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Cooper, James Fenimore, 1789-1851

"The Spy"

Such may be said to be their natural occupation, if
the term can be used in reference to so artificial a body; for all
history shows that the horse have done most when held in reserve."
This dissertation, uttered in a sufficiently didactic manner, was a hint
that Miss Peyton did not neglect. She arose and retired, followed by
her juniors.
Nearly at the same moment, Mr. Wharton and his son made an apology for
their absence, which was required on account of the death of a near
neighbor, and withdrew.
The retreat of the ladies was the signal for the appearance of the
surgeon's cigar, which, being established in a corner of his mouth, in a
certain knowing way, caused not the slightest interruption to his
discourse.
"If anything can sweeten captivity and wounds, it must be the happiness
of suffering in the society of the ladies who have left us," gallantly
observed the colonel, as he resumed his seat after closing the door.
"Sympathy and kindness have their influence on the human system,"
returned the surgeon, knocking the ashes from his cigar, with the tip of
a little finger, in the manner of an adept. "The connection is intimate
between the moral and physical feelings; but still, to accomplish a
cure, and restore nature to the healthy tone it has lost from disease or
accident, requires more than can flow from unguided sympathies.


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