n their own _humdrum_ way, and they now accuse me of having taken
the bread from their children's mouths, to promote my own speculations,
though, while I employed them, I gave them enormous wages. But this,
sir, is the gratitude of the world."

The doctor still remained silent. It seemed as if Mr. Draper began to
tremble for something dearer than money, for he grasped the hand of the
physician.

"You do not think my wife dangerously ill, I trust," said he.

The doctor replied, in a low voice, "I fear she is."

"Impossible!" exclaimed Mr. Draper; "she was remarkably well when we left
Clyde. But what do you prescribe? I will do any thing, every thing, say
but the word. I will take her to Europe--I will go to any part of the
world you recommend."

The physician shook his head.

"My dear doctor, you must go with us. I will indemnify you a thousand
times for all losses; you can save her life; you know her constitution.
When shall we go? and where? I will charter a vessel; we can be off in
three days;"--and he actually took his hat.

Dr. B. said impressively, "Pray be seated, and prepare yourself to hear,
like a man, what you must inevitably learn. It will not answer any
useful purpose to go to a milder climate; it is now too late!"

"You do not mean to say," said Mr. Draper, impetuously, "that if she had
gone last year she would have been restored?"

"No, I do not mean to say that; but then, there would have been a chance;
now, there is none."

"Why did you not tell me so, sir?" said Mr. Draper, angrily.

"I said all that I was authorized to say. When I urged the step as
necessary, you replied that it was impossible."

"It is too true!" exclaimed he, striking his forehead; "and yet she is
dearer to me than my own life;"--and, unable to suppress his feelings, he
burst into an agony of tears. Suddenly starting up, he said, "Doctor, I
have the highest respect for your skill; but you are fallible, like all
men. It is my opinion, that a sea voyage and change of climate will
restore my wife. If you will go with us, so much the better; if not, I
will seek some other physician to accompany her."

"It is but right to inform you," said Dr. B., "that there is no chance of
restoration. I suggested to her, that there might be alleviation in a
warm climate; but she positively declines seeking it, and says her only
wish is to die quietly, at home. She fully estimates the strength of
your affection, and entreats