The Doctor's Daughter

Chapter I

It was a lovely August day. The Town of Barmouth a quaint little borough situated on the south coast of England, seemed literally to be basking in the glowing sunshine. The sea without a ripple on its placid surface, shone like a sheet of burnished silver. And i a i n of move ment was there anywhere, as it was just at the hottest poin ot the day, and every sensible person .vas in-doors, with carefully closed blinds and shutters, trying to exclude if possible some of the almost intolerable heat. The Town was cosily situated at the foot of the high cliffs, which seemed to enclose it on all sides like gigantic walls, and to shut it off from the outer world ; most tually sheltering it from any gales that blew from inland. At the present moment everything was peaceful and quiet, and one could hardly believe that dreadful hurricanes devastated that coast in the winter time, when the seething waves dashed themselves on to the shelving beach in im potent fury, and the storm fiend shrieked round the high cliffs.

Now, only the gentle lapping of the tide as it ' wly rose, broke the almost death like silence. There was no doubt about it, Barmouth was decidedly dull. The attractions of the place were not enough to bring the ordinal le traveller, only people who wanted perfect rest and quiet, could appreciate the calm beauties of Barmouth. For here there were no grand Assembly rooms, with a succession of balls, and concerts; no grand pier, and strange to say not even the regulation German band. Only a lovely walk along the golden sands at low tide, and the it caused by the arrival of the fishing boats in the tiny harbour, with their glistening freights. There was one good street, with a few smaller ones leading off from it, and this was all the Town. Facing the sea was the Marine Parade, a row of tiny two-storied houses, in which lived, what we might call the elite of Barmouth, consisting of some of the richer trades men of the place, and a few old ladies and gentlemen who found this spot suited to their limited means.

At the end of this said row, standing in its own grounds with a garden running almost down to the sea, stood an old , Barmouth Hall. And here lived the Doctor of the Town, Dr. Grieves. Why he had taken this tumble down old place nobody could understand, but when a man has a large family, and very limited means, finding a house with a good many rooms in it, however bad a state they might be in, for a merely nominal rent, was a chance not to be thrown away. So here about five years ago Dr. Grieves had settled down. How this house came to be built so close to the sea, was a point that the oldest inhabitants were unable to solve. The Doctor s Daughter. 3 At the present moment, in the glowing sunshine the old place showed to best advantage, covered with jasmine and creeping roses in the full glory of their bloom, the ravages of time were almost hidden from the eye.

A large porch gave entrance to the house, and on passing into the old wainscoted hall, the subdued light coming from the windows filled with stained glass, was most refreshing after the glare outside. Facing the door was a fine oak staircase, dusky with age, leading to the upper rooms. To the right of the hall was a door leading into the drawing room, a charming apartment full of quaint furniture of bygone days, and abounding in quiet nooks where one could if so disposed, doze peacefully on a hot afternoon like the present, soothed by the ripple of the waves, and the droning of the bees outside, as they worked dilligently amongst the sweet scented flowers. To the left of the hall was the dining room, and beyond that the Doctors sanctum, where he read and received what few patients came to consult him.

Upstairs there were plenty of rooms, so the Doctor found ample space for his numerous family. There were stables at the back of the house, and here lived the old grey cob that took the Doctor on his rounds. As to flowers they seemed to grow of their own accord, for although there was only one man to perform the duties of groom and gardener, nowhere in the county did such roses flourish ; and old fashioned flowers such as our grand-parents delight ed in simply abounded. On this day, the old house like every other place in Dan 4 Barmouth, seemed sunk in a profound slumber. All of a sudden the stillness was broken by a sweet voice from the upper regions trilling out a popular ballad of the day, and Amy Grieves, the Doctors eldest daughter came down the stairs. What a picture for an artist to gaze upon, every outline of this graceful young girl, clad in her simple white gown, brought into full relief against the background of old oak, as she moved swiftly towards the front door.

Amy was a beautiful brunette with wavy brown hair, and dark eyes, almost approaching to black, fringed with long silkylashes , a rosebud of a mouth, and a nose that was perhaps a trifle too retrousse, but which gave an exceeding arch look to her speaking face, a figure already giving every promise of being perfect in a year or two, and you can imagine Amy Grieves as a charming girl of eighteen. As she passed the drawing room door a querelous voice called to her. " Amy I wish you would not make so much noise, you know the state of my nerves, and in this hot weather I can't stand the slightest jar. And yet in spite of this, you will go on singing those silly songs all over the house." Amy stopped at once, and making a little grimace entered the room. On a sofa drawn up to the window so as to get the slightest breath of air lay Mrs. Grieves, a faded looking woman of forty, who in her young days must have been exceedingly handsome, but on whom the cares of bringing up a family, and the struggles with poverty had left their stamp.

