The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 240: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. 233 deprived by Providence of that nobler quality which alone distinguishes man from the inferior animal — reason. Directly opposite to him was a little, withered, skinny-looking personage, whose face would have been as impassible as a death’s head, but for the keen, dark eye, which seemed instinct with life, and restless as a captive viper’s. This was Dr. Chinon, a Frenchman by birth, but naturalised, and a member of the College of Surgeons. Why he had left his native country no man ever knew. . Although his extraordinary skill was admitted by all who had occasion to test it, still he never succeeded as a general practitioner. There was a something in his manner which repelled confidence; and, after vainly endeavouring to establish himself in Manchester, he ultimately accepted the post of house-surgeon in Mr. Crab’s establishment, where he found time to pursue his studies in science and philosophical investigations together. The field was rich in opportunities, and the learned little doctor was not slow to avail himself of them. “Well, doctor, have you finished your report?” demanded his employer, glancing at the paper which the other held in his hand, and from which he had been reading. ** Not quite.” ‘*‘ Proceed, then, for I have an appointment at twelve COniiclooecl SS (SO