Margaret Bolton almost lost for a moment her habitual placidity.

Thee, study medicine! A slight frail girl like thee, study medicine!

Does thee think thee could stand it six months? And the lectures,

and the dissecting rooms, has thee thought of the dissecting rooms?"

Mother," said Ruth calmly, "I have thought it all over. I know I can go

through the whole, clinics, dissecting room and all. Does thee think I

lack nerve? What is there to fear in a person dead more than in a person

living?"

"But thy health and strength, child; thee can never stand the severe

application. And, besides, suppose thee does learn medicine?"

I will practice it."

Here?"

Here."

Where thee and thy family are known?"

If I can get patients."

I hope at least, Ruth, thee will let us know when thee opens an office,"

148

The Gilded Age