The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-06-01

light upon book, which apparently he
had been reading. Every feature Of his
wasted face was distinctly shown. It was
the utter wreck of great manly beauty
The dark curling hair fell lightly over his
massive forehead, AS though it belonged
to vigorous manhood. The eyes, now
deep sunken in their hollow orbits, were
OF hazel black, and still full of pride and
power. The eeth were exquisitely beau
ttul and white-how often seen in those
doomed to die from a lung disease =
whilst the firm, but now thin lips. were
slightly parted, and were red, as though
mocking with health the wide opened
postrils moved with every breath. At n
glance | read the fatal disorder that was
fast proving on this noble looking crca
ture. With an impatient wave of the
hand he motioned the host to the door,
who seemed eager to quite his presence I;
and then, with a faint smile, he pointed
me to chair.
doctor, | have sent for you thus un.
timely, that you may give me something
to ease mc-my strength has failed me
strangely. That is" he continued hasti.
~, ~ do not feel so well as ought"
The few words he uttered seemed an
effort; he was evidently AYERS to he thought
III, asked him how long he had been
sick. For an instant faint flush passed
over his wan check, and with an abrupt
ness rendered startling by his singuarly
deep voice, he said, II have merely sent
for you, sir, to give me some strengthen
ing remedy do not care to enter into
any detail"
Gently but firmly informed him that
unless knew somctng relative to the
history Of his disorder, and WAS allowed
to make such physical examination rs
deemed necessary, could not prescribe
lie appeared excited by my answer, an,l
was about to reply, when he put his hand
suddenly over his heart, compressed his
lips tightly upon his closed teeth. His
whole frame shook with the violence Of
the hearts palpitation; and his face, that
had become suddenly suffered, grew ashv
pale. a bottle Of ammonia standing on
the table, poured II few drops into some
water, and handed it to him. He gave
me look and then mechanically took
the glass and drank the contents. Re-
covering ipt q lew minutes, he said in 4
low tone:
doctor, forgive me- am at times
very hasty, and fear very selfwilled,"
he added, family smiling. "You have
demanded nothing moro than what is
right. You may examine my chest" he
continued with reluctance; "you arc the
first man that has ever doue so-per
haps you will be the last. You will find
all right there, only my nervous system
has given way"
With what sclftaught dclusion did he
still endeavor TO hide the truth from h m
self and me! Nothing Of sound lung
structure remained ; .nd as from time to
time he spoke, the voice entered into INV
very ear. as | laid my head on his broad
chest. What frame-yet not an ounce
OF fat was left-al was gone the mere
sEin.covcred skeleton remained, of what
must have been n specimen of the finest
manly beauty. His poor heart labored
IN his tired breast, like some frightened
bird trying for escaped His fate was in.
eritable-he merely lived by will.
As | resumed my scat. he placed his
dark eyes on my face. The sweat stood
in large beads upon bis forehead and up
per llp--a strong commition was going
on within. At length, in voice, whose
tones resembled those of fine bass, he
said, with an i'll attempt to appear indif.
fcrcnt.
"Wel', sir, what have lou :ound or
ratner what Is left to be foundi Come
speak plainly know no, why but now
wish to have an opinion. Feel my pulse
you see it is very calm"
1t was beating violently irregular, and
was very rapidly! gently informed him
that disease had long, or else very rapid
ly invaded his chest, destroying his lungs
in the most remarkable II amer. He has
tily interrupted me.
"Stop," he exclaimed, "neYes mind
about the amount Of damage-,here must
be enough left to keep life upon-try your
skill-it NAV win-must Sin-by hea-
ven ! / DiH not die Why. man, soldiers
have been shot in the Ghost, and their
lungs drowned in blood-yet accounts
tell that some have lived. Pshaw 90 to
your work, and | promise you my part
shall not be lacking. You see," said he,
yehemently, whilst the sweat rolled from
his forehead and placed on his arm. as he
suddenly raised himself. ard stood to his
full height upon the foor--"you see what
strength have. Does this look like dy.
ing for want Of lung airi Why man
he could say no more; . violeRt it Of
coughing caused him 70 sInk painting on
q sofa. He know. but dreaded to hear
ho was victim 10 that dread diseaaO. con-
sumption. How many have thus dread
ed and fallen AL 81 how many have Re,
velled IN that singular condition OF hope
so fondly attendant in its funeral train
Taking from my case powerful stimu-
liant, gaveit 70 him. He drank Il greed
lily, and lapsing back upon his cushions.
he lay with halfclssed lids, whose long
iashes ftinged his pale cheeks. In the
course Of few minutes he appeared re-
freshed, aad drawing A. deep breath ~
Ia r.,s,ld be as;ds 90