American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1825-07-12

the recollection of her fathers situation forced from the
current of fa affection the osprings of inward grief
All! why these tears, my Caroline," said he-s what
cruel decree has added sorrows to thy gentle boz
som" cob my father! my father" exclaimed Caro-
line: and what of him?" asked Edward. sob fear
he will perish on the moor" said shc"I know lie has
attempted to return, and the path be covered ere
now. 81 will go and seek him." said her lover She ex
pressed her gratitude in flood of and then, if
recoectng, she held his hand while thousand new and
tender fears were awakened ;pehaps her father and
lover would perish together-peraps he had left The
vllagerand should Edward expose himself to danger be-
cause of her foolish orebodngs 'While size thus strug
ged between hope and fear, the faithful dog who had
companed her father returned to the cottage and confirm
ed all her fears The poor creature though covered with
snow and almost rozen would not approach the fire, but
ran rst to then to another and then 10 the door, and
placing his paws to the latch, seemed asking
follow him. Edward opened the door-Caroine raised
her expressive and fearful eyes TO mehe appeal too
plain to be mistaken-and l prepared follow Edward,
who had not I'LL that moment noticed me. Sir said
entered the Forest from what have unintention-
ally witnessed this night it be supposed that am
stranger TO your mutual affections My visit there
that of chance and necessity lost my waywas benght-
ed the faint gmmerng of light the cottage urged
me to exerons for my safety-and when requested
admttance, the hand of hospitality extended in
ment, and received the welcome of an old fendi and
ngratude, trust, has yet poisoned the
of my better feelings, whatever will tend promote the
happiness Of the family we have just left will be
essential qualification to me. "sr returned Edward
-" though may, with proprety thank you in the
OF the aged Meford Carones father, for the delicate
manner i'll which you have expressed wish him
yet permit me to inform you, that the father of that
amlable girl you have seem will never receive favor
from the hand Of any while he is able TO procure
enough to satisfy the cravings Of nature There is
mystery, SIR" continued Edward which surrounds
this family, that dare not unvei; yet sir, in return
for your kind intention, will add that when you
the aged Melford, you will emphacally noble
you will discover mind stored with the choicest flowers
Of literature, and heart uxuranty rich with benevo
ence." But surely" replied "you do suppose
that he would leave the village during such storm this
and yet the return of his dog augur pleasing
fOrebOtngS," rejOned
on" am at loss to conjecture his prudence, should
suppose, would prevent him from an attempt which a
recent ndsposition would render dangerous-butI
fearful his anxiety for his moheress children has induced
him to make the aempt-and have consoed myself with
the hope OF finding him at small Inn mile or so from
the village" I" God grant it, SAID l. nentaty and we
ourneyed in silence. We were within few rods
of the inn, when suddenly little guide stopped and
seemed at loss which way to pursue After few mo-
ments pause he gave spring into of old brushwocd
and howled piteousH We Instantly followed, and behed,
stretched upon the ground covered with snow the almost
eless body of the benevolent Melford. Edward few to
the inn for assistance, while supported the sufferer In
+ few minutes the landlord accompanied Edward on a
sledge, with rugs we placed the unfortunate man upon
it, and with all possible speed fastened to the home which
was to receive HIM for the last time 1t is in vain for
attempt to portray the of misery which followed
OH what lesson here for the thoughess children OF
folly! In lonely wldsurrounded by leahess forest
and wrapped in the mantle OF DEATH if
be in accordance with the which to take place
in the Forest Cortage-the hollow murmurings without,
and the distressing cries of nmeasuTed atcton within
enough to melt the most caous heart into sympathy,
and draw tears from warriors eyes. Every assis
lance in power rendered to the unfortunate
but in vain and in few hours after reached his hum
BILE dwelling, the soul of Melford winged its flight 10 Him
who gave it.
1t midnight. Edward despatched the innkeep-
make the necessary arrangements for the last tribute
of affection to the deutschland remained till daylight,
in this house of mourning How different the scene
from the evening before Scarcely breath of air stir
rngand it seemed indeed, if death had set his sea
with horrd pleasure all around AS the emery
ed from the eastern horizon the neghbors of the lament
Meord collecting to prepare for the rites of sepu
ture, and to depart. could not collect sufficient
ortude to utter what my heart most warmly dictated TIC
this interesting little family exposed cold unfrend
liz worldeprived of their only earthly prop, which
they fondly leaned for proecon-he whom they looked
upon shield against the envenomed sting of apathy and
cruelty more-Caroine, lovely bud, about to
blossom in the eyes of vlrtuous communtyhese reec
tons much-I burst into tears and left the house
Edward followed me-and graspng my hand, said in firm
and affecting voice" Stranger you are about to leave
something tells shall never each other again.
this sudden visitation of Provdencethe death Of my
friend, the father of my Carolne-w prove the finishing
my earthly happiness Forego such thoughts
Edward" replied I'' much happiness may yet be yours
and pray hea, it may be So" Generous wsl-but
It fallacous expectation" returned heNo sir, it will new
be. You remember, mentioned that there existed
mystery around this amiythe death of Melford leaves
liberty to dscloseit The sympathy which you have
manifested for the fate of those hapless children, merit
u the fullest confidence my part will briefly unveil il
:; and when shall be more it may be in your power
n to render them yet essential service" He paused
." Hear, Edward" exclaimed I-''he my solemn VOW
that should be my power the children of Meford
shall have Justice done them The heart of Malcome
not insensbIe of approaching favor, dead tC
the call of humanity" Enough, Aalcome" replied Ed
ward-enough-I cannot be deceived in thee-hear then
the brief narrative of Meord Three years. continued
Edward" have scarcely elapsed since the father of Caro-
line enjoying uninterrupted of earthly felicity
n He was shipping merchant to a considerable extent in
Is the city of B.. Unfortunately about this time he met
with many and trying losses. Two of his vessels
were within months of each other, and his third
and only remaining sod with all her cargo, in
foreign port by the Capan-and he has been heard
since In the person OF Mr. L. he possessed he thought
frend-at least the conduct of Mr.. i. seemed to
), justify such impression. No seemed to sympha-