Saturday morning visitor., 1848-09-02
From The Olive Branch.
MARIA CLIFFORD.
OR, THE PROTEGE.
BY EMMA wHARroE.
( (HnnnI,,,lo,I
Concluded
CHAPTER w.
ny EMMA wHARroS.


1t was midnight. Sidney Percival sa
alone in his chamber, trying to compre
bend his situation. The events Of the las
two days had passed SO rapidly, that h,
could, with difficulty, realize j, was moi al
dream. On the morrow he must qui
the home of his childhood forever. Where
should he go, and what were his plans fol
the fu,urep Reared in afflnence, the ac.
knowledged heir of large fortune, he
vas totally unaccusiomed TO business, and
untitled by habit, 10 cope with adversely
How deeply he regretted that he had not
by acquiring practical know ledge OF bn.
siness, prepared himself for obtaining his
own subsistence.
Had he done right, in thus setting him
sell in opposition 10 those who had pro-
iected him from infancyp His mother
had placed him. helpless infant, in their
arms, and blessed him and them, and pray
ed that he might be to them duiiful child
and they had cared for him, and although
capricious, and occasionally, perhaps, e> en-
arbitrary, had been, on the whole, indul-
gent parents, and he loved them tenderly.
Would not his parents condemn his con-
duct in thus braving their power?
AS these thoughts passed through his
mind, he almost resolved 10 ask their for
giveness, and give up the contest. For
he knew too much Of those with whom he
had TO deal, 10 suppose that they would
not fulfil their threats, or that he could
purchase pardon on other terms. But the
vision Of the screaming child, writhing
beneath the cruel lash, rose before him
ard he solemnly vowed TO protect her, at
whatever hazard.
II am strong and healthy" said he,
land l can soon find way 10 support both
her and myself. know my own dear
parents would not condemn me for pro-
iecting poor orphan, SO much abused"
A soft knock disturbed his cogitaiions,
and bidding The intruder enter, Maria
Clifford made her appearance.
81 have come," said she, "to beg you
will not get yourtelf into trouble on my
account. Susan says that Mr.. Eldridge
will turn you out sf the house, and never
let you come back again. Will he be SO
cruel?"
"He will, Maria" answered Sidney,
"unless | will ask his forgiveness, and al
low him 10 whip yeu as much as he likes"
ii had rather" exclaimed the grateful
girl, "he should whip me thousand times,
Than YOU should have 10 60 away. But I
will beg SO hard, that perhaps they will
not punish me any more"
BID they say laid Sidney, "that they
will punish you again unless you own that
you broke the vase"
The child started and new idea seem
ed to flash across her mind.
but what Is | should tell them l did
il ?" said she eagerly.
"But did you breIk it ?" demanded Sid
ney, slight suspicion that she might, al
ter all, be guilty CHASING his mind.
20, no." answsed she; 81 did moi
and | will not say tba, | did, TO save my
self from being whipped. My mother,
The night she died, Pld me never TO tell
lie; that i'll woulS he good girl, and
love God. he would like care of me; and
however dark it miEht be about me, it
would all end right"
"And SO my child, L willl" exclaimed
our hero, pressing hlr in his arms, "if
you will only love Him. But now, my
dear, go 10 your bed, and think no more
Of il tonight"
In accordance with lie resolution, Sid
ney Percival, the fOilSwing morning, in
the most respectful ami affeclionste Ian
guage, endeavored 10 chvince his adopt
ed parents of the innoed pee Of Maria Cliff
ford, and the rectilude If his own ihten-
tions; at the same limi boldly avowing
his intention 10 protect her from further.
punishment, al every hkard, and 10 takes
her with him, should b be obliged TO
leave the house.
''But she Was bound idme by the prop. +.
'er authorities" began Nj |. Eldridge, "and
they are bound 10 defenl my right 10 re-
tain her."
'Ii you appeal tnthe authority" repli-
ed our hero, coolly,''I viii summon The
servant and others yho have been in the
house, 10 attest how cruLlly you have a.
Opsed her."
This threat prod&e5 he proper effect
for aware that his .9hdue, would moi bear
investigation, Mr.. .Hdrldse muttered some
thing about abase iieFalinde, /" and rush |
ed from the room. WiIh an aching heart
and tremulous lips ,he took leave OF Mrs,
EIdridee, who reitned his sdieus with
sulIen haughiiness, bnd left the house.
Tia, Mr.. Eldrias could see the child |