s is not a
professional visit, and for once I have left my medicine-case at home;
but when I went home quite late in the evening and learned that Walter
had arrived I thought I should sleep all the more soundly for coming
over to welcome you to Elmwood again. By the bye," continued he, "I
hear Walter that you are fast becoming rich; well I am glad to hear it,
and I am pretty sure you will make a good use of your money." I assured
him I was far enough from being rich. "Modest as ever," replied he, "but
no matter, better that than forward and boastful, no fear but you'll get
along. I am expecting Charley to arrive every day," said he, "and then
won't we have the good old-fashioned times again." I was very happy to
meet my old friend again in such good spirits. The next day while,
conversing with my mother, I suddenly remembered Farmer Judson, and
I enquired if his temper was improved any of late. My mother looked
serious as she replied, "I had forgotten to tell you, Mr. Judson has
been ill for a long time. He first had lung-fever from which he
partially recovered, but he now seems like one in a slow consumption; I
have not as yet called to see him, as I hear he is very irritable and
does not care to see people, and I feared he would take my visit as an
intrusion. I very much pity his poor wife, who is almost worn out with
attending upon him, and would gladly aid her were it in my power." As a
boy I had cherished anger toward the farmer; but that had all passed
away and I felt sorry to hear of his illness.

Two days after my arrival, Charley Gray came. Our meeting could not be
otherwise than happy. He was, I believe, the most changed of the two;
and I thought at the time I had never before seen so perfect a type of
manly beauty. "What a pity," thought I, "that one so highly gifted, and
noble looking, and whose manner was at times so attractive and winning,
should allow himself at other times to be so morose and disagreeable
from a foolish and unreasonable temper." He had now completed his
studies, and had come home for a short time before entering upon the
practice of his profession. When I left the city, Mr. Baynard advised
me to spend at the least two or three months at home, for so long and
industriously had I applied myself to business, that he thought a season
of rest and recreation would be very beneficial to me; and all our old
friends at Elmwood seemed anxious to add to the enjoyment of Charley
Gray and myself duri