The native Virginian. [volume] (Orange Court House, Va.) 1867-187?, 1868-10-30
SeletfeS DaIs
A THRILLING ADVENTURE.

| L was medical student at Fafls
the time the strange and startling adj
venture happened which | am about to
record. Fired with long lectures and
| hard study, was ouG one evening for u
| walk in the fresh air. 1t WAS IL pleas
ant day III winter, and the cold
bracing air, as it touched my feverish
brow. caused a grateful selisaeion.
Passing through d rather lonely street
near the river. 4 was surprised at meet
ing young and pretty girl lat least so
she appeared in the dim light of "A rath-
er distant street lamp.) who carried in
her hands some three or four bouquets,
which she offered for sale.
"Will Nonsi IN have a boquet?" she
asked in sweet, musical tone, holding
out to me well-arranged collection OF
flowers.
"They are very pretty" said I, taking
them in my hand; ard then, somehow,
could NOT help adding, as | fixed my
eyes upon hers. land so, think is their
fail OWNER
"Monsieur will. 51y and assist me ~
she said Htllffn fa .ot
"Do You really need assistance?' p
why else should be here this hour
of the night. Monsieur
s.And Why here al ALP" quickly. re-
turned /. .',This street is very little
frequented. and It is about the last place
in the world | should have selected for
diSpesiug OF IL luxury most suited TO
wealth and fashion"
She sighed and reached out her hand
Tor the bouquet which still retained.
"What Is your price!"
Five francs. sH
"a large sum-" %
"Monsieur will probably remember
that il is winter, aud flowers are hot
plenty 1at asIa
: "ro aid you | will purchase" return
ed L, handnng her the requisite silver
coin; '.for though love. flowers would
hardly indulge in the luxury tonight
at such an expense.
She thanked me and seemed abol to
pass on, but hcsrated, looked up to me,
and said: .'if 8iAs ioH
"Coilld Monsieur direct me to the
house Of a good physician wnowill turn
out Tonight to see u patient at small
recompelise' - 'fl - =
Z & Any friend of yours i'll" @
My mother," with deep sigh and
downcast look. ~ II 2
Where does she reside?o tli
"Only short distance from here ?"
w usts 10 bilC iildbbCl- WIN iltI
s.SIe has Il high lever for one thing"
q When was She taken? ~
"She came down last night, and has
not left her bed since. " 4
why did you not send for doctor
ut once Z" ,irti- ii.tf
I'VE hoped she would get better soon.
and it is so expensive for poor people TO
employ physician .Ns91
- / am myseIfa medical student " it'll
considerable experience among the sick
of the hospita ais, and ifyou are disposed
20 trust the case to me, am at your
service without charge rcjomed, al
ready feeling deeply Interested in the
fair girl.
's0h how shall l thank you Mon
'sieilr?s she exclaimed with clasped
hands and an upward, grateful look.
- Pray follow me, Monseur le Docteur.',
J She turned and led offiat rapid pace
down the street, towards the river Seine
in the direction was walking when we
met.
La less than five minutes we had en-
tered a wretcled quarter, anong mar
row streets, old, lettering buildings.
and squald- looking Inhabitants, some
of whom seemed to glare at Us as we
passed along. trt5f 4.tg
/ Ills it much further ~ inquired be-
ginning TO feel uneasy.
"only step, Monsieur; 1t is just
here.n
Almost immediately she turned into
covered passage which led back among
inhabitants that should never have
voluntl rily visited in the broad light of
day. A distant lamp served to make |
the ground visible, till she stopped and |
opened IL door in total darkness.
"Your hand. Monsieur lie Docteur,'
she said. at the same time taking it and |
leadlng me forward.
Twas tempted to draw back and re-
fuse to &c any further, though | me-
clanically followed her.
We now wen! through u long passage |
in total darkness, ,and after tw9 or three
short turns began TO ascend a Mig II of |
creakiug, rotten stairs.
"Is it D ssi5le that you can live in a
place like thisY" said |, secretly wish
ing myself out OF It.
''In Paris beggars cannot be choos-
ers;" replied the girl.
But even in Paris it is not necessa-
ry for the living to take up their abode
in sepulchres!" | rejoined with some
asperity. being vexed ut myself for SUI
fefing my good nature to lead me into
a der from which | might never come
ont alive.
10 this my fair guide deigned no re-
ply. On reaching the foot OF the stairs
She pushed open Il door into a SIN I'll
room. and followed her
into 1t with some secret misgivings.
4 I'ltprt4 v+aSu Ia1 In ntla rnrupr aIll Ou /