The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-01-25

coon after receiving my oipiona "eht
S ors,;f,e ed assistant TO an elderly prac-
s asa a; IN the north Of Devon. The
s,.v Ia that part is most picturesque.
Here and there lofty hills, upon whose
summits are beautiful woods, rise in stately
erandeur-beneath them lie lovely valleys
respondent in the spring time with all ma
lures charms. Noble rivers flow through
these flowery wales, causing the luxurious
foliage Of the meadows to spring with re-
doubled tigor. Emptying themselves into
these rivers are an innumerable quantity
Of little Insignificant streams. Oitehtilnes
in the dry season these rlvulets are 80
small as to be little else than sluices, ana
for the most part are traversed by means
of a plank or log of wood thrown rudeiy
across them. In some places, however,
wooden bridges Of inferior dime nsions are
erected for the use Of foot passengers
but in no case, or but with arare exception,
il there any bridge built for the accommo-
dation of animals or vehicles.
This want is severely felt in the winter,
when the heavy rains cause these streams
TO swell to such size as to render fording
them impossible. Many serious results
have thereby been occasioned, ordinary
traffic has been completely suspended,
mail coaches even being stopped by the
force of the current. Too often medical
man having been absolutely unable to reach
a patient in most imminent danger, the re-
sult has been death. About four miles
from Farleigh, the town in which resided,
was Ayeril Castle, the seat of the Earl OF
Averil. 1t was an ancient, warlike looking
structure, standing upon the top of hill,
and commanding an extensive view OF the
surrounding country. The slope OF the
hill itself had been converted into spa
cious lawn, while at the foot ran small
stream, which, owing to careful preserva-
ton, was well stocked with the hnny tribe.
Although so far distant from the castle,
DR.. Hallett was the nearest surgeon, ana
consequently had the honor of attending at
the castle. Neither of the surrounding
villages boasted a medical man, and, there
fore, owing to the extensive practice that
necessarily devolved upon him, and the
failing state of his health, DR.. Hallet was
compelled to have fully qualified gentle
man as an assistant, to relieve him in his ar
duous duties.
1t thus happened that I had several
times attended at Averil Castle, for the
nobleman himself was at the time / am
speaking of an elderly man and an invalid,
though he had only recently married a
lady many years younger than himself.
His Lordship, though very proud, was
really pleasant man and greatly attached
to his wife, who, on her part, was of a very
amiable and pleasing disposition, and very
accomplished, being the daughter OF a
Castle was Mr.. Sydney Lascelles, ne
phew of Lord Averil's, being the son OF
his Lordship's younger brother, who, dying
when Sydney was quite an infant, con-
signed him over to the Earl's care. Like
father and son were the Earl and his ne
phew. Heir to the title of Averil, of
which he was so proud, the old Earl view
ed sydney in still dearer light, and con-
sdered that he had still greater claims
upon him, and being unmarried, gave young
Lascelles very handsome allowance.
No wonder, therefore, would it have
been if when the Lady Adela Tracey be-
came the wife of his benefactor, and
handsome settlement allowed her, the
knowledge that such marriage might per-
chance be the means of losing his claim to
the title, and dying, as he had been born,
a wealthless commoner-no wonder II, un-
der such circumstances, he had given vent
to the feelings of disappointment and yeXa-
ton that must almost necessarily have
been produced. But no-not by a single
sign, or look, or deed, did Sydney Las
celles show that the marriage was other
than pleasing to him; on the contrary, he
heartily congratulated his uncle, and ex-
pressed hope that he might be blessed
with an heir, who should succeed to the
honors that his Lordship had SO success
fully borne. Every one admired his con-
duct, every one praised him, and when,
some short time afterward, he left Averil
Castle for the metropolis, the golden
opinions of all were showered upon him.
Far different was the opinion in which,
however uncharitable it might have been,
INDUCED. :.
/ had never liked him, notwithstanding
his extreme courtesy, and now my aver
sion to him was more than ever; for felt
assured that these very amiable feelings
we're feigned, and, in short, he was playing
the part of miserable hypocrite. Catch
him in his natural mood, and you would
see that the proud patrician lips curled
with an unbecoming hauteur, and that the
mien, though lofty, was insolent; the eyes,
those r-deceiving characteristics, were
dangerous ones. Those jetty orbs would
glisten with an unnatural brightness, and
roll with an almost fendish leer. Despite
his outward department., was convinced
that Syndey Lascelles was villain.
On wild and tempestuous night / was
aroused by one of the Averil servants, who
excitedly informed me that Lady Averil
required my immediate assistance, adding
that his Lordship was almost frantic, be-
lieving his wife to be dying.
Hastily attiring myself, muffling up in
warm garments in order to avoid, as much
as possible, the inclemency of the weather,
mounted my horse, which had been sad
died, and made at once for the castle, &C.
companied by the servant who had sum
moned me.
That night was indeed fearful one the
wind howled with sullen roar, and the
rain came. pouring down with terrific yio-
lence, whilst every now and then the light
ming darted in vivid flashes, and the thun-
der rolled, deadening with its awful noise
all other sounds.
"The brook is fearfully swollen, sir"
the man servant said; 81 had great diff
Guilty in getting across even yesterday,
owing to the previous heavy rains, it was
considerable size, but tonight the water
is past the Hollow Oak" abiding to .
well-known old tree on one side Of the
stream.
"Then," said, 81 fear it will be i'm
possible for us to cross it now"
81 am afraid so, sir" he replied.
On we galloped, fast as the quivering
steeds could 60, and still there were two
miles of billy road to be accomplished be-
fore we could reach the bank; on still we