Amy stole on tip toe to her mother's side, and seating herself on a low stool commenced carressing her. And lovingly enquired if she was any better to day. " No Amy this heat is killing me, and yet your father tells me in his usual brutal way, that if only 1 would rouse myself and take an interest in everyday affairs, I should be much better." Mrs. Grieves, if the truth must be known, imagined herself a greater invalid than she really was, and her husband tried every means in his power to combat this notion, which of late years appeared to be growing in intensity. " Never mind dearest Mamma, this heat can't last much longer, try and bear up, and then when it gets cooler you will be all right again." " No my child I shall never be quite myself again, the troubles I have gone through have sapped my constitution, and I shall suffer on, till death claims me.

But now leave me Amy, for I think I shall try and get a little sleep until tea time.'' Amy rose with alacrity, for when her mother indulged in these morbid thoughts, it always had such a depressing effect on her spirits, that not until she had had a good romp with the children, could she feel her own bright self again. So after arranging the pillows on the sofa she left the room. As Amy crossed the hall, her attention was attracted by steps outside, and putting down the books she was carrying into the dining room, she ran to the dt>or and welcomed her father. Dr. Grieves was a tall fine man nearly six feet high, with well formed features, and grand dark eyes, a man that would attract attention anywhere. Fio was devoted to his children, and as lie looked up and saw his beautiful daughter in the doorway, the worn weary look that had become habitual to his face left it, and stretching his hands out he drew her to him, and printed a fond kiss on her brow.

Dr. Grieves was a disappointed man, he had started life with great aspirations, his college career seemed to open out a great suture, but after a time his good fortune seemed to desert him, everything he undertook failed, and after his marriage, his spirits seemed to give way, and he became what we now see him, a poor struggling country doctor. " AVell Amy my pet, where have you been all the morning, I have hardly caught a glimpse of you." " I have been having a last good grind at my part for the theatricals Papa dear." Amy it must be known was a great hand at acting, and on the morrow Romeo and Juliet was to be given by a party of amateurs in the Town Hall, in aid of the County Hospital. An overflowing audience was expected, as every one living in the neighbourhood of Barmouth had promised to come in for the occasion.

Romeo was to be played by- Frank Desmond the Squire's son, who lived in the grand old house about four miles from the Town, and Juliet by Amy Grieves. All the other parts were taken by ladies and gentlemen from the country side. It was a great event in the little Town, and one looked forward to with the greatest excitement by both the performers and their friends. Every one was wondering how the two principals would acquit themselves in the trying roles they had undertaken, though by the way Amy was known to be a genius. " Of course " continued the doctor " I had almost forgotten about the theatricals, and are you quite sure of your part ?." "Perfectly Papa, and it would ire so jolly if you could come to the dress rehearsal this evening, and judge whether your own little daughter is not a born actress."

" Well my dear I should like to come very much if your Mother could spare me." " That would be delightful Papa, I am sure Mamma will let you come, the girls can stay with her till we return." And Amy held tip a glowing lace to be kissed. Amy's great ambition was to go on to the stage, and though at present Dr. Grieves would not hear of it, yet several times he had thought it a pity that such talents as he knew his daughter possessed, should be hidden. And he had consulted with a few of his old friends, whether in a year or so, it would not be a good thing to try and find a London manager who would give his daughter a One thing he knew for certain, viz: that his children must do something to earn their own livin ;s, as he could not afford to keep them at home idle, and he drea r I above all things the thought of his beautiful Amy wearing away her bright young life as a governess.

So gradually he had been coming round to the opinion, that at some future time Amy should go on the stage. Pie was well aware of the dangers and temptations to be met with, yet he comforted himself with the idea that his daughter if ever she should go to London, would be able to live with an unmarried sister of his who owned a charming little house in Kensington. After a late tea, the Doctor and. Amy started off for tiie Town Hall, Mrs. Grieves having graciously given her husband permis ibsent himself from her. Amy was full of excitement, and chattering like a magpie, and her exuberance of spirits seemed catching, for the Doctor's face had lost much of its habitual gloom, and he answered ughter's playful sallies with a show of gaiety that he did not often exhibit. After half an hour's walk they reached the Town Hall, where they were joined by several other members of the company, and they entered together a laughing group'.

