Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-09-17

uCTS ucT COuHltHdlSC 81 ihSSiSoehhS ~'a
attractive. Oh, that we had never met!
At least, that it had never been our fate
to marry. She might then have bloom
ed ON, the same fair and fragrant flow,
er, and / have been at liberty to gaze
on her loneliness without my present
bitter pangs of self-reproach." Sid
ney put down the light, and walked in
a perturbed manner up and down the
apartment; but his eye fell on an elegant
work box of Clara's which he had him.
self given her.
He could not, in his present mood
resist the temptation he felt to view its
contents, for even the most minute ar
ticles belonging to her he was about to
part from, now possessed a double va
iue. The contents.were all arranged
with the utmost neatness; there was a
small parcel wrapped in a paper and
tied round with blue ribbon, lying in
one corner, which soc attracted his
attention. He undid the covering, and
perceived the parcel to consist OF a
quantity of his own notes and letters to
Clara, previously to their marriage
sAnd does Clara still think these triiies
worth preserving so carefully? SAID
Sidney, as he replaced them. ! may
not look at them, for alas. how i'll have
| fulfilled the promises and protesta-
tions with which | won her gentle
heart. and which in these letters are SO
lavishly poured forth Sidney sat
down; for this proof of the affection
which Clara entertained for HIM, over
powered him with remorse. me Id
tai meeting that must take place on the
morrow sounded in his ears as the
death knell that would forever separate
him from Clara and from happiness.
Not without deep emotions did ne
think of the world Of disembodied spi-
rits, which he might soon join; and OF
the little concern and consideration he
had given TO eternal subjects, which
now he felt were indeed, OF all others,
the most Important; and that to face
death with true tranquility OF heart and
resignation of spirit, 1t is necessary 10
have an humble confidence and belief
in the supporting power OF an AimiSh-
", vet meici!ul God:
lie sat sometime absorbed In reiec-
ton; when he remembered that his long
absence would perhaps alarm Clara;
and though he felt it impossible to
sleep, he resolved TO appear TO do so,
as he much wished that she might not
observe his departure, fearful that her
questions would occasion the betrayal
of his agitation, which he wished to
hide from her observation. The morn
ing broke, at length, and Sidney watch
ed the gradual increasing light with
intense interest. He was extremely So
l~icitous TO avoid disturbing Clara, who
appeared sunk in a deep and refresh
inc sleep. Gently slipping on his
clothes, he dared scarcely to breathe,
lest he should awaken her. He stole
on tistoe to the side of the bed where
she lay, t o take as he thought, perhaps
a last look at her. AS he stood gazing,
Clara smiled in her dream, and Sid
ncy's anguish almost overcame him,
when he thought how soon her smile
would be changed to tears, when made
acquainted with The cause Of his alb
sence. lie longed to imprint one KISS
ON her fair cheek, but ne RETAINED, for
her sake. His eyes filed with tears,
he dared not trust himself to look any
longer on the beloved being before him.;
but rushed from the room in agony.
IT, DoUe 9eeeD7bIpp.