Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-06-01


LAYING A GHOST.
THE STORY OF YOUNG PHYSICIAN.
Juan 1 sGs Gsse He
It was about two years after had received
my diploma, when was just getting into prac'
tice, that the remarkable incident l shall
herein narrate, took place.
had been out all day, and had returned
to my ofice-which was the front apartment
of the suite of rooms I occupied for resi-.
dence-with a feeling of more than ordinary
weariness: superinduced by the unusual labor
of filling the appointments of medical friend,
suddenly summoned out of town, and had
\just finished bowl of chocolate, sitting in my
easy chair, with my slippered feet on the fen
der, consciously thankful at the prospect Of a
night of rest and absolute quite-for my own
practice had thus far proved most exaspera-
tingly inactive-when there came sudden
peal at the bell.
"Scipio Africanus," I commanded, to the
sable and un-Roman youth, whose business it
was to officiate as door-tender and errand-boy
in the purveyor's department, "Scip, if it's a
messenger from any of DR.. Jones' patients, 1
mhere; but if it is from any Of mine-ha! =
we'll, am here also," l added, hesitatingly,
fortified by the chocolate against previous
weakness, and feeling, on reflection, secure in
the latter promise.
Closing the door I had opened, whilespeak-
ing, re.seated myself in listening attitude.
An excited messenger, and a breathless one,
was my sI1sPoKen comment, aftsr q Few hur'
ried words had passed, and my heart beat a
trihe quicker at the prospect of employment,
notwithstanding my weariness; for 1 was
young and jealous in the profession loved.
The messenger proved to be woman-a
small, diminutive one, but woman neverthe.
less-as the brilliant eyes, large and dark,
looking at me from overshadowing brows, and
the wavy hair, sufficiently attested.
She was yelled and hooded with various
wraps-for the evening had set in dark and
stormy-to the extent of concealing most of
her form and features, and did not seem anx-
ious, even after she had stood under the gas
light, to reveal her identity.
thought nothing Of this at the moment,
however, for seeing at once that she was un-
known to me, I waited with an assumption of
professional indifference, which eAectually
concealed the eagerness I felt for her to make
known to me her errand.
She did 80 with brevity and conciseness
quite marvellous in my experience then or
now. She evidently respected me, for she re-
spected my time.
/ was sent for professionally to attend Miss
Girard, of Walnut street; young lady OF
whom had often heard in connection with
charitable institutions, and societies for ameli-
Grating the condition Of the poor; a young Ia
dy wealthy, liberal and accomplished, and
famed equally for good looks and good sense.
Her father remembered quite we'll, as man
eminent in his profession, that of a lawyer,
and had met him, during his life time, once
or thrice.
He had been dead, perhaps, year and a.
half.
lam not man of many words, when action
is requisite, and I hastily donued my cloak
and walking-shoes-gums, as the Philadelphi-
ans term them-and placing miniature sur
gical and medicine case in my pocket, on the
chance of its being required-for inquiry fail
ed to elicit from the messenger the character
or scope of Miss Girard's ailment-I announc.
ed myself in readiness, and we started.
knew the house very well-a large brown
stone mansion, between Eighteenth and Nine
teenth streets, with side yard and a high wall
cornering on broad alley-and leading the
way thither by the most direct route, we we're
not long in reaching it.
A street lamp stood directly in front Of the
mansion, and another further along on the
corner. But for these, the house would have
been shrouded in darkness.
There was no light visible within.
Thus far I had preceded the messenger
the only words passing between US having
reference to the condition of the streets, the
storm and the night, and confined to mono
sylables.
She now darted ahead of me, ran lightly
up the steps, and turning key which she pro
duced from her pocket, gave US both admit
tance.
Cautioning me to remain motionless mo-
ment, until she could produce light, the
messenger ignited the gas in the hall with
celebrity and quietude that pleased me al
much as her conciseness and brevity hac
done. A model maid, surely.
The heavy, carved walnut door stood oper
on its silver hinges, and the light from th'
hall.chandelier fell softly and invitingly upol
the many.colored carpet, luxurious furnishing
and tasteful adornments Of the spacious par
lors, otherwise unlighted, and at gesture
from the messenger, I entered.
As did 30, there was a rustic Of silk, a
of some one moving away from the window
and, moment more, lady came forward
and took my hand with cheerful greeting.
It was Miss Girard, as instantly became
ouI Sc,r xuoro IN