The building itself was really fine considering the Jarmouth, containing the usual and Courts, and upstairs a large room with a good stage at one end, for use on occasions like the present. As the party passed behind the stage, Amy was greeted by an exceedingly good looking young man, Frank Desmond, the Romeo of the piece, and only son of Squire D( the owner of half the County. F'rank was of middle height, with a well knit frame, good features, and laughing blue eyes. A young man much sought after by mothers with unmarried daughters, on account of the great wealth he would inherit at the death of his father. Anyone who had been watching Amy closely at this moment, would have noticed a tell-tale blush rise to her cheeks, as Frank took her hand in his, and held it a trifle longer than the Doctor thought necessary.

But almost immediately the bell rang to clear the stage, and the Doctor whatever his thoughts might have been, was obliged to pass into the auditorium.

Chapter II

Atter some little delay, due to the imperfect working of the elaborate scenery, the curtain rose, and the opening scenes progressed smoothly. The actors and actresses entered into the spirit of the piece con amore, and strange to say were almost word perfect. But the Doctors attention was not fairly fixed till Amy entered. Dressed as she was in one of those beautiful costumes of the period, she looked more* charming if possible than ever, and made an ideal Juliet. And then what spirit there was in her acting, her whole soul seemed in her part, no longer was she Amy Grieves, but [uliet with all her joys and sorrows: and Dr. Grieves was really astonished at the power and grasp of the character that his daughter exhibited. She was well supported by- Frank, who made a manly and effective Romeo, and in the balcony scene he was at his best, where his love making seemed almost too natural, so full of fervour was it.

But the unsuspecting Doctor only thought what a capital Romeo Frank Desmond made. And finally the curtain fell on the sombre scene in the Tomb, and the actors and actresses came off the stage to ask Dr. Grieves, and a few favoured ones who had been permitted to attend the dress rehearsal, their opinions on the play. Everyone was full of congratulations, and there seemed no doubt that the piece would be a grand success. Amy having been rather longer than the others changing her dress, was left behind the scenes alone. And as she quitted her dressing room, Frank, who was on the look out for her came rapidly forward, and addressing her in an aggrieved tone of voice, though with love in his eyes, said : ' Amy my darling, at last I can have a few quiet words with you. Tell me why did you avoid me so the other night at the Bryants Ball, and only give me one dance, when you know I only care to dance with you."

" Hush Frank dear, not so loud or they may hear you in front." " So they may if they like, I don't care." " Now Frank you are selfish, you only think of your self, and not of my good name." " Forgive me daring, my great love for you sometimes almost drives me mad And when I saw you the other night dancing two and three times with the same man, I could have killed you. F'orgive me darling this time, and I will never offend again." " My poor Frank I forgive you, but why won't you believe that all my love is yours. And if I only danced one dance with you the other night, it was not because my love for you was waning, but simply that I don't want people to talk." " What does it matter about people talking. I shall soon have my father's consent to my marriage, and then you will be my own sweet little wife."

" Ah Frank, I am afraid that will never be, you know how proud your father is, he wil", never consent to our marriage, and I could not marry vou without it." "Amy" in a hurt voice, "I dont belive you love me half so well as I do you, or you would never speak like that." " Dear Frank don't be unkind, you know I love you, but I should never forgive myself if I was the cause of a rupture between you and your father whom you love so well. No dearest, when your father gives his consent, then I will be yours, with all the joy in the world." " My sweet pet then everything is almost settled, for the dear old Dad has hardly ever refused me anything yet, especially anything I have set my heart on. And I daresay you can make a pretty good guess what it is I have set my heart on in this case." " Well Frank, I hope you may be right, but one thing you may be certain of, if I don't marry you I will never marry at all.

But come, we have beer, here long enough, let us go and join the others." " Stay a second Amy dearest, let me have one kiss to show that you forgive me for my brusqueness just now." And Amy nothing loth was clasped in her lovers arms, and her face covered with passionate hisses. As her hands toyed with F'ranks curling locks, she wondered whether fate would ever be cruel enough to separate two such loving hearts. As F>ank released her he whispered : " To-morrow sweet one I will ask your fathers consent to our marriage." And Amy rewarded him with a shy tender look, that made him long to take her in his arms again, but he man- The Doctor s Daughter. 12 fully resisted the temptation, and together they passed into the body ot the hall, where Doctor Grieves was awaiting them. "Why what have you two been doing all this time, every one else has gone away" said the I 'oetor, and Frank came gallantly to the rescue and explained at some length, that Romeo and Juliet having much more elaborate costumes than the others, it took them longer to change.

