his observation; and during the day he allowed me to request Dr. Duke,
who was attending a patient in the hotel, to see him. He did--and on
quitting him, told me that of course the case was hopeless; that his
friends should be sent for, and he would not answer for his life for a
few weeks, or even days. Two or three days afterwards, Dr. Duke saw him
again, and had left him only half-an-hour when I called. He was writing
a letter to an old friend (one of his executors,) and his face wore an
expression of peculiar solemnity. Laying down his pen, and leaning back
in his chair, he gently shook my hand, and, in an affectionate manner,
said, "Warren, I have just had a startling communication made me by Dr.
Duke; he has told me plainly that I cannot live much longer,--that
recovery is utterly out of the question,--and that I am nearer death
than I suppose." After a pause, I said, "He has been faithful, then, my
dear Smith. It was his duty; and I trust he did it in a prudent
manner."--"Perfectly," he replied. Profound gloom was in his features,
but he was perfectly calm. Presently he said, covering his face with his
attenuated hand, "I have none to thank but myself; I have killed myself
by going the last circuit, but I could not resist some tempting briefs
which awaited me! I now regret that I did not allow my sister to come
over, months ago, and go with her to the South of France; but of course
wishing _now_ is useless." Again I entreated him to allow her to be sent
for. "My dear Warren," said he very decisively, "you and B. have often
asked me to do so. I beg you to do so no more. I have private reasons
for declining to follow your advice." His voice slightly faltered. His
"private reasons" have already been adverted to--they were, his tender
love for one whom he would not shock by showing himself to her in the
rapid progress of decay! From that day I never saw the semblance of a
smile upon his face, nor any appearance of emotion, but only of solemn
thoughtfulness. A few days afterwards I said to him, "Well, if it be the
will of God that you should never return to your profession, it is