Page:The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.djvu/50

42 over that subject so interesting to all valetudinarians, the long history of her sickness. Thus, by degrees, he learned what he was studying—the constitution of her mind. He found she was judicious, rational, self-denying, steadfast, humble, and patient; and he then proceeded to give his advice, not with the promise of curing her, but with the well-grounded expectation of protracting her life, and rendering it comparatively comfortable to herself and useful to others. After having gradually prepared her for his opinion, he told it, and found, as he expected, that her mind was soon made up to the defeat of her hopes, and to the certainty of enduring through life a very painful disease; and not merely because it was an inevitable calamity, for when she could trust her voice to speak, she said,

"I can yet say, sir, God's will he done! but I am so sorry for Susy's and Harry's disappointment!"

"I am very sorry too," said the kind doctor, wiping his eyes; "but it is better for them, as well as for you, that you should all know the real state of the case."

"Oh, yes, sir, far better; for I know it is much easier to endure when we are certain there is no help for us."

"Your case is not so bad as that, my child; I said there was no cure; there is help, if you will strictly adhere to the directions I give you; but it will be time enough for that to-morrow. I now leave you to rest, and to seek help and consolation where, I am sure, from your prompt submission, you are in the habit of going for it."

"I am, sir, and it never fails me."

"And it never will, my child. Happy is it for