This very lame excuse apparently satisfied the Doctor. Anil Amy having demurely shaken hands with Frank, left the hall with her Father. Amy was very silent during the walk home, she was wondering what her father's answer would be to Frank Desmond on the morrow. She had not much fear, but then the Squire, he was such a terribly stern old gentleman ; what would happen if he refused his consent. Life would have no more charm for her, if it was to be passed without Frank. And as these disquieting thoughts passed through her mind she sighed a trifle wearily. But they were at home now and received with acclama tions by the remainder of the family, consisting of three girls, the two boys Henry and Alfred being at school. Blanche, a fair haired girl of thirteen, taking more after her Mother than Father.

Then Jane, ten years old, and finally, last though not least, little Beatrice the pet and plaything of the family, just five years of age. Amy was overwhelmed with questions by these excit able young ladies, who all talked at the same time, one wanting to know whether she forgot her piart, another whether her dresses fitted, and so on, till at last the Doctor w*s obliged to call for order. And it was only the threat of packing them all off to bed that had the desired effect of obtaining quiet. For as Mrs. Grieves had retired for the night, her husband was afraid that the noise going on belowmight disturb her. After supper when the younger members of the family had disappeared, the Doctor drew an easy chair up to the fire, and calling Amy to him, made her sit down on a low stool by his side.

" Amy my dear child, I have one or two questions to ask you, and as I know you have never had any secrets from your Father, I expect a full and true explanation of one or two things I have noticed lately. Nowr last night Frank Desmond." — at the mention of Frank's name, a rosy blush overspread Amy's face, and her head was held a little lower — " seemed to fray yon a good deal of attention, and whenever you were on the stage together he hardly ever took his eves from off your sice. So apparent was the devotion shown by his looks, that I heard some of the people sitting near me whispering things about you two, and coupling your names together. Now this will not do, so tell me truthfully is there anything between you and him." The only answer that the Doctor got, was to see the graceful brown head sink lower and lower, till at last it rested against his arm : and a little sigh almost like a sob, told him all he wanted to know.

" Then there is Amy, what a blind fool I have been, of course you two have been thrown together so much lately, during the rehearsal ol thi lat 1 might have known this would have been the result. And now people with their usual good nature will say most probably, that I expressly got up the theatricals as a sort of trap to catch the Squire's son ; with you for the bait. But I will not have it, and I have half a mind not to allow you to act to-morrow night. 1 hough I suppose that would not make much difference to you two, as the mischief appears to be already done, and I should only be depriving a deserving charity of much needed funds. F'or I don't suppose there is anybody who could take your place at a moment's notice. I really thought better of Frank Desmond, than that he would behave in this underhand way.

F'or of course the Squire will never consent to his son marrying a poor country Doctor's daughter. But tell me child, do you love him?" " Better than my life Papa. Don't be hard on him, he never tried to make me love him. He was so kind and considerate to everyone, so different to any other man I had ever seen, always smoothing over difficulties and bringing hL joyous spirits to bear on everything, that love crept insensibly into my heart And one evening when we were alone behind the scenes, he told me that he loved me. The joy of that moment will haunt me all my life. And when he asked me whether I could ever Five him in return, my heart went out to him, and I told him that long ago, all my love had been his." On hearing this outburst Dr. Grieves rose quickly from his chair, and commenced to pace up and down the room, while Amy terrified at her audacity began to sob as if her heart would break.

Presently the Doctor seemed to collect himself a little, and coming over to where Amy was sitting, he placed his hand gently on her shoulder, and tried to soothe her. " There, there, child don't cry, I am not angry with you. I am only a little upset at the suddenness of the affair. Now tell me what does Master Frank propose to do !" " He is coming to see you to-monow Papa, to ask for your consent to our marriage." " Really ; and what about his own Father.?" " Frank says he is certain to give his consent." " I am quite as certain he will not, but I will see Frank and hear what he has got to say. Though I don't approve of the way in which he has gained your affections. But now run away to bed Amy, as it is getting late, we will talk over affairs in the morning." As soon as Amy had left the room, the F>octor sat down again to think over the whole affair.

