*

pas

There was a numerous congregation

there are hours when the gayest will feel Ever impulsive, ever actuated by the desolately alone. I thought of him in his sion of the moment, I made the most ferneglected home; him from whom I was vent resolution of amendment, and panted gradually alienating myself for his very per- for the hour when we should start for, tofections, and accusing conscience avenged gether, this immortal goal! Alas! how his rights. Oh! how miserable, how poor wavering were my purposes-how inef we are, when unsupported by our own es- fective my holy resolutions. teem! when we fear to commune with our own hearts, and doubly tremble to bare them to the all-seeing eye of our Maker? gathered on the Sabbath morn, not in the My husband often wrote me most affec- simple village church,but the vaulted walls tionately. He did not urge my return, but of a city dome. A stranger ascended said, whenever I felt willing to exchange the pulpit. Every eye was turned on him the pleasure of the metropolis for the se- and none wandered. He was pallid, as clusion of the hermitage, his arms and from recent indisposition; but there was his heart were open to receive me. a flitting glow upon his cheek, the herald At length I received a letter which touch- of coming inspiration, There was a died those chords that yet vibrated to the vine simplicity, a sublime fervor, an aban tones of nature and feeling. He seldom donment of self, a lifting up of the soul spoke of himself-but in this he mention- to heaven, an indescribable and spiritual ed having been very ill, though then con- charm, pervaded his maner, that was acvalescent, Your presence my Mary,' knowledged by the breathless attention of said he, 'would bring healing on its wings. a crowded audience, composed of the I fear, greatly I fear, I have doomed you wealth and the fashion of the metropolis. to unhappiness, by rashly yielding to the And I was then, the proudest, the happiest influence of your beauty and winning of the throng. That gifted being was my manners, taking advantage of your sim- husband. I was idemnified for all past plicity and inexperience, without reflecting mortifications, and looked forward to how unfitted you were, from natural dis- bright years of felicity, not in the narrow position and early habits, to be a fellow-path we had hitherto travelled, but a wilabourer in so humble a portion of our der, more briliant sphere. My imagina Maker's vineyard. Think not my beloved tion placed him at the head of that admirwife; I say this in reproach, No! 'tis in ing congregation; and I saw the lowly sorrow, in repentance, in humiliation of flock he had been lately feeding, weeping spirit. I have been too selfish. I have unpitied; between the porch and the altar. not shown sufficient sympathy for the Before he bade farewell to my uncle, I trials and vexations to which, for me, you had abundaut reasons to believe my vision have been exposed. I have asked to re- would be. realised. The church was then ceive too much. I have given back too without a pastor. No candidate had as little. Return then, my Mary; you were yet appeared in whom their opinions or created for nobler purposes than the beings affections were united, They were enwho surround you. Let us begin life anew thusiastic in their admiration of Mr. Let us take each other by the hand as L,-, and protested against the obscuricompanions for time-but pilgrims for ty of his location. With such hopes gil-. eternity. Be mine to guard, guide, and ding the future, I left the metropolis with sustain-yours, to console, to gild, and a cheerfulness and elasticity of spirits, comfort." In a postscript he added: which my husband hailed as a surety for "I am better now-a journey will re-long years of domestic felicity. I would store me. I will soon be with you, when gladly linger hear awhile. I fear to go I trust we will not again be parted.' on. You have followed me so far with a

My heart was not a rock. It was kind of complaisant interest, as a poor, moved-melted. I should have been less vain, week young creature, whose native than human, to have been untouched by a defects have been enhanced by education, letter like this. All my romantic love, and who has unfortunately been placed in but so recently chilled, returned; and a sphere she is incapable of adorning thought of his image as that of an angel's. The atmosphere is too pure too rarified.

