The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1888-06-09
MY FIRST PATIENT.
The Innocent Mr.. Hardy and His
Burdened Conscience.

"Did you ever hear, Dick, that I had
turned physician and had serious thoughts
OF endowing hospitalp'
These words We're 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
so good of the lawyer. How is it,"
''Do you remember Hardy?n
Julius Hardy of college days"
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 millenniumn'
''The very same"
"Good. Tell me about him I haven't
heard word of him for years"
Settle back then, Dick, and take it easy.
1t is quite romaptic story"
was sitting in my office one day, scowl-
ing over mass of evidence in as muddy a
case as you can well imagine, when a 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. 1 was neither in
need OF ghostly consolation, nor in the
mood for throwing out ballast to keep the
spiritual ship from sinking l studied his
profile askance, and saw that it indicated
the lawyers natural enemy. eff a man
smite thee on the one cheek, turn to him the
other also, sort of man." so I delved away
and maid n aDnarapt ottan+;O, 70 hin,
He was so perfectly motionless and statue
like, that | fell to studying him, when he
turned slowly and bent his gaze full upon
me. 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 l liver' said You
remember the pseudonym we gave him, by
virtue | suppose, of its utter contrast with
his character.
Yes, yes, poor follow! how could we
have been so cruelp'
"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, - said.
''and not sit there like a blocz9 How are
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.
81 thought you might quite have forgotten
those old days. John, and | was more than
ever convinced Of it when you maintained
such reserve" he said, quietly
EEnoI,,o,c
julius Hardy's boy face under such trouba-
dour hlackness of mustache and beard? But
they become you, and do not look unclerical.
Of with overcoat and wraps, mani"
Il fear you are very busy" he said, glanc-
ing rather timidly at my piled-up table, but
looking wish to remain.
mo, 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"
81 should like to see them, John indeed.
but am recluse. Really you will have to
excuse me-"
"Delmonico's, then"
mo, | thank you / beg pardon, my
dear brother, | have something on nv
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"
'Canit possibly be lawsuit.n l asked
myself Some one has made him believe
that he has been guilty of encroachment or
another's right, for he would never act ex
cept on the defensive. He would give away
all but his soul for the sake of peace.
81 am quite at liberty now" / said
thGusting my papers into drawer, with q
sigh of relief and pulling chair up Close
to my side, $50 on julius, | should really
like to be of some service to you, my deal
fellow;n but seeing him look so forlorr
about the matter attacked him by littl,
raillery as a reassuring process
"Have you been borrowing sermons"
''Non
'Buying few votes for presidentw
60 no."
"Freezing to your neighbours melol
patchW
''Do, John, enter into the spirit of m,
trouble, for assure you it is a real one"
began in my turn to look sober. Ignor
ance of the worlds ways is quite as often a
knavery the source of trouble to an unsus
pecting person. What had he been led to do
''Wellw
| had to recall his mind once or twice
from apparent wool gathering.
81 fear John, really fear that l hav
fallen in love with another mans wifen
Heavens and earthm
| started to my feet and walked toward
the window to controla convulsion of laugh
ter; | knew he was mistaken. l knew