Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-10-09

entered the humble cottage Of the parents Of Clau-
dine. The boy and the mother were there the IA
Their was out, pursuing his occupation. The poor
woman overwhelmed me with thanks, and said that
Claudne bad asked for me many times. she
would have died upon the cold road but for you
said the good woman.
Presently was conducted TO Claudine's cham.
Der The hapless girl lay upon her small pallet
the scene was silent and solemn Across the lat.
ticed window the vine threw its foliage screen.
ing the chamber from the intrusion ofthe sunbeams
Everything was remarkable for its nealness and or.
der IN the place. Clnudne fixed her eyes upon me
asl entered; presently they sufused with tears
| sat down by her bedside. And how is Claudine
to-day said l.
She closed her eyes for moment, and motioned
with her head signify that her case was hopeless
and then she put her hand forth, aud taking mine
within hers endeayored TO raise it to her lips, but
her strength was not sufficient and her hand fell 10
her side She sighed al this indication Of her de-
bility, but spoke to her in words Of consolation
and hope, and endeavored 10 encourage her to
thoughts Of life and happiness. But all hope SEEM
ed TO have fled from her, that which she had in
heaven.
In the course Of the morning. she was able TO
speak to me- and found that her greatest fear was
that her prayers were not heard on high How
can sinner like myself murmured she, hope TO
be heard, or have prayer received
endeavored to assure her of the great mercy Of
the Creator and succeeded at length in calming
the mind, and removing her apprehension II was
then that she mentioned Frederic. had abstain
ed from naming her betrayer, fearful Of the conse-
quences; but now she spoke Of them with CON-
posure. i forgive him, she said, for the misery
he has brought upon me. forgive him, deeply
though he has wronged me and il dared would
breathe prayer 10 heaven Tor him, for surely he
must need our prayersp And then she clasped her
hands. and her lips moved if suppIicating par
don for her betrayer
AT this moment loud outcry was heard below
The brother Of Claudine, who had remained there.
called for his parents TO come down, and his cries
were mingled with an exclamation oft repeated, in
tone Of great agony and exhaustion, Am i too
later
Gracious heaven that vocer exclaimed the
mother of the dying girl and before had time TO
make enquiry as to the matter the poor woman had
lelt the room, and presently heard her endssvor-
ing to prevent some one from ascending the stairs
The intruder uttered but sentence, and that
was in tone as il his whole heart and soul were
absorbed in the question, 'dm too late 2
The effort ofthe stranger to enter was too strong
TO be resisted, and in moment pale man, ex-
hansted and covered with dust, rushed into the
room, and as he entered he repeated his cry, Am
I too late 2
Alas the heart-stricken Claudne had recogniz-
ed the well-known voice and features Of her beray-
err and had fallen back upon her bed, and there she
lay, seemingly liieless; her lips we're white, and
quiyered not, and her hand was cold and power
less. The frenzied youth fell on his knees at the
bed side, and in frantic tone duplicated heaven
TO restore her TO him, whom he still loved and to
whom he was DESTROYS of making PREPARATION. He
had been led away from virtue and truth by the
pleasures which his fortune commanded; but bav-
ing proved their hoowness, he had returned, like
the weared dove from its wanderings the drea-
ry waste OF the world to the ark Of his happiness,
the heart and home OF Claudine.
Frederic believed the maiden to be really dead,
and he gave himself up to despair. But | percev-
ed that she was only overcome by the sudden shock
OF his appearance. and requested him TO restrain his
emotions, while and the good mother endeavored
to restore Claudine Our efforts soon produced
the desired effect Claudne awakened in the
world. She looked around the room inquiringly,
as If in search of some object she had beheld in a
dream, and when her eyes rested upon the droop-
ing pentent at her feet, she gazed at him for
ment with fixed expression, and then her emotion
vented itself in tears.
'Caudine, Claudine forgive me Oh. forgive
mel cried the youth in tone Of passionate emo
ton.
Ihave nothing 10 forgive, murmured the girl,
my heart has already made peace with all on earth.
My thoughts are now for my own peace with heay-
en- !
Bless thee bless thee, Claudine Live, oh live,
for happiness and me 7
Hush, hush = whispered Claudine, breathe not
a sound of earthly passion now II Is too iafeP
oh, no heaven will surely spare thee, TO bless
my love-
1t is too late,' repeated Claudine. Leave me,
leave me, Ipray. have but few moments long
er to tarry in the world and would fix my thops
on my souls peace hereafter 7
"Depart-depart | pray thee, for the drear
Last hour Of life is passing DER mel
cannot yield my breath, ifihvu art near
To bid me live for thee
But come when l AN dead
No terror shall be pictured my face,
shall lie calm, my last mortal bed,
Without passions trace
NO oh, no = shreked the lover. You must not
shall not die : and sprnging up, with Wild emo
ton, he left the room
He was not long absent, and returned bringing
medical attendant Of repute, who, on discovering
the circumstances Of the case ordered Frederic TO
leave the house The lover was astonished but
the doctor was imperative. She may recover he
said, but every moment you remain here serves TO
increase her disorder. The lover then departed,
and for three weeks he came not near Claudne.--
Still he lowered about her cottage, and felt happy
If he could catch the tones of her voice, while
standing at the stairs foot The skill of the ply
stefan had so far succeeded that, at the end Of the
period we have named Frederic and Claudine met.
And OIL what meeting was that Claudne had
been rescued from the embraces Of death to enjoy
the love of him who had been rescued from the
snares Of the world
And happiness was in store for them, full, true
and enyibe happiness. ] continued at Lausanne
till after their wedding | saw the beautiful Clau-
dine, she whom had rescued from perishing by
the roadside, and whom | had seen almost in the