Our mornings were long, for we rose early and dined late; and while my father paid professional visits, I devoted my hours to study.

It rarely happened that he could thus spend a whole day among his books.

Just as the clock struck four, however, there came a ring at the bell.
My father settled himself obstinately in his chair.
"If that's a gratis patient," said he, between his teeth, "I'll not stir.

From eight to ten are their hours, confound them!" "If you please, sir," said Mary, peeping in, "if you please, sir, it's a gentleman." "A stranger ?" asked my father.
Mary nodded, put her hand to her mouth, and burst into an irrepressible giggle.
"If you please, sir," she began--but could get no farther.
My father was in a towering passion directly.
"Is the girl mad ?" he shouted.

"What is the meaning of this buffoonery ?" "Oh, sir--if you please, sir," ejaculated Mary, struggling with terror and laughter together, "it's the gentleman, sir.