Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-06-03
suddenly paused, and clasping his hands, ex.

| --~.s~~3
claimed 1a
Mr.. Wilton, my benefactor!
Il do not understand you, sir said the as
tonished Wilton. i know Of no one who can
give me SO fattering title ~
'Ah!' said the young man, whose counte-
nance and voice were but too familiar TO the
trembling Isabel, 'am then so changed! |
am Wilder Lee. the soldiers son, whom seven
years ago you rescued from poverty ''-''.
Mr.. Wilton pressed his hand with emotion.
You mean would have rescued, but for
his intolerable pride. % ' l' N -aia'r
'Ah, sir, evasion is unnecessary. We
could not mistake the hand that relieved u.s.
Have you, then. no interest in hearing-will
you not suffer me to tell you what has been the
effect of your bounty!'
Il shall gladly listen to anything in which
you are concerned said Mr.. Wilton.
Two days after you left us, my father was
removed 10 more comfortable dwelling, and
| was entered at school. could yet attend to
the personal wants of my father; and, melted
to exertion by every claim of gratitude and du-
ty, could but progress in my studies. was
soon ready penman and accountant; and a
year afterwards, was received into wealthy
mercantile house as a,clerk. My wages en-
abled me to make immediate provisions for my
father, and they were yearly augmented; and
now,' he added, in subdued tone, since he is
called to receive far higher wealth than that of
earth, my first exertion will be to discharge
the pecuniary part of my obligation, which has
SO greatly influenced my present destiny 81
The obligation you speak of does not ex-
ist,' said Mr.. Wilton. AN ample equivalent
was at once received, in the pleasure of assist
ing those who were worthy. Do not, then,
wound my feelings, by so unjust an illusion =
But tell me, is your venerable father no more
Wilder briefly sketched the late events
And Mr.. Wilton now shook him warmly by
the hand. sa i.E .Faa4 na lHas1-
Farewell, dear Wilder; my carriage has
been some time waiting Believe me that l
rejoice in your prosperity, and remember that
you may always command my friendship.
81 Wilder looked wistfuly after him as he de-
parted, but the form of Isabel was not visible
She had shrunk back in the carriage at his ap-
proach, and had thus escaped observation
From her father, who was himself too much
excited to notice the agitation of his child, she
now heard description of his first knowledge
of Wilder Lee. She made no comments, but
every word was treasured up in her heart and
though years passed away without single
event to recall his memory, every vision of her
fancy, every idea of romantic excellence in the
imagination of Isabel, was identified with his
image. The imperishable attachment, how
ever, partook of the high tone of her mind
1t was deep and sacred principle, hidden in
the recesses other heart, and leaving no trace
on the surface of her character.
Isabel was too lovely 10 remain unsought,
and Mr.. Wilton was astonished at her decided
rejection Of repeated and splendid offers. He
expostulated, he entreated, he taxed aer with
perverseness. She deprecated his anger with
seraphic gentleness. She anticipated his every
wish but her frmness remained unshaken.-
His attention was at length called to objects
of yet deeper anxiety. His love of pleasure,
his recklessness of gain, had gradually wasted
an estate, which, though sufficient for all the
chaster elegancies of life, was inadequate to
the support of prodigalily.
He now stood on the verge of ruin. and
those who had shared his substance looked
coldly and carelessly on his wreck; while the
unhappy Wilton, driven to madness, could
scarcely believe the perfdy of the world he
had implicitly trusted. The family seat was
to be publicly sold, and the fearful day had ar
rived. While it was yet under the hammer, a
new bidder appeared, apparently from dis
tance; his horse dripped with sweat, and his
countenance was pale and agitated. The prop
Ferty, as is usual in such cases, was going, at
half its value, and the stranger bid it off Mr..
Wilton was still the occupant. and the new
proprietor waited on him Immediately. Isabel
had that moment left her father for some do
nestle call, and the unfortunate man was mus
ing on their impending expulsion from their
recent residence, when Wilder Lee stood sud-
denly before him. aao2 f'74 8faaa
Welcome, most welcome to my heart, dear
est Wilder, he exclaimed; i can no longer
welcome You to my home. You have come to
witness my removal from all that was once
mine. l am now only here on sufferance
Tomorrow may have no shelter for my head.
Not so,' cried Wilder: you have yet a
shelter; your presenthome is still yours and
no earthly power can expel you from it,
What mean you!' said the astonished Will
ton. fr'aln.1 s up ah -N
Fourteen years since,' he replied, you
presented my father sum which then pre-
served him from want, and secured my subse-
quent wealth. He received it but as loan,
and that debt devolved on me. True, you dis
claimed it; but it was yet uncancelled. Re-
luctant to offend you, delayed its discharge,
though the amount was long since appropriat-
ed in my imagination for that purpose. 1t has
not however, lain idle. The profits of ehouse
in which some years ago became partner,
have been considerable. Your little capital
has acquired lis share, and its amount has this
day redeemed your forfeited estate. BY a
mere accident, had seen it advertised, and
lost no time in Fastening hither; 'and now,
he added, with smile, taking the hand of Mr.
Wilton, will you not welcome your Wilder