Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-05-23

hand was al the notice which respect
for his present situation permitted Eus-
tace to give or claim. He saw his friend
conduct the females to small cottage,
which stood at the termination OF the lane
before mentioned, and at an early hour
next morning, Eustsce was seated in the
study Of his friend Fairford, listening TO
and making thoss inquiries, to which
their long separation and unexpected
meeting gave rise. Eustace informed
hrs friend that he had spent several years
in visiting the different countries Of Eu-
rope, and had now returned with the in
tention of permanently settling in his ma
tive country. He learned, in return,
that soon after their separation, his friend
Fairford married an amiable and lovely
girl, who possessed his entire affection,
that she was then with him, though a
slight indisposition had prevented her
appearing at that early hour. Fairford
informed his friend, that they had occu-
pied their present mansion only short
time, having lately purchased il for a
summer residence" And whose funer-
al was you attending, last EVENING""
Eustace at length ventured to ask, "and
who was the lovely female saw leaning
on your arnl l have thought of nothing
else ever since!" 81 am not surprised
at that" answered Fairford, "for those
who have once seen Clara Glenmwray,
seldom forget her. The funeral was
that of-but | may as well tell you the
whole story, for | see shall have an
attentive auditor
:" The lady whom you saw last even
ing is Clara Glenmurray. She is cousin
to my wife; they have always felt for
each other the most perfect friendship.
Soon after ! became attached to Frances,
she introduced me to her beautiful cous-
in, and soon discovered that Clara pos
sessed noble mind and highly cultivated
understanding, yet at times there was
shade of deep melancholy upon her ex-
pressive countenance, for which l could
assign no cause, for to all appearances
she was in possession o! all those advan-
tages and sources of enjoyment that are
generally supposed to confer happiness.
Her society was courted by the rich, the
gay, the virtuous and the enlightened,
yet it was evident some secret uneasines.
was prey ing upon her spirits, and that
she who seemed formed to bestow hap
piness on others, was not herself free
from sorrow. From Frances l learned
what wished 10 know, not from idle Gu
riosity, but on account Of the interest l
felt for her lovely cousin. Clara resided
with an uncle who idolized her. He was
rich, and took delight in gratifying all
her wishes. She was an orphan, and en-
tirely dependant on him, and she repaid
his kindness by all those sweet and en-
dearing attentions which the young and
guileless heart lavishes upon those it
loves. The old gentleman had adopted
into his family youth whose name was
William Leslie; he too was an orphan,
and destitute Of fortune. He was the
son Of an old friend Of his generous pa
tron, who divided his favours between
him and Clara, and neither seemed dis
posed TO be jealous Of the other. From
being almost constantly together, an at
tachment existed between them, which
begun in childish friendship, soon ripen-
ed into an affection; on her side, char
acterized By tenderness and devotion
which is rarely felt even by females; on
his-but let the narrative show he loved
her, no doubt, but his nature was waver-
ing and unsteady. At times he was all
tenderness, and at others he would wound
her sensitive feelings by some neglect
or needless witticism, and Clara, though
far from wanting proper spirit, could on
y shed tears, for to him she could not re-
sent Leslie knew that he had only to
appear penitent, and Clara's generous
confidence was all his own. When at
proper age, Leslie chose the profession
Of the law, his patron did every thing for
his advancement. 1t is probable the old
gentleman saw the attachment between
hun and Clara--yet he took no means
to counteract it. Leslie's profession
obliged him to remove from the house OF
his worthy friend, and settle in neigh
boring town. He visited them often, and
drew from Clara a promise, that If her
uncle consented, she would unite her
fate with his. Her cousin Frances was
the confdant of his attachment.
GA short time prior to Our acquain-
tsnce, some unpleasant rumours relative
to Lesiie's conduct had reached the ears
of his benetactor. Leslie's visits had
become less frequent, and of short du-
ration, and Clara's heart was deeply
wounded. Yet she could not believe
him capable Of dissimulation, and was
willing to credit his assertions that busi-
ness only kept him from her. The ru-
mours that reached them were soon con-
firmed. Leslie's habits were irregular.