Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-05-05
CHAPTER II.

For weeks Eleanor lowered between
life and death. But these weary weeks
of burning fever and raging delirium
were at last succeeded by others of
strengthening convalescence as she slow
ly came back to health and strength
again.
Conyers had attended her during her
illness, and his ability and fidelity won
the admiration Of both Captain Lyndon
and his father, and when his patient
WAS entirely recovered he still continued
his visits at their earnest request. One
day, in conversing with Mr.. Lyndon,
Conyers was surprised TO find that mis-
father, Felix Conyers, of Virginia. had
been one Of the formers warmest friends
in bygone days. But in business trans
action Mr.. Lyndon charged his friend
with having acted dishonorablY, and the
friendship OF the two was broken, never
to be renewed. Mr.. Lyndon afterward
discovered that he bad misjudged his
friend and acknowledged his error by
letter, but he never received a reply, and
he thought he had never been forgiven.
Dr. Conyers afterwards informed him
that his father was dead at the time at
which the letter was written. BY
misplaced confidence he lost all of his
large fortune and died from the eff
fects Of his misfortunes, leaving Robert
at the age Of sixteen penniless and alone
in the world, his mother having died
several years previously, and he being
an only child.
Although so young, his education was
almost completed at his fathers death,
he having always pursued his studies
under the most advantageous circum-
stances besides possessing natural turn
for books. With the very small amount
which he received from his fathers es-
tate, and his earnings in a mercantile
house in Richmond, he managed to at
tend the medical lectures in Philadel-
phia, and had received his diploma only
few months previous to the opening Of
our story.
From the fact that Mr.. Lyndon had
known his father 50 well, he treated Con-
yers with the greatest kindness and con-
sideration. Captain Lyndon also form
ed great liking for him. There was
something in the grave, earnest demean-
or of Conyers that greatly fascinated the
gay young soldier and made HIM to
greatly love his society. He used often
to accompany him on his daily rounds,
waiting at the door while he attended to
his patients, and beguiling the time by
| teasing the dogs or tOrmentiDS the little
negroes who were generally banging on
the fence or rolling on the grass in the
yard or in the dust in the road. These
days were usually ended by tea at Rose
| lands.
1t was while thus spending the day
that Captain Lyndon informed Conyers
of his intention of returning to his regi-
ment in a short while, as he had fully
recovered from his wound. His friend
expressed his regrets and Lyndon said
Before leaving home have a favor to
ask of you-a request to make, but | am
afraid you cannot grant it. "
IF reasonably can L will do so,
said his companion
Then" said the other, cas- a physi
clan, you must know that my father il
suffering from heart-disease, which may
terminate fatally at any time"
Conyers nodded.
"You will thus see how importan. i
is that should remain at home. Las
night, in family council, l offered K
resign nay commission and stay at home
but father objected 50 strongly to M
doing this that had to give that up ant
cast about for something else. That some
thing else was that we persuade you t,
come to Roselands, ard make that you
home In the future, to fill my place q
nearly as possible-as you only can
Already father loves you as son, an,
when YOU know him better you will low
him as father. know this is askin,
great deal Of you-too much.
would crafty me greatly if you coul
comply with my request, but DO not fea
/, offending me by refusing, for will nc
blame you"
For moment Conyers thought owe
what his companion had just said an
then said
81 will not refuse if you really wis
me to come"
Thank YOU my friend thank you,
: said Lyndon. They then fell TO a
y ranging all the details which would nc
interest the reader.
:, 1t was not long until Captain Lyndo
y left for the army, but ere ne did so h
saw Dr. CoDyers duly installed in b
= new home.