Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1859-02-10

mourning, for his hat, which was placed on
chair beside him, was destitute of Grape.
He did not seem to be more than five and
twenty, but an expression of melancholy,
ill-suited to his years, was plainly to be
traced on his features.
He courteously replied to my companion s
remark, and made room for us beside the
stove We endeavored to draw the strang
er into conversation, but found it very
difficult task it was evident he was natu-
rally very taciturn.
The storm continued to rage until the
night was far advanced. After we had par
taken of an excellent dinner, we resumed
our places in the sitting room, and heaping
fresh wood on the fire, took pleasure in lis
tening to the bowling wind, and the beating
of the rain against the windows. do not
know how long we sat there, but was a
reused from kind of reverie by the lamp,
which lighted the apartment, suddenly 60
ing out My companion was asleep, but
the stranger sat there gazing intently on the
sparks as they fell from the CRATE into the
ashes.
'',Siic est rita," said the stranger moraliz-
ing. eve burn brilliantly for moment,
and then are extinguished for ever.''
''You are a philosopher, SIR 1 replied,
feeling called upon to say something.
Every man who thinks must be phil
osopher,'' replied the stranger.
''Eh eh! what's that?" said my compan-
ion, suddenly waking up. ''What is that
about philosophy? Philosophy is all hum
bug, humbug, sir" rubbing his eyes and
yawning.
l should here say my friend was very
practical man, shrewd enough in business
! matters, but without particle of ina gina
ton. He believed in none of the Issues OF
the day, and utterly secuted every thing a
part from the routine Of every day life.
There was pause in the conversation af-
ter my friends remark. The stranger gave
one look, shrugged his shoulders, and that
was all.
"Philosophy!" continued my practical
friend, in a sneering tone. ''Who believes
in philosophy? 1t is fine thing to talk a.
bout, but hard one to practice. Why [
would as soon believe man could sell his
soul to Satan as that man can be a philos-
opher." ".e
The strangers eyes glistened as he NOV
led short distance from the stove. .
'And do you suppose that a man can
not sell his, soul to Satan ?" said he in {.
hollow voice. :'Let me assure you to the
CONTRARY"
Hum my practical friend was about
to reply, but he only uttered half the word !,
the remainder of it died away on his lips,
as he gazed on the strangers countenance.
In truth, there was something very ex-
traordinary in his features at that moment.
From some cause or other his face was con-
torted, and as the Pickering light fell upon
it, it was rendered hideous. After a mo-
ment or two, it subsidized into its natural ex-
preston. -. t"l
.'Gentlemen,' said he, sslisten to my
story. promise not to detain you long,
and you will then learn there are more
things in heaven and earth than are dreamt
Of in you philosophy"
We put fresh log of wood on the fire,
each of us lighted fresh cigar, and my
friend and myself put ourselves in listening
attitudes. The stranger glanced very cum
ningly around him as if looking for some
one, and then commenced as follows:
Il am physician by profession, and
have been in practice for five years in New
York city. l soon obtained a reputation,
and | can safely say without any egotism,
that whilst I devoted myself to my profes-
sion, no one obtained larger share Of pub
lie support.
Zone night, after an arduous day S work,
[ had returned home in the evening thor.
oughly tired. put on my dressing gown
and slippers, seated myself by my freside,
and delivered myself up to all the luxury Of
repose after the great fatigue [ had under
gone. l was soon plunged into reverie.
[ was suddenly aroused by the loud ringing
of my Office bell, and almost Immediately
afterwards [ was informed by my domestic
that was wanted by person in the hall.
81 obeyed the summons, and found a
servant girl, who informed me that her
mistress was sick, and wanted to see me i'm
mediately.
''Your mistress name?" said I.
''Miss Moril, No. 70 Lexington avenue,
was the reply
II did not know her, but of course had
no option but to 60, however much disin-
clined I felt to leave my comfortable fire.
side. [ hurriedly put on my coat, put on
my boots, and followed the messenger
My patients residence was not long dis
tance from my office. In ten minutes I
was before the door. The house was a
magnificent one, in short perfect palace
Massive stone steps, which glistened in the
moonlight, led up to the entrance. In an
swer to my summons, the door was noisless-
ly opened by footman in livery, and was
shown into gorgeously furnished drawing
room 1t might truly be called the abode
of luxury, for everything the heart could de-
sire was to be found in that apartment. I