Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-08-04

wrinkled brow revealed, but too plainly, the
narrowing influence of care,
Harassng care that pucks the roses from its cheek
And plants its own dark impress in their stead
AS the physician looked, he felt that his
patients life was drawing to sudden close.
He felt that it was his duty to dispel the hope
that had sustained him and bid him prepare
for his final adieu TO time and his coming en-
trance on eternity. 'Mr. Carwood,' said
he, addressing him, q had hoped, ere this, 10
have seen you well, but it may be that
what! exclaimed Mr.. Clarwood, rising
partly up, and fixing his earnest gaze on the
countenance of the physlclan-'Yo may
die calmly replied the physician. finishing
the sentence. Mr.. Clairwood fell back up
on his pillow. ut is my duty to be candid,
Mr.. Clairwood,' he continued, nothing can
now be gained by concealing the truth
must be candid, you have not many hours to
live Candid gasped the dying mao, why
did you conceal it until now ? My son
Why could you not have told me, that
nigh, have seen him and have died in peace?'
There is yet time replied the physician.
A few hours after Mr.. and Mrs. Clair
wood were alone together. Mr. Clairwood
had Just awoke from fcverish and broken
slumher; turning to his wife, who sat by his
bedside, he inquired-'Is Edward come 2
Not yet was the reply Mrs. Clairwood had
ascertained from time to time her sons situa-
ton. He had gone to the South, and by the
assistance of friend had gained the situa-
ton of tutor in planters family, where he
was still residing. There he was free from
the petty vcxations which had been once
so irksome. He was free, and yet he was
not happy.
A tide of associations, awakened by some
, lrifing circumstance, thoughts of home, OF
parents, of childhood with its sunny hours,
would often sweep through his mind, crea-
ting an almos, irresistible desire to return.
Familiar images, scenes that we're past
haunted his daylight reverics and midnigh.
dreams. There was every thing in his situ-
$ alton that could make him happy and con-
, tented. He was now arrived at mans es-
tate; and, by honorable conduct and the ex-
hibiion Of true talent, had gained the conf
: dencc and esteem of the circle in which he
n moved.
: His intelligence and refinement of man.
ners made him unconsciously the admired o
all admirers. He made no attempt to shine
o he affected no brilliancy of character, bu
:. there was that about him which attracted ant
O retained the affections Of those by whom 1t
Il was surrounded. But there was one tie tia
d bound him to that rich planters family NOR,
# firmly than the dictates of policy or interest
o twas tie that was woven about the ten
drills of his heart, and which gained strength
: each succeeding day TO bind him yet more
q securely.
It The eldest daughter of the planter, love
;. " girl, confded to his care in his capacity o
d tutor. had repaid his instructions, not will
the offering of gratitude alone, but with thu
y warmer tribute of her love. She had beef
y his protege. She became his confidante anc
: was then his betrothcd
y Their mutual VOWS of love and constac,
=, had been long since murmured beneath tn,
I orange groves and mvrtleS of that sunni
= cline, and registered in heaven. The pa
, rents had yielded an unhcsitating assent, ant
~ the day had been fixed for the consumma
n ton of their nuptas.
But there was one drawback on Edward
happiness. One poison mingled in the Gu,
= Of his felicity, 90, migrate, go'-rang in hi
;, ears, as memory recalled the words of hi
mothers parting benedic,on, as wildly a
= if they had been but one day uttered,
y twas evening. Edward and Leila Gran
vile were bending over a comfortable, o,
which were placed number of engravngs
They looked alternately at the engraving
and at each other. Those looks were elo
qnen,; they spoke of happiness, pure anC
unaoycd. Suddenly the hall bell rang VIC
lenlly. Before the servant had time to an.
Swer il, Edward was himself at the door
Opening it, he was accosted bya man whom
/. he did not recognize.
= is Edward Clairwood here this evening?
. said the stranger in an impatient tone.
. : am the person You seek, said Edward
S Good heavens, how you've grown y re-
piled the stranger. Il knew you once you
? have strangely altered. Bnt-well, | have
} no time 20 lose. Your father is dying, Mr.
, CIairwood- he has sent me to impore YOU
. to return; ifyou do not, he dies in wretch
: edncss. As you value his dying blessing,
! and would secure your future happiness,
{ come immcdiately.'
! Edwards emotions may be felt, not de-
scrbed. He stood musing and molonlesS,
til! reused by an impatient exclamation from
the messenger.
} Yes, | will 90 When do you return 2
That depends upon your promptness,
was the qaick reply.
Tomorrow morning. then, said Edward.
'call then, you will find me ready
And the stranger, nodding his head in to-
ken of assent mounted his carriage aud drove
rapidly away.
Edward returned to Leila and in few
hurried words explained the reason of his in
tended absence, promising a speedy return.
She cntreated permission to attend him, but
it was impossible. He babe adieu TO the
family, and before the mornings sun had
risen into the heavens, he was far advanced
on his journey home.
MIR. Clarwood lay on his bed. His regu-
lar but labored breaihings showed that he