Of course he knew that if Mr. Desmond would consent to his son marrying Amy, it would be a splendid thing for her. It would not only raise her to a very high position in the county, but in his own case, as the Father of the wife of one of the richest men in England, it, as a natural consequence would be a great lift for him, because he would get known, and very probably a large practice might come to him in time. He liked Frank very much, and knew him to be a clever and upright young man, and likely to make a good husband for his daughter. But amidst these pleasant thoughts appeared the stern face of Frank's Father. And the Doctor's castles in the air fell with a crash, as he recognized the impossibility of their ever being realized. So at last with an angry sigh he put the lights out in the sitting rooms, and retired upstairs.

Chapter III

At about twelve o'clock on the following morning, -morth aster the Doctor had come in from visiting some of his patients, there was a knock at the front door. This knock set Ami's heart wildly beating, as from her window above, she had seen who it was desired admittance. After a little delay Frank Desmond was ushered into the sanctum, where Dr. Grieves was awaiting him. Frank seemed a trifle nervous, but was soon put at ease by the Doctor's friendly greeting. " Sit down Frank, I know whatyou have come about, Amy let me into the secret last night." This announcement rather staggered Frank, but at the same time it was a certain relief, as it opened up the subject. " Well Doctor Grieves as you know my errand, I can only say that I hope you look upon my suit favourably, I have loved your daughter I may say since the first day I sa .v her.

Her s veetness and beauty have made me her devoted slave, and now my love for her seems a portion of my life. If you refuse your consent to our union, my life will be from henceforth a 'blank. I was afraid at one time, that you mij_;ht be angry with me, for making love to your daughter in what might look like an underhand way. But your kind greeting has made me hope now that you do not altogether disapprove of me." " Well Frank, to tell you the honest truth, I would rather see my daughter marry you than any man in the world. I like you and am sure that you would make Amy happy. But have you obtained your Father's consent yet ?" " That will easily be obtained " replied Frank, but the Doctor shook his head and said, " Don't be too sure, Mr. Desmond might object to his only son marrying a poor girl like my daughter."

" Oh, he will not be so hard hearted as to refuse I am sure, especially when he sees that my whole life depends on his giving his consent. If he could only see Amy, I am certain she could persuade him to accede to our wishes, for no man however hard hearted could refuse her anything. She is so lovely that sometimes 1 think I am almost too presumptuous in asking one so beautiful to link her fate with mine." The Doctor smiled quietly at these raptures, and suggested that they should go into the drawing room and see Mrs. Grieves. Accordingly they crossed the hall together. Frank was a great favourite with Mrs. Grieves, as he was always cheerful and bright, and had a pleasant fund of conversation ; so he was received very graciously, and invited to stay lunch, an invitation which you may be sure he accepted gladly, as it would give him a chance of being with Amy for a few hours.

" But what have you been doing all this time, shut up in the sanctum," enquired Mrs. Grieves. " Had you any important business to discuss ? " " Yes my dear, very important business indeed, no less than an offer of marriage for Amy from Frank here." 77-..? Doctor s Daughter. " Frank want to marry Amy,? why she is a mere child yet." "A very beautiful child of eighteen Mrs. Grieves, and I love her dearly. It is my only wish in life to win her for for my wife, please say you don't disapprove of me as a suitor " pleaded Frank. " No Frank, though I had not thought of my daughter marrying anyone yet ; if she loves you, I shall be very glad to see her settled in life, for it makes my heart bleed sometimes, when I think what would become of my dear children, if I was taken from them, a not unlikely contin gency owing to my delicate state of health."

" Thank you Mrs. Grieves, you have indeed made me happy, and I hope and pray you may live a long time to see what care I shall take of your daughter." Just before lunch Amy came down stairs, looking charmingly coo! and fre^h in her simple white dress, a broad old gold coloured sash round her delicate waist, a look of expectancy in her eyes as she entered the room. Doctor and Mrs. Grieves discreetlyleft the lovers together for a few minutes, under the excuse of having to see whether lunch was nearly ready. As soon as the door was closed, Frank clasped Amy in his arms, and covered her blushing face with kisses. " At last Amy I may call you my own. I have obtain ed both your Father and Mother's consent to our marriage. I am so happy I don't know whether I am standing on my head or my heels ; look up darling and tell me you love me."