Stillinghast
should attend to his worldly concerns, and wind them up as soon as
possible, that all the energies of his soul might be directed to higher
objects.
"Here is a prescription, sir," said the doctor, "which I would advise
you to take immediately."
"Will it cure me?
"It may relieve you very much."
"Will it cure me, I say?" said the old man, sharply.
"I cannot say; I can only promise temporary relief from its use."
"I won't take it. I thank you for your patience, and shall be glad to
see you again; but I won't take your medicine."
"If you were a child, sir, I would compel you to take it; but as it is,
I can only recommend the continual application of cold bandages to your
head. I will call in this evening," said the doctor, kindly, as he
left the room.
"May!"
"I am here by you, sir."
"It is not too late to do you an act of justice."
"Oh, dear, dear uncle!" said May, earnestly, "forget me; forget the
affairs of earth, and think of the judgment beyond the grave! Oh, sir!
indeed--indeed, I fear, that the time is too short to be wasted on
perishing things."
"Listen to me!" said the old man, gathering up his failing energies,
and speaking in a low, distinct voice; "I wish to save my soul, but
fear it is too late. My life has been one long, dark, dismal blank.
There is nothing which I can remember--not one single thine, to cheer
this dreary hour. I have gained the world, and lost--heaven. Until
yesterday, I derided and scorned _all_ religions.
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