Enthusiastically devoted to his profession,
Dr. Frank had looked to the metropolis as the field of his ultimate
labors. But he knew the difficulties of getting established, and it was
not till he was assured of a respectable foothold through his
appointment that he ventured on the change. Doubtless the fact of his
having a wife and children made him cautious. Now, however, we behold
him settled in town, zealously engaged with his class at lecture hours,
and making his way gradually in public favor.

It was with some surprise that, one evening, while making a short call
at Mr. Bennett's, he encountered Hiram, who had just removed to the
city. The brothers had not met for four years. On this occasion they
shook hands with a species of cordiality--at least on the Doctor's
part--while Hiram preserved a bearing of humility and injured innocence.
The Doctor asked his brother many questions. Was he living in town--how
long since he had come to New York--was he engaged with Mr.
Bennett--what was he doing? Hiram returned short answers to these
queries--very short--acting the while as if he were in pain under a
certain infliction. He looked up, as much as to say, 'Now, let me alone;
please don't persecute me.' But the Doctor did not give the matter up.
He invited Hiram to come and see him, and told him, with a smile, to be
sure and let him know if he should be taken sick. Hiram wriggled in his
seat, and looked more persecuted than ever; he replied that his health
was very good, and likely to continue so. The words were scarcely out of
his mouth, before it struck him that such an observation was a direct
tempting of Providence, to trip his heels and lay him on a sickbed for
his boast. So, after a slight hesitation, he added, 'But the race is not
to the swift, brother, and I am wrong to indulge in vainglory about
anything. Life and death are uncertain; none realize it, I trust, more
deeply than I do.'

'I was in hopes, Hiram, you had quit talking cant,' said Dr. Frank, in a
tone of disgust. 'Take my advice, and stop it, that is, if it is not too
late.'

He did not wait for a response, but, much to Hiram's satisfaction, rose,
and saying to Mrs. Bennett that he had overstayed his time, bade a rapid
'good evening' to all, and left the room.

'It is dreadful to feel so toward a brother. It is of no use. I won't
attempt to resist it. The least we see of each other the better--but,
good God, what's to become of him!' Such was the Do