No. 10. The Deed of Separation. 245 us soon after dinner. Mr. Chambers and I assemble for the present. Sir Edgar and I were joined her in the drawing room, but Sir Edgar actively employed for some time in directing had retired to his study. Lady Falkland was the labors of the servants, who removed many sad and silent; in fact the whole room pre- articles from the house: at length the flames sented a dreary appearance; her harp and pi- || spread with such rapidity, that we were comano-forte were in packing cases ready for re-pelled to desist, and I walked down to the moval; a table near the windows which used summer-house to console and reassure Lady to be covered with engravings, books in gay Falkland. Imagine my surprise at discoverbindings, and a splendid album, was now de-ing that she was not there; her maid informed spoiled of all its ornaments; her writing desk and work-box were not in their accustomed places, and a beautiful portrait of herself, taken before her marriage, was removed. me that on entering her room she found it vacant, her bed had not been slept on, nor were any of her clothes to be discovered; it was evident that she had been awake and was sitting up at the time of the alarm, and had provided for her own safety by flight. "Mr. Chambers retired early. I made one more attempt to work on the feelings of Lady Falkland. I even appealed to the weakness I must say that I felt more angry with Laof her character, by endeavoring to represent dy Falkland than terrified about her, for I supto her the consequence and responsibility of posed that, unwilling to identify herself with the situation she was deserting, and the in- the interests of her household, or to run the significant station in society held by a sepa-risk of any communication with the husband rated wife; but Lady Falkland was not worldly or ambitious, she was only vain and exacting; she persevered in her resolution, and I sorrowfully bade her good night. All that now remained in my power, was fervently to entreat the heavenly disposer of events, in my prayers, to have pity on these poor deluded young people, to change their proud hearts, to bow their headstrong spirits, and lead them at some future time again to find comfort and happiness in each other. I remained wrapt in thought for about an hour, looking with dread to the events of the morrow, and at length fell asleep. 66 she was about to leave, she had sought refuge in one of the farm-houses in the vicinity. I thought it right, however, to inform Sir Edgar of her absence, and was returning to the front of the house with that purpose, when I was startled by a piercing shriek from Lady Falkland's maid, who followed me. I looked up in the direction to which she pointed, and at the window of a little apartment above the drawing-room, what was my horror to behold Lady Falkland making despairing signs for assistance! This little room had been a great favorite with Sir Edgar and herself during the early months of their marriage, on account of the extensive prospect it commanded; she had fitted it up with book-shelves, a guitar, and painting materials, and they passed much of their time there. It afterwards appeared, that, unable to sleep, the idea had struck Lady Falkland that she would take a last farewell of this room, endeared by so many early and tender remembrances; she sat down on a low ottoman there, her own peculiar seat, rested her head on the chair usually occupied by Sir Edgar, and gave vent to her grief in repeated and passionate sobs, till at length she fell into that dull and heavy sleep so often the result of continued weeping. "I awoke again; it was still dark, and I was immediately sensible of a decided smell of fire. I was thoroughly alarmed: several fires had lately taken place in that neighborhood, which were supposed to be the work of a man of low character and habits, who had rendered himself offensive to many of the surrounding families; and this man, the garrulous old steward had informed me on the preceding day, had been threatened by Sir Edgar with a prosecution for poaching, and he had been heard avow that he would be revenged on him. I instantly aroused Sir Edgar; we gave the alarm to the servants, and finding that the fire had only reached a part "She awoke to a scene of awful danger: of the building, and that we had plenty of she attempted to open the door, but the flames time for our operations, I dismissed some of and smoke that assailed her immediately drove them to the neighboring farm-houses for as-her to the window; it was two stories from sistance, and employed others to rescue whatever was most valuable and important from the flames. "First of all, however, I spoke to Lady Falkland's own maid, telling her to awaken her gently and quietly; to explain to her that the flames were yet far from the part of the house where she slept; and having assisted her to dress, to conduct her to a large covered summer-house, at the bottom of the garden, where I desired all the females of the family to the ground; death would be the result of an endeavor to leap from it. One of the servants immediately ran to a neighboring farm, where, he said, was a ladder of sufficient length to reach the window; but how poor appeared this prospect of relief, when the danger was so immediate and imminent! The staircase was in flames; who could venture to ascend it? I offered large pecuniary rewards to the person who should save her life. One of the under-gardeners, tempted by my munificence, 246 The Deed of Separation. advanced a few steps into