"
We then sat silent for a while, during which I was puffing at a
cigar. Smith, among his accomplishments, did not reckon that of
smoking,--which was a grief to me; for a man enjoys the tobacco
doubly when another is enjoying it with him.
"No, you do not know what ails me," he said at last, "and,
therefore, cannot judge."
"Perhaps not, my dear fellow. But my experience tells me that early
wounds are generally capable of cure; and, therefore, I surmise that
yours may be so. The heart at your time of life is not worn out,
and has strength and soundness left wherewith to throw off its
maladies. I hope it may be so with you."
"God knows. I do not mean to say that there are none more to be
pitied than I am; but at the present moment, I am not--not light-
hearted."
"I wish I could ease your burden, my dear fellow."
"It is most preposterous in me thus to force myself upon you, and
then trouble you with my cares. But I had been alone so long, and I
was so weary of it!"
"By Jove, and so had I. Make no apology. And let me tell you
this,--though perhaps you will not credit me,--that I would sooner
laugh with a comrade than cry with him is true enough; but, if
occasion demands, I can do the latter also.
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