The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-11-06

think. from any circumstances, that Isabel.
rather than resign the spiendor that surrounds
her, would bear with insult and humiliation he
would lose all respect for her. She would sink
into the character Of "a toadv,' than which
nothing can De more contemplate.
How is this 10 be managed Z asked her
mothe,. Your father Clara, would drive YOU
a beggar from his doors il he knew YOU 10 treat
With unkindnsss this child OF his adoption, who
is surplsnting MS all in his afectious.'
He need never know it, was the reply; is
he not confined constantly TO his sick room
before him We can bcsguarded. But mamma
il will not do for me TO act n this matter. You
must say things bitter to hesr--hard, hard for
the dependent spirit to bear; il will be my part
TO shield Isabel from your anger, and so judic-
iously will play il, that Harry will believe me
her iriend.-lsabel Is proud. but her heart over
flows with affection for my father she has be-
come indispensibly necessary TO his comfort.
and for his sake, she would bear much in ST
lence. Yes, DO Justice to her virtues she
would never betray the wife and daug ghrer. lest
upon the husband aud father. the blow should
fall SO heavily as TO destroy his peace. There
is but one thing can mar our plan--a letter from
lndia-should that stern old man relent. when
he hears OF his sisters death, and continue TO
Isabel the allowance settled on her mother
Sydenham will know at once. that whatever was
the cause Of iorbearauce IN Isabel il was not a
mean subservsncy for the sake of interest
Clara was silert-wo To the child whose
mother in an hour like that is found wanting |.
Mrs. Malverton dislked Isabel Everett perhaps
as much for her attention TO her uncle, rs for
any other cause--it contrasted TOO strongly with
her own neglect and indifference. She ran in
TO an error the reJy arifal are liable to do-she
thought her a hypocrite. Very readily she
entered into the spirit OF Clara's plot. secretly
resolving not to spare when an opportunity Of
tered Of putting II into execution.
On the afternoon of that day, Clara left tho
house for walk she kept on the his h road
that led TO the town for some time. as she was
about turning off in direction leading TO the
river she saw Edward Merton rapidly advancing
and signing for her TO stop.
am very glad have overtaken you he
said as he joined ber you were walking so
fast ! was afraid you would not observe me
by the way. have brought your letters from
the post olhce.-Old Peabody asked me if |
was coming this way, aud would take charge
Of them, there being one Mr. Mayeuon was
expecting from India
From India = said Clara, and the color fad
ed away from her check and lip, giving to he
er of the human countenanco was Ned Merton
aud be knew by the face he looked upon, Their
was sore anguish in the hear. IL is no wei
come letter this, he thought, yet why ?
Shall give it into your charge p he said
perhaps yOu would prctcr it,! the color rush
ed back to the face of CIara--ay, even to tn
very temples. Merton had armed random
shot, he saw it told, and, with an inperlinenc,
very common TO men Of his class. he veninret
yet farther. Can he Of any use TO you in III,
disposal Of this letter? perhaps | had better
walk on with il, and not trouble you TO be the
bearer!
Ii was with bitter pang, Clara admitted to
herself. Merton had dIyIhed her anxiety to pos
ses the letter: to secure il was her determination
at any risk. She extended her hand will take
charge of this same welghty epistlc, on which
SO many words have been wasted; give II to me.
so ] will said Merton, but let me under
stand you right. Are you going 10 deliver II 10
your father Believe me, ] do not ASK from
curiosity; | might inadvertently do miscbi in
conversation with Mr.. Malversn.'
Clara could have crushed him beneath her
foot; and it was only by a strong effort she
could master her voice sufficiently to answer,
Give me the letter, sir-ibls is insolcnt
NV fathers state Of health is TO frsll 10 admi,
of his hearing agiiating news; and If such
there be in that letter, he will not see il Mer-
ton was not to be deceived he had Known
Clara for years, and he knew her conduct
would have been laughter far, If she felt her
self free from all suspicion. II was desper-
ate game but Ned Merton was a man Of des-
perate fortune.
Permit inc 10 accompany you home, he
said respectfully we will then give the letter
TO Miss Evere,t-of course the contents nearly
concern her; she will be Judge Of the proprie-
iy Of showing il 10 Mr.. Malveron.'
Clara saw there was M alternative.
Give me the leiter--keep ii a profound Sc
cret, aud you make me your friend forever
Enough. we understand each other,'-and
he surrendered il at once. lie walked some
distance with her. striving, by the respectful
deleronce Of his manner and his insidous fiat
terry. TO reconcile her to him and herself Once
master Of her secrets. and he resolved ia due
tine to make her his wife or By exposing her
character. bring shame upon hei head, she
would never endure. lie little knew Clara
Malverop. or the towering pride Of her deter
mined oaturc-she would have died, ere she
would have given herself TO poverty and Ned
Merton.
At the door Clara parted with Merton her
self.conhdencc restored, and the guilty pangs ia
her bosom s,iIlcd. by the powerful opiate. ad-
miuistered to her vanity. That evening Harry
Sydenham came over be and Isabel were IN
animated conservation when Mrs. Malyeron
entered the room.
IIo. can you reconcile ii TO your sense Of
duty. Miss Everett" she asked scorniuliy, "to
desert your dear uncle for really she said,
turning 10 Sydenham. " she shames Us by her
excessive devotion 10 Mr.. Mayenon. flowey-
.r, excuse her over anxiety. knowing the OBJ
iec, she has in view /, Was long suce lsa-
bel had received any marks Of affection from
her aunt. but she was quite unpreparef for re-
buke; she made an attempt 10 answer, bot her
heart was too deeply wounded unable to COM
maDd herself, she left the room. As she went
out, Mrs. Malyeuon s1id. THE woman Who
would sacrifice her Independence Of mind. for
the bread she eats and the garments .hs wears,
would sacrifice her integrity Of character for as
tiyh' a causen