So with this he made a will, and there
defied, as far as in him lay, the laws of nature; for he set his wealth
a-flowing backwards instead of forwards; he handed his property up to an
ancestor, instead of down to posterity.
All this the doctor's pen set down with some humor, and in the calm
spirit with which a genuine philosopher receives prosperity as well as
adversity. Yet one natural regret escaped him; that all this wealth,
since it was to come, had not come a year or two sooner.
All at Beaurepaire knew what their dear old friend meant.
His other news to them was that they might expect him any moment.
So here was another cause of rejoicing.
"I am so glad," said Josephine. "Now, perhaps, he will be able to
publish his poor dear entomology, that the booksellers were all so
unkind, so unfeeling about."
I linger on the brink of painful scenes to observe that a sweet and
loving friendship, such as this was between the good doctor and three
persons of another sex, is one of the best treasures of the human heart.
Poverty had strengthened it; yet now wealth could not weaken it.
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