the house, and then returned. "I shall be suffocated in the attempt,' he said, and what will become of my widow and fatherless children?' "At that moment Sir Edgar, who had been giving directions in a different part of the premises, made his appearance, and, more by gestures than by words, we pointed out to him the situation of his wife. I shall never forget his agonized cry of distress; but he did not waste a moment in deliberation; he snatched from me my military cloak and rushed into the house. The old steward, who|| had been in the family at the time of his birth, endeavored to hold him back. "You are rushing to certain death, dear Sir Edgar,' he cried; pray return.' But Sir Edgar shook him off. VOL. II. plated his athletic frame, his muscular limbs, and his bold bearing, I felt that the most gifted genius, or the most polished courtier of the age, would be an object of inferior consequence in my eyes to Dennis O'Flaherty, and the sweetest music would have been less delightful to my ears than the powerful brogue which made itself heard above all the uproar, in vehement commands to his companions to "waste no time, but set up the ladder quick and steady." It was speedily put up under Dennis's direction; he was at the top in a moment. Sir Edgar deposited the fainting Lady Falkland in his arms; he speedily bore her down, and Sir Edgar followed in safety. Three loud cheers broke from the assembled spectators as he reached the ground. I could not join in their acclamations, but I silently and fervently offered up a thanksgiving to "I will save her life," he exclaimed, "or Heaven for the preservation of my dear lose my own in the attempt;" and in another young friends, and a prayer that the circummoment he disappeared up the blazing stair- stances attending it might have a beneficial case. I had scarcely time to hope, before effect on their future lives. Lady Falkland Lady Falkland gave me fresh cause for alarm. was not hurt by the flames, although weepThe flames were approaching rapidly to the ing and hysterical through alarm; she was place where she stood; she evidently contem- immediately bore to the farm-house, and mediplated the desperate measure of a leap from cal assistance was procured for her. Sir Edthe window; and I was shuddering at the gar had not escaped so well; he was severely idea of speedily beholding her mangled form, scorched, and in great pain, but in the midst when I saw her drawn back by a strong hand. || of his sufferings he could not refrain from Sir Edgar wrapped the cloak around her, and telling me of his happiness; the few minutes carried her from the window. Once more I that elapsed between his entrance into Lady ventured to breathe; as Sir Edgar had as- Falkland's room, and the arrival of the ladcended the staircase without material injury, der, had passed in mutual entreaties for parI trusted that he might descend it in the same don, in the most tender interchange of promanner; but at that moment the event so testation of affection, and in lamentations long anticipated took place, the staircase fell over their too probable separation from each in with a tremendous crash, and all hopes of other by death, although they had both so reretreat were cut off. A dreadful and inevi-cently desired to effect a separation in life. table death seemed now the portion of these young people; but there was a melancholy consolation in the idea that they would die clasped in each other's arms, and exchanging mutual assurance of forgiveness. My head began to swim, and my eyes to feel dim, and|| I was on the point of sinking to the ground, when loud shouting voices near me aroused me to perception: a party of men were ap- Morning came, the father and mother of proaching, bearing the expected ladder, and Lady Falkland were expected, and I rode to headed by Dennis O'Flaherty, an Irish labor-meet them, anxious to acquaint them with er at the farm. Even at this moment the thought passed through my mind of the strange manner in which we estimate the value of a person according to the existence of local circumstances. I had frequently, during my visits at the hali, conversed with Dennis O'Flaherty, and amused myself much with his brogue, his blunders, and his uncouth || manners. I knew him to be an honest and good-natured fellow, but it had never entered into my head that he could possibly be of use to me in any point of view than as a person "I led them to the farm, where they fondly to be laughed at; but now, when I contem-embraced their beloved daughter; she was At length the medical man, having left Lady Falkland, took Sir Edgar under his care, and immediately silenced his transports by a composing draught; fire-engines arrived from the country-town, and in a few hours the house had ceased to blaze; presenting, however, a lamentable spectacle of blackened and smoking ruins. 66 the happy change in the prospects of their daughter: they were astonished that I should greet them with a smile, still more so when I described the tremendous scene of the preceding night, which seemed little calculated to excite such a token of pleasure; but most grateful were they when I had finished my story, and frequently did they return thanks to the gracious Lord, who had thus wonderfully and mysteriously wrought good out of evil. sitting by the bedside of her husband, who, when no longer supported by temporary excitement, was suffering severely from the effects of his hurts, and a tender and affecting scene ensued. When I left the room, I encountered Mr. Chambers, the lawyer. "I am exceedingly sorry," he said to me, with a look of doleful apology, "but I have reason to fear that the deed of separation has been destroyed in the flames." "So much the better," I replied, cheerfully; "Sir Edgar and Lady Falkland are now happily reconciled, and the deed of separation, even if recovered, would be no better than waste paper." "Pardon me, Major," said he, with a provoking curve of the lip; "you can only conjecture that point-we lawyers are not to be satisfied except with proofs, and time alone can prove that the deed will not be again required." 