they do say, that as life steals on
towards its final close, the last short remnant, worthless as it may seem
to all beside, is dearer to its possessor than all the years that have
gone before, connected though they be with the recollection of old
friends long since dead, and young ones--children perhaps--who have
fallen off from, and forgotten one as completely as if they had died too.
My natural term of life cannot be many years longer, and should be dear
on that account; but I would lay it down without a sigh--with
cheerfulness--with joy--if what I tell you now, were only false, or
imaginary. To-morrow morning he of whom I speak will be, I _know_,
though I would fain think otherwise, beyond the reach of human aid; and
yet, to-night, though he is in deadly peril, you must not see, and could
not serve, him.'

'I am unwilling to increase your distress,' said the surgeon, after a
short pause, 'by making any comment on what you have just said, or
appearing desirous to investigate a subject you are so anxious to
conceal; but there is an inconsistency in your statement which I cannot
reconcile with probability. This person is dying to-night, and I cannot
see him when my assistance might possibly avail; you apprehend it will be
useless to-morrow, and yet you would have me see him then! If he be,
indeed, as dear to you, as your words and manner would imply, why not try
to save his life before delay and the progress of his disease render it
impracticable?'

'God help me!' exclaimed the woman, weeping bitterly, 'how can I hope
strangers will believe what appears incredible, even to myself? You will
_not_ see him then, sir?' she added, rising suddenly.

'I did not say that I declined to see him,' replied the surgeon; 'but I
warn you, that if you persist in this extraordinary procrastination, and
the individual dies, a fearful responsibility rests with you.'

'The responsibility will rest heavily somewhere,' replied the stranger
bitterly. 'Whatever responsibility rests with me, I am content to bear,
and ready to answer.'

'As I incur none,' continued the surgeon, 'by acceding to your request, I
will see him in the morning, if you leave me the address. At what hour
can he be seen?'

'_Nine_,' replied the stranger.

'You must excuse my pressing these inquiries,' said the surgeon. 'But is
he in your charge now?'

'He is not,' was the rejoinder.

'Then, if I gave you instructions for his treatment through the night,