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recollect what a loved one says. She viii leave here in about a month, and ere that 1 shall resolve my hopes into sober certainty, and shall then call on vou, as agreed between us. Yours, G. LESTER. CHAPTER 111. ** And so, this is your last evening with us, Miss Carry ? ” questioned Dr. Lester, who stood by the side of Caroline, in the drawing room of her uncle. They were apart from the other guests then as sembled at one of the windows. r lhe rich col oring of the curtain threw a rosy glow over Car ry's face, which was more pensive than usual. “ Yes,” and a slight sigh followed her answer —“ I have enjoyed myself very much during my visit, and will regret some of the kind friends 1 leave.” “Regret! that is but a cold word for those whom you do leave”—and his voice became lower, mure impassioned —“ for myself, did I not determine i would not he left behind, l could find no words to tell the agony I know that this hour, this place, are not as I would have them, to speak of rny feelings to you, hut they must now have ut terance. I love you , Caroline; a}’e, even that word is too cold, too passionless, to express the feelings with which you have inspired me. Speak dearest, and tell me 7/owhave long known this, and that you do not forbid it.” Carry’s beautiful head bent still lower, while her sunny ringlets fell around, veiling her face ; and George, whose eyes, were bent eagerly upon her, thought he saw a pleased smile, dancing like a sunbeam over it. “ Speak Caroline, dear one,” he whispered, “ tell me my hopes do not deceive me,” and he endeavored to take the little hand, resting on the window seat. The hand was however quickly withdrawn, and Caroline looked jestingly up in his face as she said —“Hush! do pray,’tis indeed neither time nor place for such talk, look at those half-a-hun dredeyes bent so inquiringly on us two poor ac tors iii this farce ! ” “ But one word Caroline, I beg. Tell me, may 1 follow you and ask the consent of your protec tors ? ” “Not even one word to night,” and she moved towards the group at the center table, though George endeavored to prevent her. Then I shall follow to your dear home, and woo at more fitting time and place. Will }*ou let me come *? ” and his face wore all the happy look of an accepted lover. “ I will; if you promise* to wait until I sum mon you. I must have at least one month to get into the quiet and rusticity of that dear home in deed, ere 1 can give one serious thought to any thing. Will you promise ? ” and she looked so charmingly, yet soentrealingly into his face. “Everything, anything, dearest! yet this is in deed difficult to obey.” The remainder of the evening Carry’s atten tion was claimed by other guests ; and though George remained her attendant-beau, yet not another word could he say. The “good night ” was indeed, more tender than usual, on his part; and the whispered words “ I will be here ere you start,” and they parted. The carriage was ordered by*Caroline to be at the door by eight o’clock, in order that her aunt and self might arrive at the cottage ere night set in. Her last words to her uncle as he kissed her were, “ Let no one know,either by word or hint, my’ secret dear uncle, and there is no telling the number of nice woolen socks, and silk purses your Carr} r will knit for you.” CHAPTER IV. “ Her letter, too, was so like herself, dear Carry; so coy, so mischievous ; nothing that could be construed into love, but the earnest and reiterated request, “Do come, I shall most anx iously expect you on the 18th—and to clay is that blessed ultimo.” Such was the gratifying soliloquy of George Lester, as he drove towards the village, on the suburbs of which stood Ver non cottage. Twilight was fast deepening into night, as the stylish equipage of Dr. Lester drove through the village street to the Hotel; where, afier be speaking a room, and seeing his horses cared for, he inquired of the landlotd the way to Col. Ver non's. “ Aye, that will be found easy enough to night, if you will just follow the folks you see go ing along up the street, now Lt. Harry is a brave fellow anil I’ve no doubt we’ll have a brave wed ding. But I must’nt keep you sir, as I spose you’re one of his friends come to see him married.” Commend me to the of a vain man I Though George was unacquainted with Harry Vernon, lie followed the group pointed out, feel ing sure that to one at least, he would not be con sidered an intruder on this festal occasion, and willing to brave cold looks from the whole world, supported by that sweet consciousness. The cottage looked lovelier even than when we saw it last, though now winter, and having no bright flowers wherewith to adorn it. But the whole front and indeed the whole building, was one blaze of light, caught and if a myriad of tiny diamonds had been sprinkled over the snow covered ground, looking as if it too had put on bridal white, to do honor to Harr}t Ver non s wedding festivities. The bare trees had also their pendant diamonds, and some tasteful hand had hung from the houghs of those forming the approach to the house, numerous colored lan terns ,and thus over the white snow, fell stiearns of golden crimson, and pale violet hue, gi' in £j beauty and variety to the scene. Above twinkled the stars, with which heaven’s canopy was thick ly studded, sending out through the cold, frost} air, their spiritual beams. Gay forms in white were seeu flitting about past windows and doors, as George approached the entrance. An elderly