Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1833-02-28

that could boast of no other accomplish
ment, and sure none other was necessa
ry to render it interesting. But Helen'
most powerful charm was in her conver
sation; often sprightly, and always pleas
ing, il rendered her ever most engag
ing companion.
1t was generally known among her &C.
quaintances, that she was betrothed to G
young navy officer, who was then, anc
|, had been for nearly two years, absent in
the United States service, and who was
now daily expected home. Helen was
anxious for his arrival, not for the graif.
cation of her own allectionate feelings a.
lone, but the tale Of scandal had gone
forth, and she wished its course At once
arrested. An amable and worthy young
man was in the habit OF visiting the house
Of Mr.. Percy: he knew of Helon's en-
gagement, and his visits to the family
were prompted by friendship alone; but
others thought diferen ly-persons were
surprised that in the absence of Clarence
Lee, she would sanction the address Of
another-it was dishonorable thus to tri-
fe with his feelings-in short, she was
in their eyes "a most hcartless coQuette
Helen knew these whispers were around
| her, but she knew also she was wronged; );
she despised the petty articles Of those
who would cOnstrue every friendly feel
ing into accepted love-and she was re-
solved it should not be the means Of de-
prvlng her Of a friendship, so valuable,
as that Of the innocent mover of it all.
! remarked that small group were as
sembled round the 6re-side of Mr.. Per-
cy's house, and on this occasion stran-
ger was seated among them, who had en-
tered with the company, and yet appear
ed to be unknown to all: a proiusion of
I light hair fell over his forehead s. cheeks,
which were also shaded by large musa-
ches, and he wore pair of green spec
tacles over his eyes.
The little party were gay and lively
as usual, but there was sudden stiffness
in the room, when the stranger, holding
in his hand a ringlet Of dark brown hair
tremulously asked lady next to him if
that was not pretty tress
at certainly is," was the reply, "and
a favorite momento, presume
"It was taken, madam, from the bo-
som of an officer, friend of mine, who
fell from on board of United States yes
sci during late cruise; his body was
happily recovered, but"----
May ! inquire his name?" interrupted
Helen, in breathless haste, and uncon-
sciousy rising from her chair. 4
"His name was Clarence"
"And lost over--" the words died
upon her lips, and she sunk back insen.
sibe into her seat The stranger start
ed from his chair, threw off his specta-
cles, mustaches, and lig hit hair, and in an
instant the metamorphosed Clarence
Lee was leaning over her chair, and en-
deavoring to recall her to animation, by
repeatedly pronouncing her name in his
own natural voice. Helen at length re
covered, cast round bewiIdered glance,
md scarcely imagined she was in exis-
ence, when she beheld her lover by her
ide. III
Am not dreaming'" said she, re-
living.
81 should hope not" said Clarence,
eizing her hand; and eagerly pressing
to his bosom. 81 have put thy faith to
ad trial, Helen, but wilt thou not for
i've me, when | tell thee, | was cruelty /
deceived by others?-they told me thou
vert false to me, Helen, but this pledge
# thy affection (again displaying the
ingleD proves their words false, not
hee, and that | meet the same fond, and
aithful heart, left two years ago.
1t is needless to remark, that the STRAIT
lgem was freely forgiven, and that Hell
N, soon after, at the altar ofhymen, gave
lerself as a pledge other love to CLAIR
INCE LEE.