Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-04-21

not going Oh very prosperously with Le-
ma. Mrs. Bruggeman had suffered her
self to be persuaded to lend out the rix
dollars which Maurice had paid her, up
on interest, to a smooth-spoken neigh
Dor, who cheated his creditors and made
of with the money; the fowls and the pig
were now to be fed at their own expense;
and, disappointed Of obtaining a custom
er for the bridal robe, Lena received no
compensation Tor the cost Of the splen-
d d mateiiais, OF Tor the loss OF her time
IN the workmanship. While sitting one
morning in pcnsive mood at her nee
die, she was surprised by the visit of an
elderly stranger, a wayfaring looking
man, apparently just returned from the
East, who introduced himself as Caspar
Kettier, the uncle OF Maurice, and per.
son whom she recollected having heard
her father say had applied to him, when
,elused by his sordid kinsman, for money
to make a voyage to India. The old
man had returned laden with wealth;
and hearing an exaggerated account of
hls nephew misdolngs, he repaired to
the mean dwelling OF the Bruggemanns,
where, doubly enraged to find the widow
and the daughter OF his beneiactor in so
lriendless and destitute situation, he
vowed he would make Lena his heir, and
leave the ungrateiul spondthrlft to the
consequences OF his own eXtrayagant
folly. Mrs. BruggemaDn was fortunately
from home, and could not inter ere to
check the work of mercy Maurice
found an eloquent advocate in the gentle
Lena; she pallia;ed the fault, which she
could not deny; justified him from every
false accusation; excused his neglect of
herself, by pleading his ignorance Of her
iorlOrn condition, until the state Of his
own affairs demanded his whole attention;
and finally So wrought upon the feelings
OF her admirlng guest, that he promised
to forget all past grievances, and to as
sist his nephew to emerge from his pres
ent difficulties. The old man was
somewhat of hum,rist He returned
to the inn where he had taken uD his
abode without making his arrival and in
tentons known to Maurice, telling Lena
that she should be the channel OF this
agreeable intelligence to the man who
would owe all h,s unmerted good fortune
to her generous eXcrtions.
Maurice kci,ier, she knew, was not
within, and never did the gentle girl
watch more auXiously for his appear
ance; he came al last, but his step was
hurried, and every feature conyulsed
with agony. Almost afraid TO approach
him in this dismal mood, she stole softly
into the garden, whittier she had never
venturcd before, and saw him pour the
contents of paper which he drew from
hs bosom into a goblet, and then rush
towards fountain which threw its linz
pid waters in bright columns into basin
below Appyehonsive tha, he meditated
seli-dostiuciion, she ran swiftly along
the tart, and Catching his ann just as he
had raised the deadly draught TO his lips,
dashed the poisoned chahce on the
ground; then, Ike guardian angel,
bent over him, pointed out the fearful
nature Of the crime he meduated and
having tranquiIIzcd his mind with re lig-
ious consolation, told the joyful news of
his amended prospects. Kneellng to-
gether on the grass, the maiden and the
repentant prodigal returned their fervent
thanks to heaven for the mercies they
had received.
The rumor of old Kettler's riches,
and his kind intentions towards his neph-
ew, turned the tide in favor of Maurice:
the most inexorable creditor now offered
to give him time for the settlement of his
affairs, and he was soon able to hold up
his head amongst his fellow merchants.
Lena, endowed with rich portion,
bestowed her hand upon her early love,
and appeared at church all radiant in the
bridal robe, which had cost her so many
tears.