AMATEUR THEATRICALS 169 



doctor. At least I have been through a good deal 

 of preparation. But as for money, I have enough 

 to fit up a house and office, and wait perhaps 

 six months. How many of these doctors own 

 automobiles ?" 



"Three," I answered, "and the rest have 

 horses." 



" Hm," he said, " that looks better. If they can 

 all afford horses, I ought to be able to get along 

 by walking or using a three-year-old bike." 



"Well," I said, "you might. But I think you 

 had better try some other place. By the way, 

 come to lunch with me and I will talk it over 

 with you." 



"Thank you, no," he answered. "I am going 

 to look the town over and see what I can of it 

 before taking my train to Boston." And after 

 offering a fee, which I declined, he thanked me 

 and withdrew. 



I had nearly forgotten him when one day he 

 returned, bringing with him a very attractive 

 young lady whom he introduced. Although they 

 were well-bred and consequently not in the least 

 demonstrative, it was at once evident that they 

 had more than a passing interest in each other. 



As before, he came to the point with his usual 

 directness. " Well, Mr. Shute, I have considered 

 the matter of settling, and I have decided to come 

 to Exeter." 



