
examined the infant carefully, and then proceeded to unclasp a leathern case,
which he took from beneath his dress. It appeared to contain certain medical
preparations, one of which he mingled with a cup of water.
    »My old studies in alchemy,« observed he, »and my sojourn, for above a year
past, among a people well versed in the kindly properties of simples, have made
a better physician of me than many that claim the medical degree. Here, woman!
The child is yours, - she is none of mine, - neither will she recognize my voice
or aspect as a father's. Administer this draught, therefore, with thine own
hand.«
    Hester repelled the offered medicine, at the same time gazing with strongly
marked apprehension into his face.
    »Wouldst thou avenge thyself on the innocent babe?« whispered she.
    »Foolish woman!« responded the physician, half coldly, half soothingly.
»What should ail me to harm this misbegotten and miserable babe? The medicine is
potent for good; and were it my child, - yea, mine own, as well as thine! - I
could do no better for it.«
    As she still hesitated, being, in fact, in no reasonable state of mind, he
took the infant in his arms, and himself administered the draught. It soon
proved its efficacy, and redeemed the leech's pledge. The moans of the little
patient subsided; its convulsive tossings gradually ceased; and in a few
moments, as is the custom of young children after relief from pain, it sank into
a profound and dewy slumber. The physician, as he had a fair right to be termed,
next bestowed his attention on the mother. With calm and intent scrutiny, he
felt her pulse, looked into her eyes, - a gaze that made her heart shrink and
shudder, because so familiar, and yet so strange and cold, - and, finally,
satisfied with his investigation, proceeded to mingle another draught.
    »I know not Lethe nor Nepenthe,« remarked he; »but I have learned many new
secrets in the wilderness, and here is one of them, - a recipe that an Indian
taught me, in requital of some lessons of my own, that were as old as
Paracelsus. Drink it! It may be less soothing than a sinless conscience. That I
cannot give thee. But it will calm the swell and heaving of thy passion, like
oil thrown on the waves of a tempestuous sea.«
    He presented the cup to Hester, who received it with a
