Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1888-06-07
NY FIRST PATIENT.
TIC Innocent Mr.. Hardy and His
Eurdened Conscience.

Burdened Conscience.
''D;5 Won eyer hear Dick. that 1 had
turlen physician and had serious thoughts
Of en'iGwin- 4 hospital!'
These words were spoken by an eminent
lawyer 20 an intimate friend in the same
profession, as the men we're relating mutual
experiences.
''Why, no; I've heard a. rare intervals Of
the preacher practicing, but never any thing
so good Of the lawyer. How is it?'
''Do you remember Hardy!''
''TuliCs Hardy OF college days."
''Yes"
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 millenniumm
THE very same"
''Good. Tell me about him. 1 haven't
heard word of him for years"
Settle back then, Dick, and take it easy.
1t is quite a romantic 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 rather
well dressed stranger came in, and, seeing
inc occupied, rested himself quietly in the
fartherest corner of the room
Ny 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. 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 delved away
land paid no apparent attention to him.
He was so perfectly motionless and statue
like, that l 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 Iver" 1 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 c-uel!"
He never thought of it in that light.
Dick. He recognized our friendship, and
knew full well that we both loved him.
h.
sand not sit there like a block! How are
you! How are wife and children!"
Ny 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 gladress lighted up his pale face.
II thought you might quite have forgotten
those old days, John, and was more than
of
such reserve" ne said, quietly.
Goodness mani who could recoCn;ze
Julius Hardy's boy face under such trouba,
dour blacSness of mustache and beard, Blu.
they become you, and do notlook unclerical.
OF with overcoat and wraps. man."
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"
'No, l thank you. I beg pardon, nv
dear brother, / have something on my
mind. j 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 be a lawsuit" l asked
myself. Some one has made him believe
that he has been guilty of encroachment on
another's right, for he would never act OK
cept on the defensive. He would give away
all but mis- soul for the sake of peace
~ am quite at liberty now" | said
thrusting my papers into a drawer, with a
sigh Of relief, and pulling a chair I'D close
to my side. go on julius, should really
like TO be of some service to you, M dear
fellow" but seeing him look so forloru
about the matter, attacked him by a little
raillery as reassuring process.
Have you been borrowing sermonsl,
no"
Buying few votes for presidentr
"Freeaing to your ueishbOr,s melon
patch."
''Do, John, enter into the spirit of nv
trouble, for assure you it is real one"
began in my turn to look sober Iynor
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 do
''Wenr
/ had to recall his mind once or twice
from apparent wool-gathering
~ fear John. really fear that have
fallen in love with another mans wife.'
Heavens and earth.''
l started to my feet and walked toward:
the window TO controla CONFUSION of laugh
ter; knew he was mistaken. l knew i
must be some Authorization, but for him the
incongruity of the thing was dreadful
II knew you would regard this thing il
its true light, John, and l honor you for il
/ can not help remarking the contrast be
tween ven and him-the clergyman of z,
neighboring parish, the only other friend
had spoken with on the subject, and he doe
not know all, by half. But when spoke o
it, TO relieve bardened conscience, he di'
nothing but laugh, and said it was goo
joke, and he hoped to hear of an elopement
Think of that, John, to me minister Of tn
gospel, trying to see light and TO do right
How could gather any spiritual strength
from himl You have proved yourself true
as you always are"
You max be sure, Dick, kept my coun
tenance grave during the rest of the inter