gentleman in military undress stood near receiv ing the c oming guests. George introduced him self as 4 Dr. Lester, from P ,an old friend of Miss Lascelles,” and was warmly welcomed by Col. Vernon, who added courteously, “he was glad to see all her friends and his own also, on this night; to witness the accomplishment of his fondest wishes ior his son’s happiness.” An introduction was given to Mrs. Vernon, a digni fied, yet smiling matron; and he stood talking with her and Mrs. Mason, whilst, like the rest of the assembled company, awaiting the descent from above of the bridal train, George impatient ly looked forward to its arrival, as he thought, of course, Caroline must be one of the attendants on her cousin and his bride, on whom, by the by, and indeed on no one, did he give a passing thought except her fair self. A gentleman now’ advanced, and spoke in an under tone to the minister, who arose, and imme diately afterwards the bridal party entered the room. Why does our hero start and turn so pale and almost dart forward, to separate Caroline — whom his quick, expectant eyes distinguished un der the rich, flowing veil from the distinguished looking young officer, on whose arm she leaned. The solemn ceremony proceeded—was finished —congratulations offered—and yet George Les ter stood pale, transfixed, as if changed into mar ble from the petrifying nature of the surprise. Col. Vernor approaching, led him to the fair bride, who yet leaned on her fusband’s arm, and in troduced, “ an old friend of yours, my daughter, Dr. Lester.” A rosv blush and a mischevious smile broke o’er her face, as she demurely held forth her gloved hand in token of welcome.— The words of congratulation died on our hero’s lips ; he could but summon presence of mine] enough to allow him to take the proffered hand, and bow to the introduction given by Col. Ver non to his son, and the husband of his lady love, Caroline Lascelles. He caught also a pitying look from the placid face of Leonore Vernon, as he turned from the group ; and with that glance, rushed o’er his mind, the memory of bygone times. He then felt, by experience how hard to bear was such a pang as the one of slighted love, and with that thought too, also came an explanation of Caroline’s conduct to himself; her revenging her gentle cousin’s wrong on him, the faithless, dis honored one, who had wantonly won, and still more wantonly thrown away the rich wealth of that gentle being's best affections, and who, in her generous indignation of his cruelty had made “ the end justify the means.” George Lester took “French leave” lons be fore supper was announced, and his hurry to leave the scene of his disappointment may be de scribed in the words of the servant, whom he aroused to get ready his equipage: “The gent was in* a mighty hurry, surely to come at dark, and to quit between two days.” After this time, Dr. Lester was occasionally heard of, as flutter ing around some rich heiress or widow at places of summer resort, but he never appeared happy, always presenting the aspect of one dissatisfied with himself and the world. Caroline Vernon, some time after, had the pleasure of teasing her cousin about never loving again, and trusting in man’s vows on the engage ment, and subsequent marriage of Leonore with Herbert Milton, the young clergyman of their village. As to Carry, herself, she continues that same wild, girlish being we have endeavored to show in “our word painting;” affording, by her gayety and frolicksomness, the golden ray of sun-shine that dances through the beautiful, though old fashioned mansion of Col. Vernon. Revolutionary Relic. —Rhode Island boasts of a musket and a sword, that are among the most in teresting of our revolutionary relics. “The first blood drawn from the veins of a British officer in that great quarrel,” said Mr. Tillinghast, of Prov idence, in an eloquent address before a band of our surviving veterans of ’7G, “was drawn by a shot from a Rhode Island musket—upon our own waves, within sight from the tower of that tem ple where we have, this morning, heard the scenes and principles of the revolution so eloquently re viewed by the orator of the/Jav. The owner of that musket lives in honor among us, still charac terized by that native resolution, which the lapse of sixty-seven years from that time has not been able to extinguish or abate. The first sword that waved in triumph upon the surmounted rampart of Yorktown, was a Rhode Island sword. The owner of that sword, as he clambered up the work, received upon his hands and arms the stabs of the bayonets that were aimed at his life ; and having gained the summit and planted himself firmly there, he lifted his sword aloft in his bleed ing hand, and called aloud to friend and foes, “ Captain Stephen Onley’s company meet here !” REPORT OFTHE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH CAROLINA ON CHOLERA. The Medical Society of South Carolina, influenced by n pro found sense of the duty it owes to the community, and by an earnest solicitude to allay the fears and quiet the apprehensions likely to be awakened in the public mind, by anticipated visita tion of Cholera, os well ns with the view of offering some sal utary suggestions, calculated to prove useful, both as a means of prevention and relief in the event of such an invasion ta king place, some time since appointed a committee with in structions to draw up a report, suitable to the emergency of the occasion. In accordance with these instructions, and in fulfilment of the views entertained, the