South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1837-05-20

Justly lncensed as her father was, she durst
not attempt to soften his resentment, which
iounded upon an act of disobedcnce that O.
yerllireW all his dearest hopes, was likely TO
! De steadiast and durable After SUFFERING A
variety OF misery, both in mind and body in
following husband who treated her with
brutal neglect, she buried him in a garrison
abroad, and returned to England in the utmost
ln.d1iigence, The third year after her marriage,
| with son about two years old.
| She had the good fortune to meet with a
comfortable asylum soon after her arrival. at
| the house of lady who had been her mothers
most intimate friend. BY her she was treat
eo with all the kindness OF parent; and her
( pene1actor, DESTROYS ofdoing her still more es-
sentlal service, resolved to attempt the ardu-
Gus task of reconciling toher father. As this
lady's good sense was equal to her benevo-
lence, she was sensible, that in order to sue
coed in such an attempt, it was not advisable
to make direct application, which would
give resentment an opportunity of being heard
as well as natural affection; but first to ava
ken his paternal feelings, and then urge the
suit while the impression was still warm
She had soon an opportunity for executing
her plan.
Mr.. Spencer, who had always kept up an
intercourse of strict friendship with her, came
to pay her visit. 1t was contrved that Ma
ria's child, one Of the loveliest children ever
beheld, should, carelessly enter the room and
play about among the company. 1t soon
caught the eye of Mr.. Spencer who was al
ways extremely fond of children; and he as
ked the lady, TO whom the charming boy be-
longed. 'sTo friend Of mine,'' she slightly
answered and turned the discourse TO some
other subject. The child attracted more and
more OF MIR. Spencer's notice. He called it
to him, set ii on his knee, and by several acts
OF endearment rendered it familiar with him
The boy, pleased with the notice taken fhiln,
and at length entirely won the heart Of his un-
known grandfather.
The lady of the house, who had been an
attentive though silent observer of this pro-
gress OF affection, now came up, took the lit
tie one in her arms, and kissing it cried
''Heaven help thee, sweet boy thou hast a
Troublesome world to struggle through This
little child" continued she addressing herself
to Mr.. Spencer, 'shas already lost its father
and its mother, most amiable creature, is
| almost destitute Of support" Mr.. Spencer
was touched to the soul. He took the child
from the lady, and embracing it with tears in
his eyes-SsHeaven help thee, indeed" says
he-''but if thou art destitute of all other
friends, will be friend to thee! Pray, RIA
dam will it not be impertinent to inquire more
particularly into the circumstances of the la
dy's situation9" She is now in my house,
SIR says she, "and will inform you herself"
On this-she rung bell when Maria, dressed
in deep mourning, entered, and rushing across
the room, threw herself at her fathers feet.
With voice croaked in tears, she could only
say, Forgive me, sir! forgive" He remain
ed a while in suspense, looking first at his
daughter, then at the child-at length the
tears began to flow, and catching Maria in
his arms-''I do forgive thee, my poor child!''
says he: ''from my soul do-all that is past
be forgot-this little angel makes amends for
all"
This sudden stroke of felicity was too much
for Maria, who tainted in her fathers arms. A
scene Of tender confusion ensued, which,
however, soon terminated in transports of af-
lection and gratitude; and the lady, whose
benevolent ingenuity had brought about the
happy event, received the most heartfelt sat
istaction from her success