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CHAPTER XVII.

"Deceit and treachery skulk with hatred."

TUPPER.

"WHAT shall I do, Edward," asked Sir Henry, "when you are gone, if left to the mercy of such a scoundrel? He has fleeced me high and low, I believe, ever since I first, in my loneliness and illness, was fool enough to ask the family to come and live with me. I can't think how I ever did it, but the women begged the question of me, and, once in, I have never been able to get them out."

"I think you might make this last business a very good plea, if you so wished," replied his nephew, "for separating your establishment." "Oh, yes; if you were going to stay in England, and be quartered anywhere at an easy distance that I might have some one to see me

frequently; but it is so lonely, and I can't bear

it,"

"said the old man. "Though I detest the sight of that man I get dreadfully moped, especially in the evenings, without him, he is so clever and entertaining-most rogues are."

"Yes," assented Edward, "and he knows his power over you, and thinks he may behave with impunity; accordingly, I certainly should like him to find himself mistaken at last, if it could be managed without detriment to your comfort, sir, which I think it might by some other arrangement; but, if you do not want me at present, I have some business to attend to which will detain me till late this evening, and as I have promised to dine with a friend, Mr. Wilson will have had time to cool before we meet again to-morrow."

He now took his leave of his uncle for the day, as he had much work before him; he also secretly hoped that when left unprotected in the hands of the Wilsons, in their present irritable state of feeling, his discomfort might induce him to listen more favourably to any plan he might be able to suggest for his deliverance from them. He called on the old medical man who had formerly attended his uncle success

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fully, and was fortunate enough to find him at home. Another deceit which had been practised, now came to light: apprehending the possible interference or influence of this gentleman, knowing him to have been acquainted with Edward Leslie from his childhood, the Wilsons resolved to remove him, and to that end called in another physician during a severe illness of Sir Henry's, and wrote to inform his former attendant that "They regretted to say the invalid had suddenly lost confidence in his skill, and, with one of those not uncommon prejudices which sick people are apt to take, refused to see him again." He was requested to send in his bill, which he did, and was promptly paid.

"I was sorry," continued the worthy doctor, "to be thus turned off by an old friend and patient, but I always imagined it to be done under the Wilsons' advice, who never seemed to like me, nor I them, to say the truth, which was not to be wondered at, as I expect we are made of very different materials; I being as blunt and straightforward as they are tortuous and smooth-faced. Madame's oily words and sweet smiles always reminded me of the words of the PsalmistThe words of his mouth were softer than

butter, having war in his heart: his words were smoother than oil, and yet be they very swords.""

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"Well, I must not detain you now, Mr. Morrison," replied Edward Leslie, "for I see your carriage is at the door, and you have a blessed mission of health and alleviation to suffering to carry to many now awaiting you. I often think, doctor, your profession, if followed in a right spirit of dependence on Him who alone can kill and make alive,' is one of many privileges which, whilst conferring a blessing on others, must return a twofold one into the heart of him who exercises the healing art, as he witnesses, with joy and gratitude, the sufferer relieved from pain, and the weakened invalid regaining health and strength under his treatment."

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Yes, Captain Leslie, you are right; my calling is a blessed and holy one when sanctified by the the Spirit of God, and though the scenes of misery which I and my brethren have so often to look upon may well make one's heart bleed and weigh down one's spirit, it is still a glorious privilege to be enabled, in some faint degree, to follow His steps 'who condescended to give tears to human woe,' and who went about doing good, for God was with Him,' and for

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that same presence and assistance we may now also surely hope, if sought aright and in faith."

"I wish," said Edward Leslie, "that there were more like yourself amongst your profession, and it would not then, as too often now, be said, so unjustly, that its science and practice tend and lead to infidelity, or at least to indifference to religion; but I must have no more last words to-day. I shall call again before I leave London, to wish you good bye;" and, so saying, he walked off to make other inquiries regarding his uncle's present state of affairs.

On arriving at his solicitor's house upon private business of his own, he first learnt that this conscientious and trusted friend of the Leslie family no longer had the charge of any arrangements for his old patron, having been superseded by a connexion of Mr. Wilson's.

"This is a bad stroke for us, Mr. Mauley," said Edward Leslie, "and renders us nearly powerless in the object you and I have sought for so many years. If my uncle has made a new will, or does so under the influence of his present comptrollers of the household, his daughter's chance of inheritance will be less than ever."

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