DR.

WEST'S SANCTUM.
For some little time past, certain rumours had arisen in Deerham somewhat to the prejudice of Dr.West.Rumours of the same nature had circulated once or twice before during the progress of the last half dozen years; but they had died away again, or had been hushed up, never coming to anything.

For one thing, their reputed scene had not lain at the immediate spot, but at Heartburg; and distance is a great discouragement to ill-natured tattle.

This fresh scandal, however, was nearer.

It touched the very heart of Deerham, and people made themselves remarkably busy over it--none the less busy because the accusations were vague.