He hesitated. "Say on, doctor." "Will you take my prescription?" "Yes." There was no hesitation. "You must give that sick woman a ride into the country. The fresh, pure, blossom-sweet air will do her good--may, indeed, turn the balance of health in her favor. Don't be afraid of Mrs. McFlimsey." "For shame, doctor! But you are too late in your suggestion. I'm quite ahead of you." "Ah! in what respect?" "That drive into the country is already a settled thing. Do you know, I'm in love with that baby?" "Othello's occupation's gone, I see!" returned the doctor, rising. "But I may visit you occasionally as a friend, I presume, if not as a medical adviser?" "As my best friend, always," said Mrs. Carleton, with feeling. "You have led me out of myself, and showed me the way to health and happiness; and I have settled the question as to my future. It shall not be as the past." And it was not. VIII. HADN'T TIME FOR TROUBLE. MRS. CALDWELL was so unfortunate as to have a rich husband. Not that the possession of a rich husband is to be declared a misfortune, _per se_, but, considering the temperament of Mrs. Caldwell, the fact was against her happiness, and therefore is to be regarded, taking the ordinary significance, of the term, as unfortunate. Wealth gave Mrs. Caldwell leisure for ease and luxurious