Removed at once from the valley of sin possibility of a refusal on his part had neto the mount of holiness, I breathe with ver occurred to me. I was thunderstruck. difficulty the celestial air, and pant for He saw my emotion-and losing all his more congenial regions. Must I proceed? composure, rose and crushed the letter in Your compassion will turn to detestation: his hand. I could not, if I would, accept yet I cannot withdraw from the task I this,' he cried; and were my own wishes have imposed upon myself. It is an ex- to be alone consulted, I would not, were piatory one; and O, may it be received I free to act. But it is not so. I am as such!. bound to this place, by a solemn promise, It was scarcely more than a week after which cannot be broken.-Here, in this our return. All had been peace and sun- very house, it was made, by the dying shine: so resolved was I to be all that was bed of the righteous, who bequeathed the lovely and amiable. I even listened with people he loved to my charge-me the orapparent patience to aunt Debby's inter- phan he had protected and reared. "Neminable hymns, and heard some of her ver leave them, my son," said the expiring long stories, the seventy-seventh time, saint,-"never leave the lambs of my without any manifest symptoms of vexa- flock to be scattered on the mountains." tion. It was about sunset. We sat to-I pledged my word, surrounded by the gether in the study, my hushand and my- solemnities of death; yea, even while his self watching the clouds as they softly soul was taking its upward flight. It is rolled towards the sinking sun, to dip recorded, and cannot be recalled.' their edges in his golden beams.-The Did I feel the sacredness of the obligaboughs of the elms waved across the tion he revealed? Did I venerate the window giving us glimpses of the beautiful sanctity of his motives, and admit the auvale beyond, bounded by the blue outline thority? No! Totally unprepared for of the distant hills. Whether it was the such a bitter disappointment, when I seemwarm reflected on his face, or the glow ed touching the summit of all my wishes, of the heart suffusing it; I know not, but I was maddened--reckless. I upbraided I never saw his usually pale features more him for having more regard for a dead radiantly lighted than at that moment. A guardian, who could no longer be affected letter was brought to him.. I leaned over by his decision, than for a living wife. his shoulder while he opened it. From I threatened to leave him to the obscurity the first line I understood its import: it in which he was born, and return to the was the realization of my hopes. The friends who loved me so much better than offer was there made-more splendid, himself. Seeing him turn deadly pale at more liberal than I had dared to antici- this, and suddenly put his hand on his heart pate. I did not speak: but with cheeks I thought I had discovered the spring to burning and hands trembling with eager- move his resolution, and determined that ness and joy, I waited till he had perused I would not let it go. I moved towards it. He still continued silent.. the door, thinking it best to leave him a Almost indignant at his calmness, I eja- short time to his own, reflections, assured culated his name in an impatient tone; he that love must be victorious over consciraised his eyes from the paper and fixed ence. He made a motion as if to detain them on me. I read there a death-blow me, as I passed-then again pressed his of my hopes. They emitted no glance hand on his heart. That silent motionof triumph: there was sorrow, regret, hu- never, never, can I forget it! "Are you mility, and love-but I looked in vain for resolved on this?" asked he, in a low, vemore. I am sorry for this,' said he, "for ry. hoarse tone of voice. "Yes, yes if you your sake, my dear Mary. It may excite persist in your refusal. I leave you to dewishes, which can never be realized. No, cide." I went into the next room. I let us be happy in the lowlier sphere, in heard him walk a few moments, as if irreswhich an All-wise Being has marked my olute-then suddenly stop. I then heard course. I cannot deviate from it.' Can a low, suppressed cough, but to this he was not!' repeated I: say rather you will always subject, when excited, and it' causnot.' I could not articulate more. The ed no emotion. Yet, remaining alone for

some time, I began to be alarmed at the their household. And whose kind, unperfect stillness. A strange feeling of hor- wearied hand smoothed my lonely pillow, ror came over me. I remembered the and held my aching brow? Who, when deadly paleness of his: countenance, and wounded reason resumed her empire, apthe cold dew gathered fast and thick on plied the balm of Gilead and the oil of ten'my brow. I recollected, too, that he had derness; led me to the feet of the divine told me of once having bled at the lungs Physician, prayed with me and for me, and of being admonished to shut every wept with me and over me, nor rested till predisposing cause to such a malady. she saw me clinging to the cross, in lowliStrange, that after such an entire oblivion ness of spirit, with the seal of the children of every thing but self, these reflections, of God in my forehead, and the joy of sal should have passed upon me, with such vation in my soul? It was aunt Debly. power at that moment. I seemed, sud-The harsh condemner of the fashions of denly gifted with second sight, and feared this world, the stern reprover of vanity to move, jest I should see the vision of my and pride, the uncompromising defender conscience embodied. At length, aunt of godliness and truth; she who in my day Debby opened the door, and for the first of prosperity was the cloud, in the night time, rejoicing in her sight I entreated her of sorrow was my light and consolation. to go into the library, with an earnestness The rough bark was penetrated, and the that appalled her. She did go--and her first finer wood beneath gave forth its frag long, sharp scream drew, me to her side. rance. Oh! how often, as I have heard There, reclined upon the sofa, motionless, her, seated by my bedside, explaining in a lifeless-his face, white as a snow-drift, voice softened by kindness, the mysteries lay my husband; his neck cloth and vest of holiness, and repeating the promises of saturated with the blood that still flowed mercy, have I wondered, that I, who had from his lips. Yes, he lay there-lifeless, turned a deaf ear to the same truths, when dead, dead! The wild shriek of agony urged upon me' with all an angel's eloand remorse pierced not his unconscious quence, should listen with reverence to acear. He was dead and I was his murder-cents from which I had hitherto turned in The physician who was summoned disgust. Yet, at times, there seemed a pronounced my doom. From violent ag- dignity in her tones; her harsh features itation of mind, a blood vessel had been, would light up with an expression of debroken, and instant death had ensued. vout ecstacy, and I marvelled at the transWeeks of frenzy, months of despair, sud- forming power of christianity. Well may ceeded of black despair. Nothing but I marvel! I would not now, for the diaan almighty arm thrown around my soul dem of the east, exchange this sequestered held me back from the brink of suicide. hermitage for the halls of fashion-these Could I have believed in annihilation-and hallowed shades for the canopies of wealth I wrestled with the powers of reason toor the society of the once despised and convince myself that in the grave, at-least hated aunt, Debby, for the companionship I should find rest. I prayed but for rest of flatterers. I see nothing but thorns -I prayed for oblivion. Night and day where once roses blushed. The voice of the image of that bleeding corse was be- the charmer has lost its power, though it fore me.. Night and day a voice was charm never so wisely. My heart lies ringing in my cars. "Thou hast murder-buried in the tomb on which the sunlight ed him!" My sufferings were too fearful now solemnly glimmers my hopes are to witness, the at first compassionate neigh-fized on those regions from whence those bours deserted my pillow, justifying them-tays depart. Had he only lived to forgive selves by the conviction that I merited all me-to know my penitence and agonybut the last words that ever fell on his ears My uncle and aunt came when they from my lips, were those of passion and first heard the awful tidings, but unable to rebellion-the last glance I ever cast o support my raving distress, left me-alter him. was proud and upbraiding providing every thing for my comfort- The sketch is finished-memory over with the injunction that as soon as I'should powers 'me. 'be able to be removed, to be carried to

