The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1888-06-09
MY FIRST PATIENT.
The Innocent Mr.. Hardy and His
Burdened Conscience.

The Innocent Mr.. Hardy and His
Burdened Conscience.
s'Did you ever hear, Dick, that I had
turned physician and had serious thoughts
OF endowing q hospital2"
These words were spoken by an eminent
lawyer to an intimate friend in the same
profession, as the men were relating mutual
experiences.
"Why, no; I've heard at rare intervals of
the preacher practicing, but never any thing
30 good of the lawyer How is itl"
"Do you remember Hardy2"
"Julius Hardy of college daysa'
eyes,
"That dear. sensitive soul, who knew
nothing outside Of books, but every thing
inside, from Egyptian hieroglyphics. to the
laws OF heredity-from the world in emb ryo
to the prospective millennium"
S'The very same"
"Good. Tell me about him. 1 haven't
heard word of him for years."
'Settle back then, Dick and take IL easy.
It is quite romantic story"
Twas sitting in my Office one day scowl-
ing over mass of evidence in as muddy a
case as you can well imagine, when rather
well dressed stranger came in, and, seeing
me occupied, rested himself quietly in the
fartherest corner of the room.
My mental ejaculation was not taken from
the new version. He wore the clerical
,habit and looked solemn. was neither in
need OF ghostly consolation, nor in the
mood for throwing out ballast to keep the
spiritual ship from sinking. I studied his
profile askance, and saw that it indicated
the lawyers natural enemy. eff man
smite thee on the one cheek, turn to him the
other also, sort of man." so delved away
and paid no apparent attention to him.
He was so perfectly motionless and statue
luke, that 1 fell to studying him, when he
turned slowly and bent his gaze full upon
me. A slow glimmering of recollection
dawned upon me, and the next moment !
had thrown down document and decision,
cleared the floor at two strides and grasped
him by both hands.
Judas. as sure as I live" said. You
remember the pseudonym we gave him, by
virtue, l suppose, of its utter contrast with
his character.
"Yes, yes, poor fellow! how could we
have been so cruel!"
HE never thought of it in that light,
dick. He recognized our friendship, and
knew full well that we both loved him."
"Why on earth didn't you speak,n said,
sand not sit there like blocka How are
,youa How are wife and childrenl'
MY boisterous greeting almost took away
his breath, as he answered each question
separately, laughing little about wife and
children, for he was bachelor. A CLEAN
of genuine gladness lighted up his pale face.
II thought you might quite have forgotten
those old days, John, and was more than
nff 4
such reserve" he said, quietly.
"Goodness, mani who could recognize
Julius Hardy's boy face under such trouba-
dour blackness of mustache and beard2 But
they become you, and do notlook unclerical.
on with overcoat and wraps, man!'
Il fear you are very busy" he said, glanc-
S'kg rather timidly at my piled-up table, but
docking a wish to remain.
"No, no, you may take book until get
through with small matter, then we will
go home together. You must meet my wife
and see my various olive branches"
~ should like to see them, John, indeed,
but am a recluse. Really you will have to
excuse me-"
"Delmonico's, them"
eNo, / thank you. / beg pardon, my
dear brother, have something on my
mind. / have few days at my disposal,
and can take your most leisure time, but
really wish little private talk with you on
subject that concerns me deeply"
''Can it possibly he lawsuit" asked
myself. Somo one has made him believe
that he has been guilty Of encroachment on
anothers right, for he would never act OK
cept on the defensive. He would give away
all but his soul for the sake of peace.
II am quite at liberty now,n I said,
thrusting my papers into a drawer, with q
sigh of relief, and pulling q chair up close
to my side. 'Go on julius, should really
like to be Of some service to you, my dear
fellows" but seeing him look 80 forlorn
about the matter, attacked him by q little
raillery as reassurlng process
"Have you been borrowing sermonsl"
'No."
''Buying few votes for prcsidontp
so, no."
= ''Frcezing to your neighbours melon
patch!'
''Do, John, enter into the spirit of my
trouble, for I assure you it is real one."
began In my turn to look sober. Ignor
ance of the worlds ways Is quite as often as
knavery the source of trouble to an unsus
pecting person. What had he been led to doi
sWell!"
/ had to recall his mind, once or twice
from apparent ol-gathering.
~ fear John, really fear that have
fallen in love with another mans wifei"
''Heavens and earth! |"
! started to my feet and walked toward.
the window to controla convulsiOn Of laugh
ter; knew he was mistaken. knew Il
must be some hallucination, but for him ths
incongruity of tho thing was dreadful.
~ knew you would regard this thing II
Its true light, John, and honor you for 1t
I can not help remarling the contrast be
tween you and him-the clergyman Of my
meighborlng parish, the only other friend
I had spoken with on the subject, and he doe
mot know all, by half. But when spoke o
~, to relieve. burdened conscience, he di'
uothing but laugh, and said 1t was a goo'
1oke, and he hoped to hear OF an elopement
Think Of that, John, to nss minister OF tn
gospel, trying to SEQ light and to do right
How could gather any spiritual strength
\ from hint You have proved yourself true
y % you always are.n
You may be sure, Dick, kept my coun
tspspce grave during the rest OF tho inter