South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1871-04-28

before. Cunning fellows, these brother
physicians of mine. 1t was exactly City
years.
But nobody could recognize the bones,
of course
breathed more freely.
There was one remarkable thing, how
ever about this singular exhumation. Up
on the fourth bony finger of the left hand
brilliant diamond ring was discovered,
which sparkled and scintillated as clearly
as though it had not been for halfa century
covered by the mold
The speaker did not notice at that point
how nervously l closed my left hand.
did not desire to have him see the counter
part of the ornament he described at that
moment.
Somewhat more than fifty years ago, and
in this very room where | write, [ conclu-
ded the long weary probation of my student
life, and entered siugly upon the practice
of my profession. My success was imme-
date and gratifying. Those who had been
long and firmly established in the city were
astonished to find themselves supplanted
in day, as it were, by one whom they had
hitherto affected to despise. To be brief,
was successful almost beyond precedent !;
business and money came at my command,
and the city resounded with praises of my
skill, and the wonderful cures which | had
/ performed.
I | was called from my bed at midnight
on one occasion, and directed in the most
urgent manner to repair to the house OF
Judge C. The house indicated was
the house of one of the wealthiest and
proudest families of B, and l obeyed
the summons as soon as possible. 1t was
with difficulty that l ascertained amid the
sobs and tears which greeted my arrival
that Helena c., the only and idolzed
daughter Of the family, and the acknowl
edged belle and beauty of the city, had
been suddenly attacked with violent NAL.
/ ady.
1t needed but one glance at the sufferer
to assure me of this. Although perfectly
I we'll an hour before, she was now far near
er death than life. The disease which had
seized her vas one of the most malignant
and quickly fatal with which my experience
had yet made me conversant She lay per-
tectIy motoniess, her lips as rigid as those
| Of death, and the closest scrutiny could
detect no respiration while upon each
check burned a single fiery spot, the sure
mark of the destroyer.
Can You save her? p was the fathers
/ agonized question.
'Ihc chances are ninety-nine in humid
red against her living an hour was the re-
/ ply.
Nevertheless, will leave nothing IN
done
My end was accomplished. For thirty.
SIX consecutive hours sat by her bedside,
YEARLY combating The fatal disease which
had assailed her; and when l at last pro-
nounced her out of danger, | felt that |
had almost wrought a miracle. This was
another triumph added to my list, aud the
report Of my fame was in every mouth.
But this was not the only consequence Of
the occurrence. The discovery that my
with a warmth OF emotion and gratitude
which only her own warm heart could con-
coivo, filed me with feelings Of the livliest
/ pleasure. She regarded me as her bene-
factor, her savior--in short, she loved me
most fervenuy. / knew it long before her
recovery in a hundred different ways she
betrayed it-aDd the consciousness Of the
fact gave me on exultation which carried
me with buoyant steps through the labors Of
The day. To be loved by one so pure, so
fair and 20 good, was well worthy to be
made the great ambition Of an ordinary
lifetime.
For several weeks after Helena's per.
feet restoration to health, / was frequent
and welcome visitor to the house. Neither
OF US had ever spoken Of love, and yet I
knew that she, equally with myself, was
secretly hoping for a future Of welded hap
piness-at least this hope was tbe,cherish-
ed dream Of my life, and alas like every
other dream, it bad its end Buoyant and
elated with my false hopes, veDtured one
day to ask Helena's father 10 sanction our
love. The revelation was new one 20 BIN ;
and with frown, the naughty, purse proud
aristocrat babe me leave his house and
never approach it again.
! demonstrated, but to no purpose even