247 pecting a painful and violent death, and shrinking from the idea of appearing before my Creator with a spirit irritated by angry pride, and a conscience burdened with the neglect and defiance of my duties as a wife and as a Christian. I trust that by the assistance of Providence I have been enabled to correct the faults of my temper, and most happy, my dear Emma, am I to say, that I have never observed any indications of the same imperious and exacting disposition in you; but in case any future alteration in your situation should bring to light defects in your temper hitherto unknown, I am glad that your uncle has told you these particulars of the early wedded life of myself and your father. Your choice, I trust, will be cautious and prudent; but that choice once made, consider that it is equally your duty and interest to bear patiently with the foibles of the object of it, and ever remember that the bonds you assume are not merely light and temporary ties, but are to be worn by yourself, and by the husband of your selection, in fidelity and constancy, 'so long as ye both shall live.”” The following beatiful and touching lines are from "I was glad to escape from this doubting gentleman to the clamorous rejoicings and congratulations of Dennis O'Flaherty. I gave him a sum of money, which Sir Edgar afterwards trebled, and I resolved in my own mind never to laugh at his blunders again, since he had so happily refrained from blundering in a the Bedford (Penn.) Gazette. They were written in case of life and death. Lady Falkland at- July last, and were suggested by the following incitended her husband with the most unremit- dent, which we give in the language of the author.ting tenderness and assiduity during an ill-A few days since I was standing in front of a country ness of several weeks; on his recovery they passed some months in traveling, and neither of them made any complaints of want of attention on the part of the other. The house was rebuilt exactly in the same form, but it was more attractive to my eyes than it had ever been, for it had now become a Mansion of Peace.' "And do you really think it possible, uncle," said Emma, "that a couple who were once on the verge of separation, could be thoroughly happy afterwards?" "It is not only possible, but it is true," said Major Hervey: "they are as happy, Emma, as your own dear father and mother." "Now, uncle, I cannot believe you; I shall be like your sceptical friend, Mr. Chambers, only satisfied with proofs." "Then I will give you a proof, Emma, which will be quite satisfactory even to the sceptical Mr. Chambers; it is of your own dear father and mother I have been speak-I ing." Emma cast a wondering, incredulous glance towards her mother. Surely, my uncle is jesting;" said she. No, my love," answered Lady Wilmot; "he has given, under imaginary names, a narrative of facts. The awful scene took place twenty years ago on this very site, and the room where we are now sitting answers to the one in which I stood, momentarily ex-" dwelling, when a Turtle Dove settled in the road, and O SPARE THAT DOVE. Oh! spare that Dove, it harmed not thee, Oh! who could make its inmates mourn. To guard his nestlings from alarm, Impatient for her safe return. Oh, spare that Dove-the cruel deed- Her blameless life from guilt is free, The emblem of divinity. Oh, spare that Dove-the man of peace 248 Evening Thoughts-To a Friend, &c. With noiseless pinions to the shore Of Ararat she swiftly prest, Then spare that Dove-in mercy spare- With him she loves her peaceful nest; VOL. II. ing on that which we may be able to obtain. Krasicki, the celebrated Polish writer, says, that our predecessors cared less for life than we do. Amidst enjoyments the Egyptians laid their dead upon the tables where they held their feasts, in order that they might be reminded of their virtues, which still lasted although the spirit of life was extinct. And in this manner they accustomed themselves to the thought of dying, so that, when the moment of parting came, they did not view it with horror, but willingly exchanged the good for the better. Weak minds shrink at the sight of the mournful bier, but those whom education and virtues raise above the vulgar prejudices, after a weary voyage through life, are glad to exchange their situations. Therefore cemeteries are not so horrible as we imagine. Guilt trembles at the anproach of death-but virtue hastens with pleasure to the world where she knows she will be boundlessly rewarded! PAUL SOBOLEWSKI. Written for the Ladies' Garland. EVENING THOUGHTS. There is nothing more sublime or more capable of impressing upon our minds the necessity of being just and virtuous than the solitary place, where the remains of our fellow beings rest in melancholy silence. I do not think there is any thing more agreeable to a mind capable of exalted feelings, than a solitary walk among the tombs, where no human care can disturb the meditations of a feeling TO A FRIEND ON THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE heart; where the song of a bird resounds in all its sweetness through the silent habitations of the departed,—and where the vanity of human joys does not interrupt the solemn aspect of the tombs. True, it inspires the heart with melancholy, but in such a melancholy there is a pleasure more sweet and more lasting than any other earthly enjoyment! Is there aught that could impart to us more philosophical lessons? When we tread on the tombs we plainly discover the nothingness of human cares and achievements. There, the great and the humble-the rich and the poor have rested for ages, and will rest there till they are called to a better land where & happier life is to be expected. All that exists must sometime or another come to an end-and indeed have we not sufficient proof to convince us of the fact? Where is the virtuous Arystides, or thirsty for conquests Alexander? Where is the wise SocraLes or patriotic Brutus? Where is the sublime Sophocles, or keen and ironic Aristophanes? Where is Cæsar-aye, where is the ambitious yet talented Napoleon who wielded the sceptre of mighty Europe?-Only the memory of their immortal deeds remains-but where are they? Alas! all gone to the boundless regions of eternity! We should therefore accustom ourselves to the thought that we must die, so that when we shall see that our end is near we may not shrink. But whence doth that fear of death arise? Methinks from nothing else but that we prize too highly what we possess, without reflect For the Ladies' Garland. When Heaven would kindly set us free, It takes the most effectual means, A house her gracious Lord prepares. What though her path was oft beset, What though the storms around her blew,- Since Heaven has brought her safely through. Though no kind sister watched her bed, And smoothed her pillow of distress,- Poor Friend! thou'rt gone, and one must feel We all are wanderers from the track, That Heaven has mark'd for man below,- He wounds, in mercy to restore, He takes our dearest props away, Like wayward sheep, we go astray. Vol. II. THE LADIES' GARLAND. A WREATH OF MANY FLOWERS. No. 11. THE SABBATH WRECKS. seling, entreating, expostulating with them, and praying for them. A LEGEND OF DUNBAR. 66 Surely," said he, "the Lord of the Sabbath will not hold ye guiltless for this profanation of his holy day." But, at that period, He went to one boat, which was the pro Ir was a beautifu! Sabbath morning in the autumn of 1577; a few small clouds, tinged with red, sailed slowly through the blue hea-vital religion was but little felt or understood vens; the sun shone brightly, as if conscious upon the borders, and they regarded not his of the glory and goodness of its Maker, dif- words. fusing around a holy stillness and tranquility, characteristic of the day of rest; the majestic ||perty of members of his own congregation, and Frith flashed back the sunbeams, while, on its there he found Agnes Crawford, the daughter bosom slowly glided the winged granaries of of one of his elders, hanging upon the neck commerce; there, too, lay its islands, glorying || of her husband, and their three children also in their strength-the May, shrouded in light, || clung around him, and they entreated him not appeared as a leviathan sunning in its rays-to be guilty of breaking the Sabbath for the and the giant Bass, covered with sea fowl, rose as a proud mountain of alabaster in the midst of the waters. A thousand boats lay along the shores of the Dunbar. It was the herring season-and there were many boats from the south, and from the north, and also from the coast of Holland. Now, tidings were brought to the fishermen that an immense shoal was upon the coast; and, regardless of its being Sabbath morning, they began to prepare their thousand boats, and to go out to set their nets. The Rev. Andrew Simpson, a man possessed of the piety and boldness of an apostle, was then minister of Dunbar; and, as he went forth to the kirk to preach to his people, he beheld the unhallowed preparations of the fishermen on the beach; and he turned and went amongst them, and reproved them sternly for their great wickedness. But the men were obduratethe prospect of great gain was before them, and they mocked the words of the preacher. Yea, some of them said unto him in the words of the children to the prophet-" Go up, thou bald head." He went from boat to boat, counGAR.-VOL. II.-No. 11. 249 sake of perishing gain. But he regarded not their voice; and he kissed his wife and his children, while he laughed at their idle fears. Mr. Simpson beheld the scene with emotion, and approaching the group-" John Crawford," he exclaimed, addressing the husband, "you may profess to mock, to laugh to scorn the words of a feeble woman, but see that they return not like a consuming fire into your own bosòm when hope has departed. Is not the Lord of the Sabbath the Creator of the sea as well as of the dry land? Know ye not that ye are now braving the wrath of Him before whom the mighty ocean is a drop, and all space but a span? Will ye, then, glory in insulting His ordinances, and delight in profaning the day of holiness? Will ye draw down everlasting darkness on the Sabbath of your soul? When ye were but a youth ye have listened to the words of John Knox-the great apostle of our country-ye have trembled beneath their power, and the conviction that they carried with them; and when ye think of those convictions, and contrast them with your conduct this day, does not the word apostate burn in your heart? John Crawford, |