her down into exceeding propriety. Fashion and conventionality, however, were losing their influence, since enfeebled health kept her feet back from the world's gay places; and the doctor's invitation to a ride found her sufficiently disenthralled to see in it a pleasing novelty. "I've half a mind to go," she said, smiling. She had not smiled before since the doctor came in. "I'll ring for your maid," and Dr. Farleigh's hand was on the bell-rope before Mrs. Carleton had space to think twice, and endanger a change of thought. "I'm not sure that I am strong enough for the effort," said Mrs. Carleton, and she laid her head back upon the cushions in a feeble way. "Trust me for that," replied the doctor. The maid came in. "Bring me a shawl and my bonnet, Alice; I am going to ride out with the doctor." Very languidly was the sentence spoken. "I'm afraid, doctor, it will be too much for me. You don't know how weak I am. The very thought of such an effort exhausts me." "Not a thought of the effort," replied Dr. Farleigh. "It isn't that." "What is it?" "A thought of appearances--of what people will say." "Now, doctor! You don't think me so weak in that direction?" "Just so weak," was the free-spoken answer. "You fashionable people are all afraid of each other. You haven't a spark of individuality or true independence. No, not a spark. You are quite strong enough to ride out in your own elegant carriage but with the doctor!--O, dear, no! If you were certain of not meeting Mrs. McFlimsey, perhaps the experiment might be adventured. But she is always out on fine days." "Doctor, for shame! How can you say that?" And a ghost of color crept into the face of Mrs. Carleton, while her eyes grew brighter--almost flashed. The maid came in with shawl and bonnet. Dr. Farleigh, as we have intimated, understood his patient, and said just two or three words