Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-06-03
IS, he cannot have even in an ordinary

But for his taste for learning said the ole
soldier, he must have been utterly destitute
There were hours however, when he could no
labor, and as these were always devoted ia
study, he has gradually acquired its common
principles II s.i.,-, ys ..,s ,so-.f q,
a. The entrance of Wilder himself interrupted
this conversation. He had brought some little
delicacies for his father, the avais of his days
labor. ,......-....,. g.. ....,i.. d
1 have just been thinking, said Mr.. Will
ton, 8 of making some arrangement, with the ap
probation your father, for your future establish
ment grieve to see a boy of promise thus
losing the spring time oflife.' o 9sg- V
You forget, SIR said Wilder, respectfully
bowling, that l can accept no proposal tha
would separate me from my father, however
advantageous 4sl... u .He .t.5...sn
Certainly not, in his present situation; but
have friends here who will readily assist me
in making suitable provision for his support
and you may then be put to business that will
secure TO you future competence aai
H' Impossible, sir. My father can have No
claims like those on his son. IT'S bnt shor,
time since my weakness required his support
and shall now transfer the duties of filial
gratitude to the hands of charity!' 1 "a
Mr.. Wilton knew not what to reply.
DO not think me ungrateful for your prof
ferred Kindness continued the boy, while his
dark eyes swan in tears, and every trace Of
pride suddenly gave place to the liveliest ex-
preston of gratitude. I feel most deeply
your solicitude for my interest; but, indeed
sir, am perfectly happy in my present condi-
tion. My father, too, is satisfied with the
slender provision which my labor affords -
and should it hereafter become insufficient,
will not scruple to ask the aid of benevo-
lence.' --- .t Ev- .J .H
Mr.. Wilton was affected. The soldier again
leaned his head upon his staff, and was proba-
bly, invoking blessings on the head of his son.
storm had commenced, and the sleet was
even then dripping through the broken roof
Mr.. Wilton then rose to depart.
Must | then co. he exclaimed, without
rendering you any service! Will you not
even accept'-and he put his hand into his
pocket.
But Wilder drew back with an expression
that answered the unfinished sentence.
The old man gave him his hand with an air
of benignity- v.l ..
Accept my thanks, sir; and suffer me to
inquire the name of him who has thus sou ght
the dwelling of poverty.' r
The stranger gave him his name and ad-
dress, and, receiving promise that they
would seek him in future need, reluctantly left
them. - Hri .-
Mr.. Wilton was man of feeling, but he
was also man Of pleasure and, with the vo-
taries of dissipation, the soft and holy whisper
ings of benevolence are too often lost in more
seductive strains. The scene he had now wit
messed had, however awakened all his better
principles. The dignifed submission of the
father, the proud humility of the son, prefer
ring the most servle labor to the shadow OF
dependence, his deep, but quiet tenderness, for
his unfortunate parent, and his perfect exemp-
ton from selfish feeling, all were vividly i'm
pressed on the visitor. If intercourse with
the good, influence even cold and torpid hearts,
that influence mnst be strong indeed on the soul
of feeling. Ui
For little time, the pageantry of the world
lost its power on the gay Wilton, and all the
haunis of pleasure were forgotten He shud-
dered as he contrasted the elegance that sur
rounded him with the desiituion he had wit
messed. The straw pallet of age aud infrmity,
the picture that memory drew, seemed even
yet more vivid than the reality. The follow
ing day, Mr.. Wilton had left the city but a
blank cover, inclosing two hundred dollars, had
been placed, by an unknown hand, in that of
the old soldier. fH
Years passed away, and the glow of un-
earthly pleasure that the traveller then expert
enced was gradually forgotten. The blandish-
ments of pleasure resumed their wonted nAu-
ence, her glittering wave hurried him onward
without the power Of reflection; and, if a mo-
mentary wish would have led him to inquire
the further fate of Wilder Lee, the bright
phantasms that surrounded him diverted his
purpose. Death had deprived him of an amia-
Bile wife, whose influence might have won him
from the sphere of illusion; and his only
child, early accustomed to the rounds of fash
ionable pursuits, thought not then of opposing
them. e } --r u r
The exalted sentiments, however, which,
even in childhood, she had mbibed from heI
mother, preserved her from that communicating
influence; and amid the blsh,s of gay world
the purity of her character remained stainless
as the SHOWS of an unapproachable cliff. Gen.
tie as the reed OF summer, she yielded to the
impulses of those with whom her lot was east
but her mind, supported by her sainted mother
escaped the thraldom which habit might other
wise have secured. At the age of fifteen. sh,
accompanied an invalid friend TO the medca
springs at Harrodsburgh. This village, a
that time, was place Of fashionable resort
and, to mind like that of Isabel Wilton, al
forded themes of limtless reflection. Tn
buoyancy of health were here contrasted will
the languor of disease the hectic of dealt
with the laugh of revelry; palpable images o
mortality mingled with the votaries of pleas
ure; the lstless who strove to annihilate time
and the dying who sought 10 add yet few
more daYs TO those that theu had nour ,o nun,