The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-03-23
DEATH AND LIFE.

is | almost Zoo g0od, 100 mucn 10 De-
lieve."
Thus mused Adrian Vaille, as he
strolled through the quiet streets OF his
native village, the morning alter his re-
turn IRON a four years. wandering in
Europe.
Adrian was young physician, and he
came home, the proud bearer Of certain
certificates Of distinction, from one ol
the most celebrated medical colleges in
Paris.
He was an only son, the pride of an
aged father and d0tIng mother. And
| well he deserved this affection, both ior
| his talents, of which he was justly
proud; OF his handsome face and fine,
! manly form, Of his industry, without
which the most gifted must languish In
| 0bscurity, but most OF. all for his KIND,
| loving disposition and tender heart.
| As he walked along the familiar street
| the five years seemed but day. The
long rows of houses, embowered in their
lovely groves of green shrubery; every
tree, even the dewy grass beneath his
| feet, seemed the same he had trod five
years before.
And were the inmates of these homes
changed2
Adrian hardly dared ask himself the
question.
There was one home, and one inmate
of that home, whose image filled all his
| thoughts, of whom he had dreamed day
and night, and towards whose dwelling
he was slowly directing his steps, with
mingled feelings Of fear, anxiety, and
hope.
Leila Sumner had been the idol of his
youth.
"A hin, bar gnnrpI prpmiGp that no O1hpi
man could ever call her wife.
| The next instant he stood within the
doorway, and little brown silken head
| Law on his shoulder, blushing girlish
| face was lifted shyly to his.
The lovers met, after years of separa-
ton; and each lelt that the others heart
| was the SAME; time or absence had no
power to change.
About six months after Adrian's re-
turn he received a letter from one of his
classmates, q young man who for brief
time had attended the same course of
lectures with himself, and was a gradu-
ate of the same college in France,
His name was De Vaux, and though
Adrain had only known him about a
wear, he greatly admired his talent.
Socially there was about him a sort OF
mystery, a reticent, reserved manner,
though well acquainted, caused feeling
of distrust or suspicion, a something that
| seemed 10 say, 81 am acquainted with
this man, and yet l know nothing OF
him."
He wrote Adrian that he wished to Wis.,
it America, and remain year, perhaps
two years, or permanently if it suited
him.
He came, and received a hearty vel.
come, Adrian introduced him to his
friends. To Col. Sumner, who had tray
eled extensively, he proved very con.
genial companion.
He was n splendid chemist, and his
rare research and scientific knowledge
of this magnificent branch alone charm
cd and almost fascinated the stately OLD
} gentleman. He became constant visit
or and a valued friend.
| He knew from the tirst Of Adrian's be-
trothal to the beautiful Leila, but to all
appearances he never thought of her
hardly noticed her presence, only to OBJ
serve the usual forms OF politeness.
1 But q close observer would have no
ticed the dusky red light that cieamed
from beneath his long black lashes, when
believing himself unnoticed, he woulC
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 t
Adrian that the sight Of De YauX made
her feel chilly; she declared she coulC
think of nothing but serpent, hatefu
: crawling reptile, whenever she saw him
at when Adrian looked Mortified, sho0l
his head, and assured her that she sadly
misjudged his friend.
. A few months after De VauX's arrival
Adrian proposed to open an office to
, gether.
There was but one physician In th,
place, un aged man, and an old friend 0
the family. He warmly seconded tht
! wishes OF the young mans family ant
friends, that he should remain in his ma
tive town.
Adrian consented willingly for seyera
reasons, the chief of which was, that b!
SO doing he could be near the object o
!, his affection.
De VauX was q valuable partner, an(
In few months the two young practi
TONERS were able to control considera
bic practice.
The time was set for the marriage
every preparation was being made TO
the wedding, such as behtted the fai
and beautiful bride.
J But as the days wore on, 1t was noticet
, that Leila grew pale, nervous and rest
. less; At first this excited no alarm, bu
she continued to grow worse; she SCENE,
to lose all her sprightliness Of manner
to grow thin and very pale. She CON
, planned Of great weakness and lassitude
!, Coz. sumner at last concluded to seel
!, advice. But the family physician shool
his head grayely, the attack seemed to
sudden and rapid; ana as remedy iaile'
utterly, he WAS almost in despail, an,
acknowledged that he was completed,
puzzled.
i She was utterly unable to eleep with
/ out the aid of a powerful opinte.
: This DR.. De YauX prepared and ad
4 ministered. Under its iniluence sh
would sleep sounuly all night, to wax
unrefreshed iu the morning, more veal
? ? led and weaker than before.
One night her fathef, who had neve
left her bedside all day, prepared to ad
minister the usual modlcine before lea,
ing her tor the night.
+ He did not see De Vaux, when, O
e making his usual daily visits a few hour
5 before, adroitly manage to eXchan2
:. the little white paper containing Tn
lopiate powder and leave another IN II