Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-05-26

grateful to the lovely boy who had
been her conductor. She desired Les
lie to introduce her to the lady who,
she presumed was his wife /; aud as
sured them both that she was happy at
this accidental meeting. Clara told
me afterwards, that it was only by the
greatest effort she was enabled 10 speak
with the composure necessary under
such circumstances she saw Leslie
was violently affected, that his wife ap-
peared greatly surprised, and she saw
at once that all hope of being service
able to them depended on appearing
calm, and inspiring them with conf
dence. She spoke to them with the
most soothing kindness, and affected
MOTTO notice the appearance ofextreHe
poverty visible in their apartments
Clara's manner won the confidence
of Leslie's wife she was sinking un-
der fatigue and sorrow; among stran-
gers, in poverty, and oppressed with a
sense Of shame, her husband languish-
ing under hopeless illness, a prey to
the keenest regret and remOrse, was
unable to afford her the least consola-
tion-and tile unhappy woman. TO
whom the voice Of sympathy and
kindness had long been a stranger,
now listened to Clara with almost a
delight, and looked up to her
as being sent from Heaven to soothe
and relieve her sorrows. Clara, in
the most delicate manner, assured
them of her wish to relieve their af-
Fiction, from that day, each morning
saw her at the coltage-meanS were
tried to restore Leslie to health every
thing was procured that could conduce
to their comfort. Clara took me with
her to the bedside of the unfortunate
Leslie, and | saw that he was indeed
changed-his pride was humbled, and
he was truly sensible Of his former
erroneous conduct. saw that his love
for Clara had assumed the character
ofveneration: he hung upon her words,
and watched for her coming with the
most eager solicitude. He confessed
to me, with deep contrition, that pique
at her having the frmness to propose
conditions to him, which he mistook
for proof Of her Indifference, had
hurried him into marriage with a
woman, who, though am able, had
never been the object of his love-
He confessed that he never was worthy
of being the husband Of Clara, and
that lie deeply repented his unworthy
conduct towards her, and added it
was but just that he, who had alone
deserved 1t, should be the only suffer-
er!' Clara conducted herself with the
most admirable propriety, and no per-
son, except one, Who like Frances and
myself, had known the story Of her
unfortunate love, could have supposed
that she had ever been more to Leslie
than an attached friend. Leslie knew
his days were numbered, and he felt
assured that Clara would protect his
wife and child-he felt certain that
Providence had directed his wander
ings to that spot so distant from his
former residence, in order that he
might meet with Clara, and obtain her
forgiveness, and that his last hours
might be soothed by her kindness.
"Leslie and his wife had arrived
here previous to our coming, and had
lived in the greatest obscurity and
want, until discovered by Clara
They scarcely knew person in the
village, and their poor resources were
nearly exhausted. What would have
been their sufferings know not, had
not heaven so ordered events, that by
fixing their residence here, for a sea-
son, this meeting should be brought
about. Poor Leslie continued TO
grow weaker, and though Clara felt
most keenly, she continued to support,
by her presence and attentions both
him and his unfortunate wife. At
length he is removed, trust, to a bet
ter world. We saw the last duties
paid to his remains-Clara has adopt
ted his orphan, and intends to contin-
ue her kindness to the widow"
Frederic Eustace heard this story
with deep interest; it excited his ad-
miration and respect for the character
of Clara Glenmurray; and he secret
ly resolved, that if it was in his power
to gain her affections, he would joyful
ly devote his future life to the task of
erasing from her heart the remem-