following recommen dations are respectfully offered to the consideration of the public. In adopting this course, the Medical Society has no wish to interfere in any respect with the general salutary regula tions which have been recommended; and they no doubt, will faithfully carried out by the Board of Health, under the autho ity and supervision of the City Council. The chief aim of the Society is to co-operate with the public authorities —to add the weight of its influence and suggestions to theirs; but more especially to point out a few plain and simple directions, by which the propagation of the epidemic, should one occur, may be, to a certain extent, prevented ; and individuals suddenly attacked may be enabled to check or control the course ot the disease, uutil such time as medical aid can be obtained. In pursuance of these objects, it is proposed to arrange the con templated suggestions as succintly as possible, under a few leading heads. The Origin of Cholera.—ln the present connection, this is question of but little moment—suffice it to say, the first ac count of the disease we possess, scarcely dates back three quarters of a century. It was entirely unknown until after the middle of the eighteenth century, and from that period up to 1829, its ravages were confined exclusively to Asia, where it first originated, and whence it has subsequently spread with slow and stealthy mnrqh, over almost every known portion of the habitable globle. In 1830, ’3l and 35, the dis ease, for the first time invaded Europe, entering by way of Russia, whence its ravages were extended successively, but irregularly, over the whole Continent and the British Isles.— From the old it passed over to the new world, and first made its appearance at Quebec, about the Bth of June, 1836, it pre vailed successively in nearly every part of the United States, and in the principal West India Islands—appearing in some of the chief cities twice. This was the casein New York, Phil adelphia, and Baltimore, in 1832 and 1834. The epidemic did not however reach Charleston until 1836, subsequent to which period it disappeared from our country, and although its appalling ravages could not be easily forgotten, our people soon ceased to think of it with apprehension and dread, as it was no longer heard of, except a at distance amidst the plains and jungles of India, where it first originated. This happy exemption, however, has proved to boos only temporary du ration, During the last two years, influenced by circumstan staces favorable to its propagation, it has been again pursuing its deadly march towards our shores; and after invading and traversing the North of Europe, as on the occasion of its pre vious visitation, it finally, in the course of the last Autumn, burst upon New Orleans with relentless fury, and while it still lingers there and npon the western waters, there seems to be a prospect of its gradually spreading its destructive influ ence over the fairest portions of our happy country. Already has the report reached us of its appearance in New York, and some of the northern cities of the Union ; and although our own city has thus far remained exempt, and in the full enjoy ment of that henlthfulness for which she is so distinguished, we cannnt, expect to escape the calamities that so sorely afflict our neighbors. Should they come upon us, it will bo our duty to bow in humble submission to the chastening decrees of an all-wise Providence ; to meet the danger that may threaten, with calmness and confidence, and, in anticipation of such an afflictive event, to use all poss'ble means to avert or mitigate the ills it may bring forth; and to rely for protection against the ravages of the Pestilence, upon him who in his in finite wisdom directs and regulates every thing for our com mon good. 2. The Propagation and Extension of Cholera, are subject to the common laws which regulate the spread of most other epidemic diseases. Like them it is only capable ol being ex tended under the influence of a concurrence of circumstances, many of which are inscrutible under our present means of investigation ; but nil, doubtless, contributing through some mysterious agency, to impress certain modifications upon the atmosphere, which either generate in its elements a deadly poisou, or at any rate, create an aptitude to disseminate the seeds of pestilence, with frightful certainty, over the vast ex tents of seas and continents, without its being in the power of man to stay their progress, however much he may do to abate the amount of their influence. But while we -are profoundly ignorant of the origin, and essential qualities of the cholera poison—whether it begasious, animalculnr, cryptoganeous, as some suppose, or consists of some unknown imponderable agent—all experience proves, that its efficiency is much in creased by circumstances very much under our control, and that a scrupulous attention to the removal or correction of these aggravating influences, is calculated to contribute greatly to the common safety. Assuming, as may be safely done, that the atmosphere is the medium through which the poison is transmitted, if it be not generated by some inscrutable change taking place in some of its elements, it necessarily follows that whatever deteriorates the properties of the air we breathe, so ns to render it un friendly to health cannot fail to contribute largely to the spread of epidemic diseases. The extension of Cholera is very much influenced by such accidental circumstances. It seizes, with