Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-02-28
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A REMARKABLE INSTANCE OF PATsRNAL FOR
GIvRNEss.
Loon round the habitable world how few
Know their own good or knowing II, pursue :

LOON rOunu tns nhbitable WOTu, now kW
Know their own good or knowing H. pursue
In the west of England, lived Mr.. Spencer
gentlemen of handsome fortune, who was
left widower at an carly 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 graces Of his little Maria, who
soon promised to become all that he had so
much admired in her deceased mother. lie
attended 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 his good sense and knowledge emi.
nen,ly fitted him.
With these advantages, she grew up lovely
and accomplished, in an uncommon degree (;
and seemed in every respect formed to CON-
plete the warmcst wishes of parent. lie
accordingly doated on her with most extreme
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 and
rank. Convinced from an impartial observa-
tion, that happiness in the conjugal state is
only TO be expected from mutual confirmed
relish for sober and rational felicity, the first
and greatest requisite he looked for in SON.
in-law, was a mind formed to steady and ha-
bitual virtue. The character usually distin-
guisbed by the title of man Of pleasure,
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 fia
affection, rendered her also liable to attach.
ments Of q stronger and more dangerous kind.
Unpraciised in the world, she did not look at
mankind with the discerning eyes Of her ia
ther; & where she saw an amiable appearance.
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 a mos
pleasing figure and address, added manner
and conversation the most specious and nsin
uating that could be conceived. lie an
pearcd all softness and refinement, at tho
Iine that his heart was vitiated by the looscs
principles and most confirmed habits Of de
bauchery. Accident gave him an opportu
nifty OF commencing an acquaintance will
Maria, before her father was aware OF the
danger to which she was exposed. The i'm
preston he made was too strong to be eradi-
Gated; and although her father, us soon as
he discovered the connection, used every art
ofpersuason, and every exeriion of parental
authority to dissolve it, he was unable to
succeed.
As Mr.. Spencer constantly refused bis
consent to an union, the unhappy conse-
qnences of which he clearly forcsaw, the
lovers had no other resource to crafty thei
passion than an elopcment. II was long be-
fore one educated in the habits and principle,
that had so carefully been implanted ia
Maria, could resolve upon so rash and guilty
a step; but at length it was determined or
and effected and the unfortunate daughter
was too late convinced Of the dreadful ex
change she had made, Of the caresses of the
most indulgent Of parents, for the fugitiv,
embraces Of an abandoned and fathless hus
band.
Justly incensed as her father was, che durs
not attempt to soften his resentment, which
founded upon an act of disobedience tha
overthrow all his dearest hopes, was likely L
be stedfast and durable. Ater suffering
variety Of misery, both in mind and body, il
following a husband who treated her will
brutal neglect-she buried him in garrison
most indigence the third year after her mar
TluUt, Win " sun uObut tWO ytuIs blu.
She had the good fortune to meet with
comfortable asylum, soon after her arrival, a
the house Off lady who had been her moth
er's most intimate friend. BY her she wa
treated with oil tho kindness Of parent; an,
her beDefactor, dcsirous of doing her still
more essential service resolved to attemp
the arduous task of rcconcilng her to hel
father. As this lady's good sense was cqun
20 her benevolence, she was sensible, that iI
order to succeed IN such an attempt, il was
not advisable 10 make direct application
which would give resentment an opportunity
OF being heard. as well as natural affection ;
ont hrst to nv ken patcrual feelings, and
then urge the suit while the impression wns
slll warm. She had soon an opportunity for
executing her plan.
Mr. Spencer, who had alwnvs ken, nm a,
intercourse District friendship with her. came
10 pay her n visit. II was con,riycd ,h,,
Maris's child. one of the lovclicst children
ever bebeld should corrlcssly enter the room.
and Jlay about among the company. II soon
csnelt The eye OF Mr.. Spencer, who was A..
Ways extremely fund "f children; nnd b,
asked the lady 10 whom The charming boy