easily effected. One of the actresses,
a sweet little, well-proportioned creature, with large black eyes, was
receiving, with apparent indifference, the compliments of the better
sort of bumpkins and young farmers of the neighbourhood. In her
momentary and occasional smiles, she discovered a beautiful set of
small, white teeth; but when she resumed her pensive attitude, I was
sensible of an enchanting air of melancholy, which deeply interested me
in favour of this poor girl, who was evidently in a lower situation in
life than that for which she had been educated. The person who sat
nearest to her, vacated his seat as soon as he found his attentions were
thrown away. I instantly took possession of the place, and, observing
the greatest respect, entered at once into conversation with her.

Whether she was pleased with my address and language, as being superior
to what she was usually compelled to listen to, or whether she was
flattered by my assiduous attention, I know not; but she gradually
unbent, and became more animated; showing great natural talent and a
highly-cultivated mind; so that I was every moment more astonished to
find her in such a situation. Our conversation had lasted a
considerable time; and I had just made a remark to which she had not
replied, apparently struggling with concealed emotion, when we were
interrupted by a carriage driving up to the door, and cries of "Help!
help!" I instantly quitted the side of my new acquaintance, and flew to
answer the signal of distress.

A gentleman in the carriage was supporting a young lady in his arms, to
all appearance lifeless. With my assistance, she was speedily removed
into the house, and conveyed to a bedroom. A surgeon was sent for, but
none was to be had; the only practitioner of the town being at that
moment gone to attend one of those cases which, according to Mr
Malthus, are much too frequent for the good of the country. I
discovered that the carriage had been overturned, and that the young
lady had been insensible ever since. There was no time to be lost; I
knew that immediate bleeding was absolutely necessary. I had acquired
thus much of surgical knowledge in the course of my professional duties.
I stated my opinion to the gentleman; and although my practice had been
very slight, offered my services to perform the operation. This offer
was accepted with thanks by the grateful father, for such I found he
was. With my sharp penknife I open