a peculiar predilection.upona crowded population.'and especial ly upon those individuals who inhabit situations illy ventillated, and teaming with filth. But besides the accidental contamina tions of the atmosphere generated under such conditions, the spread of such an epidemic as Cholera is greatly promoted bv all those habits and modes of life, which tend to derange the actions of the frame, and thus increase its susceptibility to dis ease—by improprieties in food or drink, the passions and emo tionsof the mind, and by exposure, excesses, and irregularities of every kind. How far the transmission of the disease is due to a specific, inherent principle of contagion, is a question in regard to which the sentiments of the profession arc divided, although one of paramount importance, the discussion of it here would be useless, as truth certainly could not be elicited. It will be sufficient to remark, that while the writer of this Re port, influenced by a tolerably wide range of experience and the weight of much respectable authority, does not believe the disease to be contagious, some of his colleagues entertain an opposite opinion. Be this as it may, what is more certainly known of the propagation of Cholera is, that it seldom seizes upon a sparce ond isolated population ; that in its transmission from place to place, its course, though often tortuous, and gen erally slow, is always regulated by the great streams of popu lation as they flow on in different directions, obedient to the laws ol human intercourse, whether in pursuit of either busi ness or pleasure; and that although sometimes intercepted by high mountain ranges, it seems to follow, by preference, the principal water courses and high-ways, and is capable of being wafted beyond seas, but never, it has been affirmed, “at a rate exceeding that of ships,” or on land, the speed of travel observed by man. But it should be remarked, that instances have been known of ships leaving perfectly healthy ports, being seized with the disease on the wide ocean. 3. Means of Preventing or Mitigating the Epidemic All suggestions relating to this head, must be deduced from a consideration of the causes of the disease. Os the nature of these causes, it has been affirmed that we know nothing. But there are numerous collatreral influences which exercise a powerful agency iu giving efficacy to them and which being known and many of them within our reach demands of us a careful consideration. They all pertain to the heads of public or private Hygiene, or general and special health may be conveniently considered under the following and, v C ’*f 1. Accidental vitiations of the Atmosphere. 2. Drinks. 3. Clothing. 4, Exercise and bodily oca/M ! and pursuits. 5. The Intellectual operations and the oj the mind. 6. Residence. a. The sources of Atmospheric vitiation are so ntn> and at the same time so obvious, that they claim a j )ro share of our attention. The streets, lanes and alleys ‘ city, the docks and Wharves, the market, stores und business, the drains and common sewers, uninhabited „ ‘fl lots, sinks, and pools of stagnant water, private res c M B kitchens, the apartments of servants, stables, yards, pump drains, &c. present so many points for the* flccuni i■ of filth, and the consequent* generation, under n np ( ,j cleanliness, of deleterious Atmospheric vitiations, should claim the serious attention of both the health’ and of every private individual No means of pur f b disinfection, nnd general melioration should be ihv . b and in this important work designed to secure the o safety, all should co-operate with zeal and assiduity o? I efforts of the public authorities must, from the uatu I the circumstances, be confined chiefly to the outside arrT* I ments; and however important they may be, they \ Vl ] I little unless seconded by a concurrent, attention on the n | the citizens generally 4o the state of their premises. f The streets, market-places, drains and places of bu.V].’ where filth is liable to accumulate should be kept thorctJ I clean; low lots and other places, should be filled up; water should be drained oif; nnd no putric! vegetable or ni * matter, decayed fruit, or filth of any kind, should he nil,’** to accumulate in the streets or elsewhere. Disinfectant quick lime, chloride of lime, chloride of soda, Ac., should ’ liberally applied in the drains, and all oilier situations their employment can prove serviceable , and while ill S points arc duly attended to out of doors, a rigid and them! I process of purification nnd disinfection slum Id bo carried a I on our premises. Dwellings kitchens, servants’ out-buildings generally, cellars, fences, Ac., should claim a cial attention, such ns scouring, white-washing, nnd thur ventilation. Proprietors and heads of families cannot ben scrupulous in giving their personal attention to these p nit especially as far as servants’ apart ments are concerned, n habits of many of our domestics are so lamentably deficiw in the principles of cleanliness, that nothing short of a r, w nnd unremitting surveilancc over tßem can prevent an nccutr. s lation of filth about their apartments, both noisome and (k gerous to health. A liberal supply of quick lime should*, thrown into all sinks, privies, nnd drains, nnd strewn) rU* the premises generally. Rooms should be sprinkled, fp, time to time, with chloride of lime or chloride of sodn, orfr mignted, by pouring occasionally a small quantity of the oil, vitrol upon common salt, distributed in places nbout the njan ments, Chloride of lime, chloride of soda, or sulphntp iron in solution, should be thrown with a liberal band privies, sinks, and private drains, so ns thoroughly to difinfrj their noisome exhalation. Without an effectual reaxn,!