 He went into two or three houses, and neither his patients nor their attendants could recognize, in this abrupt and hasty visitor, the physician and friend who was usually so sympathetic to the  sufferer:  who  would  speak  with  a cordiality that brought new life to his heart, who would toss the children in the air, kiss one and nod merrily to another.  To-day their elders even felt shy and anxious in his presence.  For the first time he found the duty he loved a wearisome burthen; the sick man was a tormenting spirit in league with the world against his peace of mind.  What possessed him, that he should feel such love of his fellow-men as to deprive himself of all comfort in life and of his night's rest for their sake?  Rufinus was right.  In these times each man lived solely to spite his neighbor, and he who could be most brazenly selfish, looking neither to the right hand nor to the left, was the most certain to get on in life