Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-02-03
From The Springfield Republican,
CLARA HAYWOOD.


of heaven, and the moon just then appear
ing above the eastern horizon, cast her mild,
svery light down upon earths fair face, and
revealed many a beautiful scene upon which
the eye delighted to gaze, and gazing to adj
mre The noise and hustle Of the day had
subsidized and the man Of business had re-
tired from the scene of his cares and ankle
ties, to seek in the society of loved and
dear ones the forgetfulness of his tolls. The
superb and elegant mansion of the wealthy
Mr.. haywood, situated in one of the princi-
pal streets of the city, was Illuminated with
more than ordinary splendor, Carriages
were constantly approaching and leaving
their occupants and fairy forms were seen
gliding about, while the soft strains of mu-
sic were heard, waited far away on the gen.
tie evening breeze. The wealthy, gay and
fashionable, were assembling within that
lofty abode, to celebrate the return of the
birthday of Clara haywood, the only daugh-
ter of its naughty owner.
Clara was just fifteen: and never was
young girl more beautiful or more beloved.
Her gentleness of soul beamed out from the
depths of her deep blue eye, and frmness of
resolve was stamped upon her high and
snowy brow She had ever been the idol
of her fond fathers heart, and she was his
only one. Her mother, gentle and innocent
as herself, had died when she was yet
child: but the principles Of virtue and piety
which had been instilled into the young heart
of Clara, had never been obliterated; she
was all gentleness and affection, and her
life had hitherto been one of unclouded sun
shine and happiness. A cloud had at length
arisen to mar her peace, and for the first
time in her life Clara was unhappy.
She had retired early on the eve of the
grand fete at her fathers mansion, and with
buoyant heart, and smiling face, arrayed
herself for the occasion. As she was con-
fning her rich, dark hair, by a string of
pearls, which rested like snow-hakes among
the luxuriant curls playing about her cheek,
servant entered and presented her small
billet. She eagerly glanced at the well
known writing ON the envelop and trem-
bingly broke the seal. 1t was apparently
written in haste, andsnnder the influence Of
great emotion 1t ran thus.
Dearest Clara, | cannot make one Of the
happy throng who will assemble at your
fathers house this evening. am unhappy,
miserable We must part, Clara. Yes part,
aud heaven knows if forever Your father
suspects our love- He commands me to
leave the city. Tomorrow morn, ere the
day dawns, / start for-I know not where,
and go--I know not whittier. Dear Clara
/ would see you once again, and bid you
farewell. Meet me in our grotto at the end
of the garden, when the party shall have re-
tired. / shall await you, and do not refuse
perhaps the last request of your unhappy
Henry
As Clara read the contents her cheek
grew pale, and tears trembled upon her long
dark lashes At last she sunk, overcome
with emotion, upon the nearest chair, and
covering her face with both hands, wept con-
vulsively.
And has it come to this, she sighed? o,
Henry must we part-part forever! o,
my father cannot your proud heart be sof-
tened Will you sacrifice the eternal peace
of your only child? Yes, Henry--I will see
thee; and ifthe knowledge that you are low
ed-loved far more that aught else on earth,
can give you comfort, it shall be yours
Clara arose composed, and, joining her
father, was ready to meet her numerous
guests with apparent cheerfulness, though
her cheek was paler than usual, and her soft
eyes would occasionally fill with tears
The heart of the fond father sweled with
pride and Joy, as he gazed with triumph on
the beautiful girl, and smile of satisfaction
isoftened the usually harsh expression Of his
noble features, as ne witnessed the admira-
ton which her presence excited. Clara ex-
erted herselfto appear gay, and her silvery
laugh rung out, and she sang and played
and talked, as if all was peace and quiet with
in.
At a late hour the company dispersed, and
Clara, after kissing her father and bidding
him good night, she retired to her chamber.
1t was near midnight, and in beautiful
grotto at the end of the garden sat a youth,
apparently of about twenty summers, who by
his anxious countenance and impatient CLAN
ces toward the mansion, was evidently a.
waiting the approach of some one from
thence. He was noble looking, with high
white brow, shaded by thick chestnut curls,
and an eye dark, full and pathetic. His lips
were compressed and ever and anon he
raised his hand to his burning temples, as i'll
to still their throbbing.
AT length he started, and eagerly glancing
forward saw the white drapery Of fairy
form, which in another moment was folded
TO his heart The beautiful girl chung con-
vulsiVely to his neck and wept till her heart
seemed near breaking. The youth was too
much affected to speak, and could only press
his lips to her forehead and mingle his tears
with hers.
Clara, he said at last, this must not be.
y, cease these tears, have much to say
You are kind dearest, very kind, thus to VEN
ture forth to meet once more and bid adieu
to one who loves you-ah, more than his