u do not forget the gratitude you owe for that, hearts will
be turned to you, though now they shun the tree which has beset itself
intentionally with thorns, and which lets its branches droop like the
weeping-willows by the Nile. Thus you will lead a new and beautiful
life, receiving and giving joy. The isolated and charmless existence you
drag through here, to the satisfaction of none and least of all to your
own, you can transform to one of fruition and satisfaction--breathing
and moving healthily and beneficently in the light of day. It lies
in your power. When you came up here to give your care to these poor
injured creatures, you took the first step in the new path I desire to
show you, to true happiness. I did not expect you, and I am thankful
that you have come; for I know that as you entered that door you may
have started on the road to renewed happiness, if you have the will to
walk in it.--Thank God! That is said and over!"

The leech rose and wiped his forehead, looking uneasily at Paula who
had remained seated; her breath came fast, and she was more confused and
undecided than he had ever seen her. She clasped her hand over her brow,
and gazed, speechless, into her lap as though she wished to smother some
pain.

The young physician beat his arms together, like a laborer in the winter
when his hands are frozen, and exclaimed with distressful emotion: "Yes,
I have spoken, and I cannot regret having done so; but what I foresaw
has come to pass: The greatest happiness that ever sweetened my daily
life is gone out of it! To love Plato is a noble rule, but greater than
Plato is the truth; and yet, those who preach it must be prepared to
find that truth scares away friends from the unpleasing vicinity of its
ill-starred Apostles!"

At this Paula rose, and following the impulse of her generous heart,
offered the leech her hand in all sincerity; he grasped it in both his,
pressing it so tightly that it almost hurt her, and his eyes glistened
with moisture as he exclaimed: "That is as I hoped; that is splendid,
that is noble! Let me but be your brother, high-souled maiden!--Now,
come. That poor, crazy, lovely girl will heal of her death-wound under
your hands if under any!"

"I will come!" she replied heartily; and there was something healthy and
cheerful in her manner as they entered the sick-room; but her expression
suddenly changed, and she asked pensively:

"And supposing we restore the unhappy girl--what goo