The native Virginian. [volume] (Orange Court House, Va.) 1867-187?, 1867-12-13
Ssteetctl TaIe.
THE D0G1OR'S DDIDGE.

Soon after receiving my diploma |
went as a qualified assistant to an ell
derly practitioner in the north Of Dew
on. The country in that part is most
picturesque. Here and there lofty
hills. upon whose SUBMITS are beauti-
full woods, rise in stately grandeur-be-
meath them lie lovely valleys resplen-
dent in the spring time with ali natures
charms. Noble rivers flow through
flowery wales, causing the luxuriant
foliage of the meadows to spring with
redoublcd vigor. Emtying themselves
into these rivers are innumerable guam
titles of insignificant streams. Often
times, In the dry season these riyulets
are SO small as to be little else than
sluices, and for the most part are ira
versed by means of plank or log of wood
thrown rudely across them. In some
places, however, wooded bridges OF irl-
ferior dimensions are erected for the
use of foot passengers, but in no case,
or but with rare exception, is there any
bridge built for the accommodation OF
animals or vehicles.
This want is severely felt in the Win
ter, when the heavy rains cause these
streams to swell to such a size as to
render fording them impossible. Many
serious results have therefore been oc-
casioned, ordinary traffic has been COM
pletely suspended, mail coaches even
being stopped by the force of the cur
rent. Too often medical man, having
been absolutely unable to reach pa
tient in most imminent danger, the res
ult has been death. About four miles
from Farleigh, the town in which resi-
ded, was Averil Castle, the seat of the
Earl of Averil. ltwas an ancient war
like looking structure, standing upon
the top of hill, and commanding an
extensive view Of the surrounding coun-
try. The slope of the hill itself had
been converted into spacious lawn,
while at the foot ran small stream,
which, owing to careful preservation,
was well stocked with the tinny tribe.
Although SO far distant from the cas-
tie, Dr. Hallett was the nearest surgeon,
and consequently had the honor of at
tending at the castle. Neither of the
surrounding villages boasted medical
man, and, therefore, owing to the ex-
tensive practice that necessarily de-
volved upon him, and the failing state
of his health, DR.. Hallett was compelled
| to have fully qualified gentleman as
an assistant, to relieve him in his ardu-
GUS duties. fs.a..
1t thus happened that had seyera'
times attended at Averil Castle, for the
nobleman himself was at the time an
speaking of an elderly man and an in.
valid, though he had only recently mar
ried lady many years younger thar
himself. His Lordship, though very
proud, was really pleasant man ant
greatly attached to his wife, who, OF
her part, was very amiable and pleas
ing disposition, and very accomplished
being the daughter of II neignborine
peer. Residin at Averil Castle wai
Mr.. Sidney Lascelles, q nephew o
Lord Averil's, being the son Of his
Lordship's younger brother, who, dy
ing when Sidney was quite an infant
consigned him over to the Earl's care
Like father and son were the Ear
and his nephew. Heir to the title 0
Ayeril, Of which he was so proud, th,
old Earl viewed Sidney in a still dcare
light, and considered that he had still
dearer claims upon him, and being un
married, gave young Lascelles yer!
handsome allowance.
No wonder, therefore, would it hay,
been if, when the Lady Adela Trac.
became the wife of his benefactor, All
a handsome settlement allowed her, th
knowledge that such marriage nigh
perchance to be the means of losing hi
claim to the title, and dying; rs he ha
been born, a wealthiess commoner-n
wonder, If under such circumstance
| lie had given vent TO the feelings Of dis