take care of a horse, much less a human being whose mind is diseased, and who consequently requires the most gentle and considerate treatment.

After getting a

"6 'But to return to my own case. good deal better, the Doctor told me where I was, and the reason of my being brought there. This was the first time I had been told that I was insane, which I think should have been made known to me long before, for such persons are generally the last to believe themselves deranged.

"After being made aware of my infirmity, I took my medicine and baths without much trouble, although the latter were pretty hard to bear, being nearly scalding, while at the same time very cold water was poured upon my head.

"As I became more improved, I was sent out in a carriage with other patients, accompanied by an attendant, to see the public buildings and grounds about Columbia, such as the State House, the College, the cotton factories on the Congarie River, &c. I was soon taken to better apartments, where I had the liberty of occupying a handsome parlor, containing a piano and other musical instruments, together with a number of books and papers for the use of the patients. I also went to the public table, as heretofore my allowance had always been sent to me. I often attended concerts, and lectures on astronomy

and other sciences, given by distinguished professors, in that portion of the building set apart for that purpose. The concerts were attended by the improved of both sexes, and they seemed to enjoy them extremely. I think these amusements were very beneficial to the patients.

"About six weeks after I had been admitted to the Asylum, I was pronounced perfectly cured, and consequently discharged by the kind Dr. Thomson, who was admirably suited to his profession as superintendant, by his urbanity, kindness of disposition, and benevolence of heart.

"You may ask whether I suffered much pain, or what was the state of my feelings during my derangement: I can unhesitatingly reply, that with the exception of the rough treatment I received from the ignorant and unfeeling attendants, the few weeks that my reason was dethroned, were to me the happiest of my existence, as I was in extacies most of the time, living in a world of my own creation, a world more bright and beautiful than Arcadian bowers or Elysian fields, having for bosom companions bright fancies and wild imaginations."

CHAPTER X.

Ring, joyous chords, ring out again!

"A swifter still and a wilder strain!

They are here, the fair face and the careless heart, "And stars shall wane o'er the mirthful part."-Hemans.

Being apprised by Dr. Thomson of his son's recovery, Col. Buckingham immediately started for Columbia to bring him home. Their meeting was an affecting one, for the grief his father had felt for the unhappy derangement of Eugene was now turned to joy at having him again restored to the bosom of his family.

They left Columbia in the morning, by railroad, and arrived that evening at Charleston. When they reached Buckingham Hall, they found the slaves, young and old, assembled to welcome their "dear young massa" home. Eugene's heart was so full that tears sprung into his eyes as he beheld their honest joyous faces turned towards him. He shook

hands with them all around, while they shouted in unison "God bless young massa Eugene!" The young man was soon obliged to make his escape into the house, for his feelings overcame him. His heart too longed to meet his sister; and as he entered the hall she sprang towards him and fell weeping upon his neck. For several moments neither spoke; and at length Cora exclaimed, "Dear Eugene, how well you look! Thank God! you are home again. But, come in to the dining room, supper is waiting. Come dear father." And they followed her. That evening, to our hero, would have been the happiest of his life, had he then been blest with the presence of his fondly loved Julia; but her name was not mentioned in their conversation; and when all had retired to rest Eugene lay long awake thinking of her, and mentally praying that the great presentiment of his life might one day be accomplished.

The next morning Col. Buckingham, in the fulness of his heart, ordered that there should be a holiday given to the slaves, that they might have a general rejoicing on account of Eugene's happy recovery and restoration to his paternal abode.

'For," said he to his principal overseer, Jerry, in whom he placed great confidence, "Eugene is, in some respects, like the Prodigal Son mentioned in Scripture, 'He was dead and is alive again, he was