twenty messengers through the different streets on the same errand, and having succeeded in persuading each that it was of the utmost importance that the celebrated Doctor P---- should be found, they persuaded the owners of the houses of the same necessity. "I persevered in this system for a few days, and then tried its efficacy at night, thinking that, when knocked up from their beds, people would be sure to be more impressed with the importance of a doctor in such general request. "My scheme succeeded. In a few days, I was repeatedly called in by various patients, and liberal fees poured into the purse of the celebrated Dr. P----. Unfortunately my practice, although every day multiplying even beyond my most sanguine hopes, was entirely confined to the _bourgeoisie_; and though they paid well, my ambition pointed to higher game, and I longed to feel the pulses of _la haute noblesse_, and to ascertain if the fine porcelain of which I had heard they were formed was indeed as much superior to the delf of which the _bourgeoisie_ are said to be manufactured, as I was led to believe. "Luckily for me, the _femme de chambre_ of a grand lady fancied herself ill, mentioned the fancy to her friend, who was one of my patients, and who instantly advised her to consult the _celebrated_ Dr. P----, adding a lively account of the extent of my practice and the great request I was in. "The _femme de chambre_ consulted me, described symptoms enough to baffle all the schools of medicine in France, so various and contradictory were they, and I, discovering that she really had nothing the matter with her, advised what I knew would be very palatable to her,--namely, a very nutritious _régime_, as much air and amusement as was possible in her position, and gave her a prescription for some gentle medicine, to prevent any evil effect from the luxurious fare I had recommended. "I was half tempted to refuse the fee she slipped into my hand, but I recollected that people never value what they get for nothing, and so I pocketed it.