that I endured.

:

C. H. L.

THE BRAZILIAN BRIDE.

Concluded.

"Alonzo," she asked, in a tremulons voice, "are you free?"

"I am not irrevocably bound."
In a moment she seemed to recover her

The Weather was beautiful, and Mr. self-possession, and replied, "Then I must Mordaunt appeared to enjoy his journey tell you, that I am. You are laboring un

exceedingly; but Alonzo was absorbed in der a fatal error; you think I am but enthought, and it was only now and then, gaged-I am married. But stay!" she. when Mr Mordaunt touched upon his ap-exclaimed, alarmed at the effect of her proaching meeting with his father and his communication,-stay!-one moment! old Rio friends, that Alonzo could be rou-Alonzo! I beseech you!"

sed for a moment. At the inns too he oc- It was in vain; he almost shook her off, casionally heard something that attracted rushed to his boat, and in a few minutes his silent attention, of the beautiful young was on board his own vessel: he pushed foreigner who had passed the day before. by Mr. Mordaunt, and every body and They arrived at Falmouth in the morn- every thing that impeded his way to his ing to breakfast. With a beating heart, cabin, where locking the door, he threw Alonzo inquired concerning the foreign la-himself on his bed, in a state of mind not dy and the packet: the lady had gone on to be described.

board the evening before, and the Lisbon Mr. Mordaunt took possession of the and Rio packets were to sail early on the boat Alonzo had quitted, went on board following morning. the Lisbon packet, and had an interview After breakfast, the two gentlemen were with Donna Viola. engaged superintending the embarkation At day-break the following morning, of their servants and baggage, and having Alonzo, wrapped in a cloak, and his hat taken an early dinner, went on board. slouched over his brow, stood on the deck, It was a lovely evening. Alonzo glanced watching with gloomy composure the isat the merry and busy town of Falmouth, bon packet getting under weigh: she soon the numerous vessels, and the broad At-began to move,- -a few minntes more, and lantic, which lay stretched out before him: she was dashing through the water close then his eye fixed, as though there were beside him. Desperate thoughts for an nothing else worth looking at, on the small instant darkened his mind; a feeling of vessel that lay nearest to him. He sud-revenge and despair beset him, and he felt denly left his station, descended into a a strong temptation to plunge into the boat, and was in a few minutes on board wake of the flying vessel,-when one of In the outer cabin he met the duenna, the latticed windows of the after-cabin was who looked very much surprised at seeing suddenly thrown open; he saw a waving him; but, without speaking, threw open handkerchief, and then the form of Viola the door of the after cabin:-he entered, herself, her eyes streaming with tears, kisand the door closed behind him. sing both her hands, and waving them to Viola lay on a couch, apparently ab- him. He had just time to return the salusorbed in reading: the noise startled her, tation: his dark purpose vanished, the and she looked up; but nothing can express weakness of his mother came over him, the astonishment painted on her counte- and he wept: "She loves me!"--that nance at the sight of Alonzo, who stood thought alone,-single and abstracted,fixed as a statue before her. She sprang brought back the blood in a rush of tranfrom the couch, and evidently her first sport to his heart: "She loves me!—and feeling was to run towards him, but pro-nobly sets me the example of a virtuous bably the strangeness of his look and de- submission to our fate!"

