National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1873-09-26

was, il must be confessed, trying and
bitter to the skillful man.
But tho doctor had another anxiety
"a secret which must forever remain
untold.
IL was little inconsistent that while
Mr.. Wexford was sinking into the grave
through an arm chair in one room, the
heretofore anxious wife of Mr.. Wexford
should suddenly neglect her duty, and
receive the loving visit of strange
gentleman in another room close by.
] say it was little strange and incon.
sistent, although ! am perfectly aware
of the fact that inconsistency is the
April shower which plays constantly
on the springing virtues Of lovely
woman.
The strange gentlenan deliberately
kissed Mrs. Wolford, and otherwise
comforted her, so that in a short time
she dried her tears, and curved her
pretty little mouth into a smile.
Audacity is Characteristic of the
military profession. BY way of illus
tration | will mention fact.
The imprudent scoundrel in the next
room was none other than the military
chieftaiu
The dying man grew gradully more
feeble. The servants crept about the
house stealthily, and whispered to each
other like conspirators. DIR. Pillogus
divided his attention between the
watch in his hand and the patient in the
armchair. Mrs. Wexford had not been
in the room for n couple of hours.
Where is Harriet" asked the sick
man.
A servant returned with an answer.
His mistress was in the next room re-
ceiving visitor-a gentleman.
"She might be better employed" 4"
growled the doctor.
Mr.. Wexford was Of the same opinion.
A sick man is jealous of his privileges.
He remarked to the servant that he
did not wish to see any visitor-only his
wife.
The servant fumbled about the room
for few minutes. and then said fconfi-
dentially to a side-board) that he did
not think the stranger wished to intrude
on the privacy of Mr.. Welford-laying
particular emphasis on the Mister.
Patients never miss word that they
are not wanted to hear. Mr.. Wexford
caught the insinuation of the domestic
and remembered it.
"The indelicacy of some people" re-
marked the doctor, sententiously, sis
only equaled by the heartlessness of
He had studied the sentence.
"James," said the sick man, "desire
your mistress to come here. l have but
a few minutes to live, and her absence
grieves me.
The servant delivered the message
and returned with mouth full of the
sentences
ooh, if you please, SIR, missus says,
as the ordeal's too much for her. and if
you wouldn't mind, she would like, as
her nerves bad, to remain where she is,
md suffer her affliction all alone" The
domestic then punctuated himself out
,f the door.
"This is very extraordinary, said the
loctor. LET me recommend you to
compose yourself.
At this moment a strongly-detined
)urst of laughter broke through the
1t was composed of little
peal, and regular guffaw.
"Surely that cannot be my wife !!
81 strongly suspect it is though, and
Ter visitor. Compose yourself, my dear
ir the rites of hospitality, you know,
must be observed even in the house of
Ieath.
The patient indu ged in a feeble look
f impatience, the first sensation he had
nown for years. He mistook it for
pasm of death.
Doctor Pillogus improved his oppor-
unity. First he reminded Mr. We'll
ord that he had but few more minutes |
o live-perhaps with view of cheer
ng him then he dwelt on the mani
old duties of a dying man, not only
nth regard to the world he is going to,
nut to that he is leaving. Then he re-
erred incidentally to Mrs. Wexford, and
er bereaved condition, winding up
with the remark, somewhat |
etulantly expressed, that "She should
e here, guests or no guests.
The patient indorsed this sentiment
18th look of intelligent appreciation.
Ie also groaned G am thus minute to
isplay my complete mastery of the
uman passions).
A moment later there was another
heerful response from the adjoining
oom. 1t was a more guilty laugh than
ne first one, and auickly subsided into
giggle.
"This is too much. With your per-
lission l will speak to Mrs. Wexford.
f she has not the delicacy or inclina-
on to be here, she should at least have
lie good taste to remain quiet.
The patient really looked as though
e saw the force of this. He was visi-
ly annoyed. These little incidents
ere not set down in the tragedy he had
Doctor Pillogus returned with long
zee. When say this, want you to
nderstand that it was more than usu-
ly long; for, in its moral condition, it
as about as long as politicians prom
e before election; now, it was longer {
ian a politicians explanation after ,
ard. l
The patient watched his demeanor {
osely, but said nothing. He felt,
,mehow, that things were not going
ght, and, to tell the truth, the poor G
cl felt little ashamed of himself. t
When kind friend wants to break
me unpleasant news to you mildly t
i'd cautiously, he generally contrives
put you on the rack as preparative. |
Y the time he gets to the worst your |
irits are broken to pieces by forebod- f
G apprehension and doubts.
Shall tell you what the doctor COM S
to his dying friend? No.
mot. The development is too start d
lg, even for me, who wallow, and, very o
ten, stick fast in such things. t
A hectic flush of anger diffused itself "
er the pale man IS cheek. He stretched Il
a Il b;o bopJo l,ka n no roivapizaI cnrpsa n