Madison Whig advocate. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1839-1841, 1839-06-08

3
to the spring, afforded their only clue
even to passing remark. The deepest
interest which his appearance excited in
the bosom Of Isabel conquered the scru-
plies of vestal reserve. and she frequent
ly ventured a timid enquiry respecting
the aged invalid There are a thousand
nameless attentions too trifing for des-
criptlon, that come with n cheering in
tiuence over the feeling heart, like the
imperceptible breeze that stirs the deli
cate leaf. Such were the attentions
which misfortune invariably elected
from the hand of Isabel, no matter how
narrow her sphere of action. Her voice
her step were already known to the
discriminating ear of the old man, and
if his cane was dropt, or a seat was
brought to him, he knew the ready hand
that presented it. He was, however.
evidently and rapidly iaiIing-and at
last Isabel, met the interesting strangers
no longer. Three days passed, and her
attendance on her friend became a pen
ance. A walk was proposed. and weary
Of herself. she gladly became one Of the
party. As they passed within view of
village cemetry, her gaze was arrested
by funeral procession. Their duties
were finished and soon were returning
but there was one. who vet lengered
and with folded arms leaned over the
new made grave! Could it be? YES. it
was the youthful stranger-and Isabel at
once comprehended the melancholy
scene. The party proceeded, and ere
RI hr
was flooded with the silver light of a full
moon. The feelings Of Isabel were rem
dered yet more intense by the softening
influence of the hour. and almost unable
to proceed, she leaned on the arm Of the
friend, whose strength was yet but inn
perfectly restored, and fell behind her
gaver companions. A gain the eve was
turned to the last asylum Of humanity
the solitary mourner had left the spot.
and with a melancholy step. was slowly
returning to the village. Their paths
intercepted and he was already before
her. He bowed, and both we're for some
moments silent. He at length said in a
voice of suppressed emotion. The
causes which have brought me hjther
are terminated in the grave. leave
this place tomorrow. Suffer me then.
Miss, even at this moment of sorrow. to
thank YOU. for the interest YOU have
evinced in the suffc rings of my departed
father-for the soothing attentions YOU
have paid him. If the cup of affection
is ever yours, may some spirit gentle as
your own, temper its bitterness-some
being. bright and lovely as yourself
however round your pillow Isabe
could not reply. Her party had now
halted, and as she rejoined them, the |
Young stranger uttered a siiled farewell. |
and striking into another path, disap- |
Dearcd On her return the subdued Tsa- |
bel was pressed to the bosom Of her I
father. If any thing at this moment
could have given her pleasure, it was
MS arrival. as she painted to leave a spot .
hat was now to her, utterly devoid of
interest. The light adieus of cerc-
nony were easily concluded, and early
he following morning she was equipped
or departure.
As her father handed her into the car
.iage, he stopped to speak with an ac-
Iuaintance, while a young man, who
vas passing at that moment, suddenly
,aused and clasping his hand, exclaimed.
Mr.. Courtney, my benelactor." Il do
lot understand you, SIR" said the aston
shed Courtney. know no one who can
i've me so fattering title. "Ah," said
he young man whose countenance and {
Dice was but too familiar to the trem-
ling Isabel. ''am | so changed? | am I
.lvah Hamilton, the soldiers son. whom. 5
even years ago, YOU rescued from ex- {
RENE poverty" Mr.. Courtney pressed I
is hand with emotion. You mean, my t
Dung friend. the scornlul boy whom
-ould have rescued, but for his intolera- :
lie pride" "Oh, sir, evasion is unavail- t
10. We could not mistake the hand c
nat relieved US. Have YOU not some f
lterest In hearing-wlll YOU not suffer +
le TO tell YOU. what have been the fruits c
f your bounty?'' Il shall gladly listen II
aught in which YOU are concerned" j
lid Mr.. Courtney, and Alvah proceeded e
Two davs after YOU left US. nv poor a
ther was removed to a more comfort T
bic shelter, and was entered at school. ?
could yet attend TO the personal wants /;
my father, and melted to exertion BY s
very claim of gratitude and duty, | n
1t could not progress in my studies. !
as soon a ready penman and acomptant, Il
I'd year afterwards was received into Ii
wealthy mercantile house as an under p
ERIK. My wages enabled me to make h
provisions for my father, and IL
ey were yearly augmented" ''And III
wv" he added, in a subdued tone, is
since he is at length called to receive ::
r higher wealth than that of earth, my II
st exertions shall be to discharge the e.
cuniary part of that obligation which tn
IS so greatly influenced my present des- OF
~" ''The obligation which you be
eak Of" said Mr.. Courtnes. ''does not pa
ist. An ample equivalent was at once la
ceived 10 the pleasure Of assisting in &c
ynant virtue Do not then wound at
ain by SO unjust an allusion-but tell c.
:, is your father no more" ''Alvah th
efy sketched the late events. and Mr.. M
urtney now shook him warmly by the fet
nd. Farewell, dear Alvah. My ed
rriage has been some time waiting; fla
ieve me that rejoice in your prospe- ha
Y and rpuaau,har Won may Iva vS n