Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-06-02


In the winter Of 1880, / was a student
at the college Of =, in the medical
class Of z Prolcssor---. With Ills gen
tlcmap, it was CUSTOMARY 10 single ont the
most attentive of his pupils, and once
or twice in every week, afford them the
benefit Of his private instruction. Among
these, at the period of which write, was
Felix D, young and favorite stu
dent, with the Professor. In person, he
was tall and commanding--his features
were correctly formed and intellectually
expressive-his eyes was bright as the
eagles, and his hair dark and glossy as
the ravens wing. Although placid and
pleasurable expression, generally, irradia-
ted his face, yet occasionally would the
cloud of melancholy settle on it, and a
deep sigh burst from his breast, as if some
silent sorrow were its inmate. Our studies
being Of kindred character, we We're
ever brought together, and love Of the
same pursuits and pleasures soon cement
ed us in the bonds of fellowship. One
evening returning from private lecture
of the kind Professor-it was wild and
stormy hour-the snow fell thick and fast,
the wind blew with cutting keenness, and
thestreets were completely unpeopled-we
were arrested by the voice of supplication.
1t came from poor emaciated female, who
stood trembling in the mouth of a dark
somealley. We had already passed her,
when Felix, arrested my arm, saying,
"Hold moment" and returning, placed
in her hand some money; loud scream
followed the act, and the word Felix fell
from her lips-in the next moment she
had daried from his presence. When |
joined him, he was standing transfxad to
the spot, and faintly muttering TO himself,
but so inaudibly, that | could not catch
the substance OF his speech. "What does
this mean, FelixW | said to him, at the
same time taking his arm, which he quick
ly Withdrew.
''Nothing, nothing!" he wildly replied.
"Come, let us begone. ] am faint-ill--
mad! Oh! God oh, God !" and strik-
ing his forehead with all the force Of fren-
zy, rushed from the spot. With difficulty
could / keep pace with him, and when,at
length, we gained his dwelling, he sunk
in deep swoon upon the threshold.
Having called the attendants, and con-
veyed him to his chamber, by degrees, he
was restored to consciousness, but his,eye
was wild and wandering, and he yontinu-
ed to mutter incoherent phrases, Iid point
at some object which seemed to BE present
to his sight. In a few hours he fell into a
deep slumber, and consigning him to the
care Of the domcstics, | departed home
1t was beyond doubt that some mys-
terry was attached to Felix and the un-
known mendicant Who could she be
by what strange chance had he thus en-
countered her! Was shethe victim of his
inGdelity I! and had Providence inits wise
decrees thus singularly manifested his re-
tribution towards him. Such, and thou
sand other surmises foated through my
brain as for some hours | lay sleepless up
ON my pillow, and when, at last, sunk in
to slumber, the squalid female and Felix
continued to people my dreams.
In the morning, on entering the class
room, l was surprised to behold him in his
usual place dressed with more than ordi-
nary care, and one ofhis bright and bland
smiles playing upon his handsome cour-
tcnance. lie saluted me with friendly
warmth, and thanked me for my attention
to him on the proceeding night.
"You, no doubt" said he, "thought
my behavior, last evening, very strange,
but the truth is, the sight Of female in
distress always so affect me. It is child
ish, perhaps, but Icannot help it. There
are none Of us masters of our feelIngs,and
| am sorry that you should have beenmade
participator in mine"
my dear Felix" l replied, 81 rejoice to
hear that such was only the cuase. sus-
pected-"
"Whatl' he quickly interrupted me
and wild and suspicious expression took
the place ofthe glow Of ofpleasure which
but a moment before, had lighted up bis
countenance.
"wfy,r said !, haiflaaghing, 'Isusrcrt.