South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1837-05-20
M: a RIA.
A REMARKABLE INSTANCE OF rATxRNAI

REMARKABLE INSTANCE OF PATERNAL
FORGIVENESS.
Look round on the habitable world, how few
Know their own good; or knowing it, pursue'
In the west of England lived Mr. Spencer,
a gentleman of handsome fortune, who was
left widower at an early age, with an infant
daughter The only consolation he felt after
the loss of partner whom he entirely loved,
was in the contemplation of the opening
charms and grace of his little Maria, who soon
promised to become all that he had so much
admired in her deceased mother. He atten-
ded to her education with the utmost care and
assiduity; procuring her instructors of every
kind of approved merit, and often taking that
pleasing Office upon himself, for which bis
good sense and knowledge eminently fitted
him.
With these advantages she grew up, lovely
and accomplished in an uncommon degree !;
and seemed in every respect formed to COM
plete the warmest wishes of a parent. He
accordingly doated on her with the EXTREMIST
fondness and formed no other desire or pur-
pose in life, than that of seeing her happily
and honorably established. =,
In pursuit of this design, he did not, like
most parents, cast his eyes on wealth or rank.
Convinced from an impartial observation, that
happiness in the conjugal state is only to be
expected from mutual confirmed relish Tor
sober and rational felicity, the first and great
est requisite he looked for in son-in-law was
a mind formed to steady and habltual virtue
The character usually distinguished by the
title of man ofpleasure was therefore the
object of his most rooted aversion and dread
Maria had received from nature that dubi-
Gus gift, heart of exquisite tenderness and
sensibility. This, while it made her return
. her fathers fondness with the warmest fillal
affection rendered her also liable to attach
ments ola stronger and more dangerous klho.
q Impractical in the world, she did not look at
mankind with the discerning eyes other faith
err; and where she saw an alniable appear
ance, she was easily led to imagine that every
thing else was correspondent.
A Young officer happened to be quartered
in the town where she lived, who, to mos
pleasing figure and address, added manner
and conversation the most specious and lnsln'
Mating that could be conceived. he appear
ed alf softness and refinement, at the ume
that his heart was vitiated by the loosest prin'
cipIes and most confirmed habits OF debauch
ery.-Accident gave him an opportunity o.
commencing an acquaintance with Marla,oe'
fore her father was aware of the danger &c
which she was exposed. The Impression ne
made was too strong to be eradlcated' ana al,
though her father, as soon as ne aiscoVtieu
= the Connection, used every art OF persuasion
and every exertion of parental authority &c
dissolve it, he was unable to succeed; .;,,.
AS Mr.. Spencer constantly refused his con n,
sent to an union, the unhappy consequences
of which he clearly foresaw, the lovers 4 nae
no other resource to crafty their passion mar
an elopement. It was long before one &c. eau u
Gated in the habits and principles that naa SC
carefully been implanted in Maria, could re.
solve upon so rash and guilty step; put a
length It was determined on and eifecteu ane
the unfortunate girl was too late conHlHe y,
Of the dreadful exchange she had made, OF the
caresses of the most indulgent of parents, tol
Tho fugitive embraces Of an Abandoned ahe
iaithiess husband.