The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1875-04-02


He W cote Adrian that he wished to visit
America, and remain year, perhaps two
years, OF permanently IL it suited him.
He came, and received a hearty welcome.
Adrian intro ,ucc1 him to his friends. To
Col Sumner, who had Travelled extensively,
he proved a very cong enial companion.
He was splendid chemist, and his rare
research, and scientific knowledge of this
magnificent branch alone, charmed and al
most facinated the stately old gentleman.
He became a constant visitor, and valued
friend.
He knew from the first of Adrian's be-
trothal to the beautiful Leila, but to all ap-
pearances he never thought of her, hardly
noticed her presence, only to observe the
usual forms of politcness.
Tut a close observer would have noticed
the dusky red light that cleaned from be-
meath his long black lash1s, when, believ-
ing himself unnoticed, he would sometimes
allow his eyes to rest for moment ON the
slender, graceful, well-developed form,
and bright piquant face Of the lovely girl.
AS for Leila, she once remarked to Adrian
that the sight of De Vaux made her feel
chilly, she declared she could think of moth
ing but a serpent, a hateful crawling reptile,
Whenever she saw him, at which Adrian
locked horrlfied, shook his head, and
assured her that she sldiy misjudged his
friend.
Col Sumner was old fashioned gen
tleman, and adh cred strictly to the rules Of
hospitality.
Thus ii that guests, whether their
visit was OF long, or short duration, never
left his house without receiving refresh
ments
Lcila's presence was usual, required,
and on these occasions, De Wax with true
French poIIteness. would always present
her a glass OF wine
For months together De Vaur, would
drive almost daily with ca Sumner, to
whom his society seemed al.4ost inI:spc;l-
sable so agreeable ana facinating could he
render himself when he chose to do so.
He seemed to M ,iat Tin his extreme re-
serve and retIcence only so far as concerned
his own individual Affairs.
a few months after De Vaux's arrival,
Adrian proposed to open an oifce together.
There was but one physician in the pllce,
an aged man, and IN old friend of the
family. He warmly seconded the wishes Of
the young man 5 family and friends, that
he should remain I'D his native town.
Adrian consented willingly, for several
reasons, the chief OF whi.,h was, Chat by so
doing he could be near the object OF his
affection.
De Vaux was valuIble partner, and in
a few months the two young prtctition-
ors were aUIe to control cousidcra bic pr,c-
tice
Months passed of nnalloyed happiness to
the young lovers
The time was set for the marriage, every
pre- aratIcn was being made for the we.
| ding, such as b.ittej TIE fair and beautiful
! bride.
| But as the days wore on, IT was noticed
! that Lcill grew p tic, nervous. and restless
! At first this excited 40 alarm, but she con-
! ,inued to grow worse she seemed to lose
| all her sprightlncss OF manner, to grow
thin and very pale Size complained OF
! great weakness and lasstude.
Col. Sumner at last concluded to seek ad-
vice. But the family physician shook his
head gravely. the attack seemed so sudden
and rapid, and as remedy after remedy
! failed utterly, he was almost in despair,
and acknowledged that he was completely
| puzzled. Adrian was greatly distressed,
as the symptoms continued to grow worse.
De Vaux prepared medicine to be taken
three times adly, and her father persuaded
her to take it, though she complained of
feeling weaker after each dose.
What would these kind friends have done
| could they have known that this very med
ic.ne which she had been taking for months
in different wavs, sometimes IN wine, and
ia other ways, that this deadly poison was
! the whole cause OF her Illness
At last Leila was confined to her ON,
a1d mos. of the time to her bed. No one
WAS allowed to see her but her father,
Adrian, and the two Ihysicians.
The family physician, DR.. Adams, contin-
uei TO visit her though lie felt that the ease
was hopeless one.
In agony of mind, almost equal to death,
Adrian watched tie progress of the strange,
/ unknown disease.
1t batile1 all their skill, and she became
so changed that her intimate friends would
scarcely have recognized the once fresh,
rosy, beautiful girl.
1t was plain to the distr csse1 lover that
he must give her up; the dark angel Death
had singled her out, and she could never
wear bridal crown ON earth.
She was utterly unable to sleep without
the aid of powerful opiate.
This Dr. De VA prepared and admins
tered. Under its .--iuence she would sleep
soundly all night, to w.ske unretreshed in
the morning, more wearied and weaker than
before.
One night her father. who had never LETT
hex bedside all day, prepared to administer