The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-11-22

'-J ""'" youHS iuuy. Lucy uttered scream OF JOY,
and casping Ellen around the neck ,murmured, 'Falh
er IN Heaven thank thee,' and then tainted with
excess ofhappness Her swoon was brief-She re-
covered almost Immediately, and her face w rudi-
ant with happiness
CLARENCE HAMILTON was pursuing his stud
les at distant college, aud the letter which
moned him to C, had scarcely inmated danger
IN the illness OF his betrothed 1t had been delayed
on the way, md but half the time Of its journey had
sulced TO brlug the eager, anxious student TO the
spot where his heart had slowed his affections and
centered Its hopes, next to heaven for Clarence was
more than noble hearted, high souied man, he was
a disciple Of Jesus Christ land he was fitting himself
to be an Apostle of his Holy Religion He had near
y completed his course of studies, and was then 10
be united to the beautiful Lucy May.
Three months before the Sabbath evening of which
we write, Lucy was in health, and with her compan-
ion Ellen was performing her delightful duties as a
Sabbath School Teacher. Returning home she was
exposed to sudden storm oeeran, and took cold.
Her constitutions naturally Feeble speedily aifec
ted and consumption, that terrible foe to youth and
beauty seized upon her another victim for its Nigh
tv holocaust TO DEATH At first the type of her disease
was mild, but within three weeks it had assumed
fearful character, and now her days were evidently
fen.
For this DIRE adful intelligence Clarence wds not
prepared He feared, but hoped more and though
his heart was heavy, Hope kindled bright smile on
his manly face as he entered the little parer, where
he had spent so many hours of exquisite happiness
lie had aghted from the stage Just before it entered
the village land proceeded at once to the residence of
Lucy.
AS Mrs. May entered the room, the smile on his
lips faded, for her pale face told tale TO his heart
'Clarcnce, my dear Clarence, you have the well
come Of fond hearts,
slow is Lucy? Why is your face so deadly pale?
oh! say she is not dangerously i'll, tell me'-and a
thought of keener misery entered his heart she is
oh my God, my Father in Heaven, strogthen me
she is dying-evon now dying!'
NAY, nay, Clarence said the mother, soothingly.
Lucy lives and must hope for the best: but be not
alarmed if you see her face paer than my own.
Are you able to bear the sight now?'
There was but little consolation to his fears in the
reply of Mrs. May. Lucy was living; but there was
anguish in the cxpresson-hope for the best, and
he said hurriedly:
ooh take me to her at once -now,' and he pressed
his hand on his throbbing brow, and then sinking
his knees, while Mrs May knelt beside him, he en-
treated God, in a voice choked with emotion, for
strength to bear this trial. to kiss the rod of chasse
ment to receive the bitter with the sweet; and pray
ed that the cup might pass from hin, even did his
Master in the days of his incarnation and anguish
He arose, and with a camer voice said:
q can her now
At this moment joined them with Lucy's earnest
request that Clarence would come to her at once
We entered the chamber just Ellen had partially
opened blind and the last rays of sunlight streamed
family tn rough the room, and fell for moment on
the white cheek of Lucy rendering its hue still more
snowy. Alas! for Clarence. AS his ernest eyes
met those of his betrohed-her whom he had left in
the very flush of youthful oveliness-now, how
changed! His heart sank within him. and with a
wild sob of anguish he cIasped her pale thin fingers
and kissed her coorcss lips, kneeng the while at
the side of her couch.
Clarence, my own Carencc,' said the sweet girl,
with an effort to rise, which she did, supported by
his arm. He spoke not-he could not-dared rot
! speak!
Clarence, cheer up, my beloved;' but her forth
tude failed and all she could do was to bury her
face in her lovers bosom, and weep We did not at
tempt to check their grief; nay we wert with them,
and sorrow for awhile had lis luxury for tears unrc-
| strained
Clarence at length broke the silence.
lucy, my own loved Lucy! God forgive me for
my selfish grief and he added fervently, lifting the
fearful eyes to Heaven Father, give us g;oce to
bear this trial Alright, and turning to me, added pray
for us, Doctor-oh! pray that we may have strength
to meet this hour like Christians
When the voice of prayer ceased, all feelings were
Gained, but deemed it advisable TO leave the deal
patient to brief repose:-and Ellen alone remaining
we retired to the paro, where Clarence learned from
ne more Of her illness and of her condition. for
| dared not delude him with false hopes.
Doctor, said he with visible anguish, is there nc
hope?'
sNot of recovery, i fear, though she may llngcl
some time with u.s. and be better than she is to day
srhen Gods will be done,' said the young man
while holy confidence ghtened up his lace, nov
scarcely less pale than that of his betrothed Lucy
Day after day the dear girl fingered, and man.
sweet hours of converse did Clarence and Lucy pas