298 THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
something may be done by proper medical 
attention and care for the relief of the poor 
afflicted daughter, I wish to commission you 
to take whatever steps may give most promise 
of success. Employ such physicians as you 
may deem most skilful, and secure any other 
persons or means which may be thought requi¬ 
site, and send all bills to me, and they will be 
duly honored.” 
“ Why, my dear young friend,” said the truly 
astonished doctor, “ your proposition does honor 
to your head and heart, and I have no language 
to express my admiration of such a generous 
deed. Be assured that I gladly accept the 
pleasing duty which you lay upon me, and 
with the greatest confidence that he who has 
inspired your heart to this noble purpose will 
bless it with complete success.” 
“As my friend,” interposed Rudolph, “will 
not share with me the pleasure of caring for 
the daughter, you may draw on me for such 
aid as the mother may require to keep her 
from suffering.” 
“Thanks, double thanks to you both,” re¬ 
plied the doctor; “ the gratitude of both mother 
and child will be beyond expression.” 
