The North-Carolina standard., 1842-11-30

sE3e is come, Mr. Clarence is GOMEZ Now God
bless my. dear young lady. Lucy uttered a scream
| of JOY and clasping Ellen around the neck, muir
INJURED Father in Heaven thank, thee and then
tainted with excess of happiness. Her swoon was
brief She recovered almost Immediately, and her
face was radiant with happiness
CLARENCE HAMILTON was pursuing his stu
dies at distant college, and the letter which sum-
noned him to c., had scarcely ntimated dam
ger in the illness of his betrothed. 1t had been
delayed on the way and but half the time OF its
Journey had sufficed to bring the eager, anxious
student to the spot where his heart had stored lis
affections and centred its hopes, next to Heaven,
for Clarence, was more than noble hearted, high
soued man he was a disciple of Jesus Christ,
and he was fitting himself to be Apostle of his
Holy Religion. He had nearly completed his
course of studies and then to be united to the
beautiful Lucy May.
Three months before the Sabbath evening of
which we write, Lucy was in health, and with her
companion Ellen was performing her delightful du-
ties as Sabbath School teacher. Returning home
she was exposed to sudden storm OF rain, and
took cold Her constitution, naturally feeble was
speedily affected, and consumption, that terrible
foe to youth and beauty, seized upon her as anoh-
er victim for IFS mighty 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 feso.
For this dreadful intelligence Clarence was not
prepared He feared, but he hoped more, and
though his heart heavy, Hope kindled
bright smile on his manly face as he entered the
little paror, where he had spent so many hours
of exquisite happiness. He had alighted from the
stage Just before entered the village, and proceed
ed 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
'Carence, my dear Clarence, you have the vel
come of fond hearts
How is L1cy? Why is your face so deadly
pale? oh say she is not dangerously ill, tell me-
and a thought of keener misery entered his
heart; she s-oh my God, my Father in Hea-
ven, strengthen me-she is dying-even now dy-
ing
NAY, my, Clarence said the mother, soothing
ly. Lucy lives, and we must hope for the best:
but be not alarmed if you see her face even paler
than my own Are you able to bear the sight
nowP
There was but little consolation to his fears in
the reply of Mrs May. Lucy was living, but
there was an anguish in the xpression-'hope for
the best and he said hurriedy:
oh take me to her at once-now,' and he pres
sed his hand on his throbbing brow, and then
sinking on his knees, while Mrs. May knelt be-
side him. he entreated God, in a voice cholled with
emotion for strength to bear this trial. to kiss the
rod of chastsement, TO receive the bitter with the
sweet; and prayed that the cup might pass from
him, even as did his Master in the days of his in
and anguish. He arose. and with a
caner voice said:
Il can see her now
At this moment joined them with Lucy's ear
nest request that Clarence should come to her at
once. We entered the chamber just as Ellen had
partially opened blind. and the last rays of sun
light streamcd family through into the room and
fell for moment on the white check of Lucy,
rendering its hue still more snowy. Alas for
Clarence AS his earnest eyes met those of his
betrothed-her whom he had left in the very flush
and perfection of youthful loveliness-now, how
changedl His heart sank within him, and with
wild sob of anguish he clasped her pale thin fin
gers, and kissed her colorless lips, kneeling the
while at the side of her couch.
Clarence, my own Clarence,' said the sweet !
girl, with an effort to rse which she did, support
ed by his arm. He spoke not-he could not
dared not speak
clarence, cheer up, my beloved; but her fot-
tude failed, and all she could do was to bury her
face in her lovers bosom, and weep. We did not
attempt to check their grief; nay we wept with
hem, and sorrow for awhile had its luxury of
ears unrcStraIned.
Clarence at length broke the silence.
Lucy, my own loved Lucy God forgive me
for my selfish grief and he added fervently lift
ing his fearful eyes to Heaven,-Father, give US
grace to bear this trial Alright and turning to me,
added, Pray for US, Doctor-ohl pray that we
may have strength to meet this hour like Chris
ans'
When the voice of prayer ceased, all feelings
we're calmed, but l deemed it advisable to leave
he dear patient to brief repose:- and Ellen alone
we retired to the parlor, where Clar-
ence learned from US more of her illness and of
her true condition, for dared not delude him
with false hopes.
Doctor sald he, with visible anguish, lis there
no hope?'
Not of recovery, fear, though she may lin
ger some time with US, and be better than she is
:o-day.'
Then Gods will be done,' said the young man,
while holy confidence lightened up his face,
now scarcely less pale than that of his betrothed
Lucy.
Day after day the dear girl fingered, and many
sweet hours of converse did Clarence and Lucy
pass together: once even she was permitted to
spend few moments in the portico of the house,
and as Clarence supported her, and saw a tint of
health overspread her cheek, hope grew strong in
his heart But Alice doubted not that she should
die speedily, and happily this conviction had reach
ed her heart ere Clarence came so that the agony