CHAPTER XIII.
The next day I had just dismissed the last of my visiting patients, and was about to enter my carriage and commence my round, when I received a twisted note containing but these words:-- Call on me to-day, as soon as you can.
M.Poyntz.
A few minutes afterwards I was in Mrs.Poyntz's drawing-room.
"Well, Allen Fenwick" said she, "I do not serve friends by halves.

No thanks! I but adhere to a principle I have laid down for myself.

I spent last evening with the Ashleighs.

Lilian is certainly much altered,--very weak, I fear very ill, and I believe very unskillfully treated by Dr.
Jones.

I felt that it was my duty to insist on a change of physician; but there was something else to consider before deciding who that physician should be.