cripples your growing frame, and was unknown to every one of the
women whose forms in Parian marble the world admires. Off with that
monstrosity, and your cure is as certain as the Syrian general's; though
science, and not inspiration, dictates the easy remedy."

Rosa had listened impatiently, and now replied with some warmth, "This
is shockingly profane. The idea of comparing yourself to Elisha, and me
to a horrid leper! Much obliged! Not that I know what a leper is."

"Come, come! that is not fair," said Mr. Lusignan. "He only compared the
situation, not the people."

"But, papa, the Bible is not to be dragged into the common affairs of
life."

"Then what on earth is the use of it?"

"Oh, papa! Well, it is not Sunday, but I have had a sermon. This is the
clergyman, and you are the commentator--he! he! And so now let us go
back from divinity to medicine. I repeat" (this was the first time she
had said it) "that my other doctors give me real prescriptions, written
in hieroglyphics. You can't look at them without feeling there MUST be
something in them."

An angry spot rose on Christopher's cheek, but he only said, "And are
your other doctors satisfied with the progress your disorder is making
under their superintendence?"

"Perfectly! Papa, tell him what they say, and I'll find him their
prescriptions." She went to a drawer, and rummaged, affecting not to