A ROMANTIC STORY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 352, 2 December 1879, Page 2

A ROMANTIC STORY.

A week ago to-day (says the' Figaro) one of the most celebrated surgeons in Paris was stopped in the street at a late hour of the night by three men armed with pistols, who compelled him to enter a carriage and submit to have his eyes bandaged. After some time the doctor found himself in a handsomely furnished room, where a young and very beautiful woman was in bed, and he was ordered by one of the party who had brought him there to amputate her left hand„-.„_.—-The doctor at first refused, but to the threats of the captors were joined the ■ tearful entreaties of the lady herself, who assured him it was the only way of saving her life. He, therefore did as he was ordered. ' His eyes were re bandaged, and he was finally set down in a deserted not far from his own house. It has since transpired (says theFigdro) that the lady operated on was the daughter of a well-known: French general, who had recently betrothed herself to one who, like herself, was poor. Subsequently, under pressure firftm.her father, she consented to . jgiye her hand to a wealthy' Count, but : continued*- ■ against the wish of her husband, to wear a ring which her former lover had given to her just as he was setting out to J&in ■ < an embassy to which he had been appointed, and which she had sworn never to take off the hand which should " al- J ways be his." The count's jealousy was increased by a letter from the duke which fell into his hands, and in which his late " fiancee " was reminded of her promise, and wrought up to. a pitch pf sadness . ■" by the persistent* refusal of-' h.\s' wife **l^r**<^^ give up the w^ have her hind .«i_%sff>aß!plijj^^ lover, and the:. a£p¥e.-Bs|ke means Sir. -?^ took to.carry;o*_t%4^fireatl. : " TJie\&_3|Er \ -;..;. r; has been as v ', and the retired with .-his; wrfe l : to hififestate. ':' •;'' ' -. -.1-