Simmons. But with regard to your _drinking liquor_, we never heard
the report until a week ago, and never believed it at all."
As what these ladies had said of his _coffee-drinking_ propensities
was perfectly true, Dr. Harvey readily acquitted them of any designs
against his character for sobriety, and well satisfied with having
at last discovered the origin of the rumour, returned to the
friendly Mr. Query.
The humiliation of this gentleman was so deep, that Dr. Harvey
avoided reproaches, and confined himself to a simple narrative of
his discoveries.
"I see, it is all my fault," said Mr. Query. "And I will do anything
to remedy it. I never could believe you drank--and now I'll go and
tell everybody that the report _was_ false."
"Oh! bless you," cried the doctor, "I wouldn't have you do so for
the world. All I ask of you, is to say nothing whatever on the
subject, and if you ever again hear a report of the kind, don't make
it a subject of friendly investigation."
Mr. Query promised; and, after the truth was known, and, Dr. Harvey
had regained the good-will of the community, together with his share
of medical practice, he never had reason again to exclaim--"Save me
from my friends!" And Mr. Query was in future exceedingly careful
how he attempted to make friendly investigations.
Pages:
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102