* the accumulations which infect and contaminate too ninny pp vate premises, both in the city and on the Neck, all extmJ health regulations will avail but little, in awarding off, oritij. S ing the ravages of pestilence. It is also worthy of suggest::: that although many may question the agency of contagion a propagating the disease it will be a safe precaution, in tarryiif out the ordinary sanatory regulations, to isolate the sick Iron the uninfected, as far ns it may be possible to do so. b. There is, perhaps, no epidemic, during the prevalence dj which, a due attention to the diet, and habits of living! more important to be observed, than in Cholera. At net times the entire population seems to be more or less pred* disposed to the disease, nnd the slightest imprudence in din, either as regards quantity or quality, is often sufficient to briti( on a fatal attack. Temperance, sobriety, and regularity in si things, may therefore be justly regarded ns the most effect*! means of prevention. While persons who are at nil tnm temperate in eating and drinking, should be careful to mnb no important change in their-mode of living, especially inltet way of ieduction, they, ns well as others, should avoid ccrtni articles of food, and other disturbing causes. This prohibit# should extend to all fruits and vegetables, to pork, fish, crab shrimps, lobsters, and oysters, ns far as drinks are concom to acid nsceseni beverages, as beer, cider, lemonade, Arc. Ti diet should consist mainly of animal food, such as beef, mutta poultry, nnd game, with rice, or sound wholesome well bnk? bread. Highly’ seasoned dishes of every kind should be can fully avoided, and the viands to be consumed should be pin it* cooked, in general either roasted, broiled, or boiled. Poll water is of course the most wholesome of all drinks; but tbes who have been in the habit of taking wine or spirits temper ately, with their meals, should mnke no change in this respect The same remark will apply to tea nnd coffee ; but the habit) of intemperance, irregularities and excesses of every kiai should be carefully shunned. They derange the healthful functions of the body, enfeeble the vital powers, and by im pairing their ability to resist the influence of disturbing cause) becomes a fruitful source of disease. c. The subject of clothing does not demand any extended remarks. It should be carefully adapted to the varying condi tions ol the atmosphere, in point of temperature, moist lift Ac., so as to effectually guard against any sudden disturbance es the healthful action of the skin, which always exerciw great influence in developing disease. In this view it might be well, especially for those of del cate frame, to wear flftiw next the skin. Too much caution cannot be observed in avoid ing wet clothes and damp feet*. a- In the regulation of exercise, nnd the‘bodily occupation* generally, fatigue and exhaustion should be carefully avoided Unnecessary exposure to the hot sun, to wet nnd damp weath er, and the night air, should be sedulously guarded ngninst,a* should also long walks, fatiguing excursions, and crowded w ssemblies. But as moderate exercise, rational amusement! and a due amount of sleep, cheer the mind and invigorate tl# body% individuals should avail tliemeslves of those salutary in fluences. e. No truth is better established, than the influence of'” depressing passions in the development nnd extension of W demic diseases; and no duty can be more important on they casion of such calamitous visitations than the cultivation of* perfect serenity of mind , nnd an abiding confidence in the* 1 dom nnd beriificense of an an overruling Providence, wjr cherishes while it chastises; which presides over, nnd protw® and ordains ail things for the be>t. It has been truly remark that panic destroys more victims than cholera ; and the of genera! experience is, that while calmness and tranquil of mind contribute grpatlv to avert the ravages of the depressing passions—fear, grief, anxiety, &,o.—promote y extension. Another dangerous error is, an overwhelming fidence in the efficacy of the numerous nostrums puffed, lauded by quacks and unprincipled person®, as cholera. Such individuals, in thus pandering the human lily, minister to their own cupidity. It should ever be borne in rand that the most certain of prevention are n strict observance of the precepts “f W gienne, and a careful avoidance of the causes of the (!•-** /, Residence, considered in relation to cholera is a sabjfj of great importance. It has been observed already, that disease seldom prevails in a sparse or isolated population. R fact suggests an important precept in regard to the negf® K olation on our rice and cotton plantations. As sonn a® ‘ disease appears in such a situation, isolation should be diately resorted to; and while every attention is comfort cleanliness, diet, cf-c., if no better arrangement c**| made, the people should be at once encamped on some healthy, and dry pine land situation. This procedure ct D be too strongly recommended. Within the knowledge writer of this report, it has been tried on previous occastf and found eminently successful. 4. General Directions for the Treatment of it would be absurd to attempt to prescribe anyjspecial rn f 5 the treatment of cholera, and dangerous for the coinm o1 ’ ‘