it out of me as long as I know what I say. I'm not so friendly with them,
as to seek counsel among doctors."

"Then it's the Lord's day," added the Pharisee, "and it is not seemly to
dwell too much on worldly interests, on the Sabbath."

A novice might have been surprised, after what had passed, at the
exceeding coolness with which the deacon uttered this sentiment. Daggett
was not so in the least, however; for he had taken the measure of his new
confidant's conscience, and had lived long enough to know how marked was
the difference between professions and practice. Nothing, indeed, is more
common than to meet with those who denounce that in others, which is of
constant occurrence with themselves; and who rail at vices that are so
interwoven with their own moral being, as to compose integral portions of
their existence. As for the deacon, he really thought it would be
unseemly, and of evil example, for Daggett to converse with Dr. Sage,
touching these doubloons, of the Lord's day: while he had felt no
scruples himself, a short hour before, to make them the theme of a long
and interesting discussion, in his own person. It might not repay us for
the trouble, to look for the salve that the worthy man applied to his own
conscience, by way of reconciling the apparent contradiction; though it
probably was connected with some fancied and especial duty on his part, of
taking care of the sick man's secrets. Sickness, it is well known, forms
the apology for many an error, both of omission and commission.

Dr. Sage now arrived; a shrewd, observant, intelligent man, who had
formerly represented the district in which he lived, in Congress. He was
skilful in his profession, and soon made up his mind concerning the state
of his patient. As the deacon never left him for a moment, to him he first
communicated his opinion, after the visit, as the two walked back towards