meanour arrested her; for she checked A friendly hand at that moment was herself, and exclaimed, "Don Alonzo!" laid on his Mr. Mordaunt drew him to «Viola!" said he, seizing both her hands, his cabin. Alonzo," he said, "I have sadly to blame,-I ought to have she had left: "Viola !" (the word seemed foreseen and guarded against all this. to choke him,) "I cannot live without you Donna Viola, whom I saw last evening, -you are yet free, have pity on me!"

and gently forcing her to return to the seat been.

VOL. III, 2.-No. 0.

bade me give you this note," putting one a process remarkably rapid in that couninto his hand. try. He was pleased to observe the vast Alonzo tore it open. "Alonzo, I con- improvement that, even during the short jure you, for the sake of your father-for period of his absence, had taken place at my sake-struggle against your fatal and Rio, as far as concerned the comforts and hopeless passion! We shall soon' meet refinements of domestic life. On the fol again, let us meet in peace, in innocence, lowing morning he was presented at court: and friendship!. Heaven bless you, and -in short, for two or three days he had heaven forgive us both, for we have been not leisure even to lock melancholy. much to blame! Viola." But one morning after breakfast, (a time Viola was very inexperienced, and Mr. universally agreed upon for making disa Mordaunt knew very little about love, greeable communications,) his father inotherwise Alonzo had never received this formed him that in about a month, Donna note, which only added fuel to the flame: Isabella might be expected with her father he kept it next his heart, and read it every and aunt. "I have taken a temporary day during the passage. He questioned residence for you, which I think you will Mr. Mordaunt closely concerning his in-like, at Botafogo-(I say temporary, for terview with Viola the preceding evening, you will soon be offered, what you most and especially inquired whether he could desire, a diplomatic mission to Europe:) give him any information concerning her, and the furnishing and arranging this resi husband. "I am told," he said, "that he dence has been my hobby for the last six is a man of high rank, very rich, old, and months. If you and Mr. Mordaunt have infirm. He has married the orphan daugh- no objection, we will ride to see it this af ter of his friend, merely as a safeguard to ternoon." "If you please, sir," was the her and her property in these dangerous only reply; and, accordingly, at the ap times." At this intelligence, Alonzo's heart pointed time they set out. The house and bounded with secret joy: he became com- situation were both delightful; the furniparatively tranquil, but he would not ana ture tasteful and costly. The apartment lyse his feelings he dared not. peculiarly appropriated to Donna Isabella,

A few weeks brought them to Rio. On and called her garden-room, opened into a entering its superb harbor, Mr. Mordaunt delicious parterre; it contained tables for was struck with admiration at the magnifi- needle work and drawing, book-cases fillcent and beautiful scenery that surrounded ed with a choice collection in English, him; but to the heart of Alonzo it spoke French, and Italian: there were also a yet more feelingly, entwined as it was with piano, harp, and guitar.

all his dear and early associations. He "Is Donna Isabella such a proficient in could have kissed the black and barren music?" asked Alonzo with a sarcastic rock of the Sugar-Loaf: it was passed, and smile. "She is, I believe, very fond of it," threw open the graceful sweep of the Bay quietly replied the Marquess. Alonzo, with of Botafogo, surrounded with its wooded much warmth and sincerity thanked his and lofty mountains: this too was passed, father for the kind pains he had taken; and the harbor of Rio appeared. Great then sighed, and thought how happy he political changes had taken place, and the could be here with certainly not with imperial flag waved upon every fort and Donna Isabella.

hill. The visiting boat approached, and by After the first novelty of his arrival had the side of the officer sat Alonzo's watch-worn off, Alonzo relapsed into sadness; a ful and expecting father, who in a few settled gloom was gathering on his youthminutes more was locked in the arms of ful brow, a sickening indifference to all his son. On their landing, friends crowd- around was gradually stealing over him. ed round them': in the afternoon they visit- His father and Mr. Mordaunt did all they ed the good kind Abbess; and the evening could to arouse and distract his attention. was employed in renewing Alonzo's recol Excursions into the country were frequent. lections of his young female friends, mostly made, especially to the botanical gar of whom had now become wives and mo- dens about six miles from the city. It is thers; and those whom he had known as arranged with exquisite order and good children had started up into young women, taste, encircled by bold and rugged moun