Dr. Lascelles was a short, thin, sallow-faced man of about fifty. He had small, restless, sparkling eyes, a prim mouth, and an intelligent though by no means prepossessing countenance. He was devoted to the art which he practised, and was reputed the most scientific man of the whole faculty. His anatomical researches had been prosecuted with an energy and a perseverance which afforded occupation to half the resurrection-men in London, and more than once to the doctor's own personal danger in respect to the law. It was whispered in well-informed circles that he never hesitated to encounter any peril in order to possess himself of the corpse of a person who died of an unusual malady. His devotion to anatomy had materially blunted his feelings and deadened the kinder sympathies of his nature; but his immense talents, added to a reputation acquired by several wonderful cures, rendered him the most fashionable physician of the day. Such was the medical gentleman whom Lord Ellingham called to consult. "Excuse this late visit, doctor," said the Earl; "but I knew that I might take the liberty of intruding upon you." "The words _early_ and _late_ are not in my vocabulary, so far as they regard myself," was the reply. "My hours are at the disposal of my patrons, amongst whom I have the honour to include your lordship." "Then, without farther apology, I shall proceed to state the object of my visit," said the nobleman. "Give me your hand—you look dejected—you are very pale—your pulse——" "It is not concerning myself altogether that I have to speak," interrupted the Earl, withdrawing the hand which the doctor had seized: "I wish to consult you upon a subject intimately affecting my happiness." The physician looked surprised, and drew his chair closer to that in which the Earl was seated. "To tell you the truth," continued Arthur, "I am deeply enamoured of a lady whose social position, beauty, fortune, and intellect render her in every way worthy to become my wife." "Well—why don't you propose to her?" demanded the physician drily. "I have—and am rejected," was the answer, accompanied by a profound sigh. "The devil!" said the physician. "But what can I do for you in the matter? Surely your lordship does not believe in philtres and love-draughts?" "Ridiculous!" cried the Earl impatiently. "If you will grant me a few moments, I will explain myself." Dr. Lascelles folded his arms, threw himself back in the chair, and prepared to listen to his young friend's narrative.