in the arms of her servant. to console her, and to justify the part I had taken, assuring her that it originated solely in a desire for her welfare, and respectable settlement in life. She was too well convinced of the sincerity of my affection to blame my motives-still the measure, designed though it was to promote her worldly interests, was evidently one which met not the approbation of her heart. I then called over at Rosehall, designing to apologize for what I had done, but found that he had gone off several hours before. It appeared that he had been greatly beloved, for the whole family were sunk in grief. The lady herself had entreated him even with tears to return as soon as he conveniently could, after the mournful occasion was over; but he continued inexorable. His feelings had been much tried in parting with the young people, to whom he was devotedly attached. On my return home, I wrote to Mr T-, upbraiding him for the baseness of his conduct, in reference to Mr R, and received a reply filled only with the most horrible imprecations. Shortly after, he left the place, but not before mournful traces of his villany had become visible. Meanwhile, Amelia remained inconsolable. Hers was not a violent paroxysm of affection, which speedily wastes itself in the violence of symptoms, and then disappears. It had taken entire possession of her heart; and it continued its power till reason had utterly departed from her throne. All was now sadness and desolation in the once happy residence of Bentley House. The sun arose, day after day, shedding down his benignant rays on the surrounding landscape. All was 'beauty to the eye and music to the ear,' but our dwelling contained one tenant that heeded them not-one, did I say!-all seemed insensible to what was passing around. During this, my agony was intense. Conscience never ceased to utter reproaches,-even the silent looks of my domestics spoke tterable things;' and I viewed myself as one of the greatest monsters under heaven. In this state Amelia continued for three months, when reason again dawned; but it brought along with it no diminution of her sorrows. Her physicians, one and all, ascribed her illness to some painful circumstance pressing upon her mind, and declared that till this was removed they had no hope of her recovery. I immediately wrote to Mr R-, urgently desiring him to meet me at, but received no answer. A tour to the Continent was then recommended as the last resource, with a view to her recovery. We have proceeded thus far; but her mental suffering still continues. Nearly two years have now elapsed since she was first taken ill,-and to all appearance nature cannot long sustain the struggle. Oh, Sir, had I the wealth of empires, it On her recovering a little, I attempted would instantly be sacrificed to procure happiness to my daughter, and to do justice to the merits of Mr George Robinson !" "George Robinson!" I exclaimed, with emotion, as the old gentleman had finished his narration, and was bathed in tears. "Did he belong to -near --- -?" "The very same," replied Mr Bennett, looking on me with an eye of inquiring interest. "Well, then," said I, "George is my old class-fellow and intimate friend. I have not heard from him, indeed, since his mother's death, which took place at the very time when I was preparing to leave the country; but his sister's address is in my possession. The last letter I received from her was dated from her aunt's; and as she understood I was then about to proceed to the Continent, it contained a handsome memento of her gratitude, for a service once rendered to her brother." Here I took from my breast an elegant silver medal, which I showed him. It bore the following inscription: "PRESENTED HARRIET ROBINSON, то MR **** ***** As a Memorial of her lasting gratitude, At the imminent danger of his own, Mr Bennett was just returning me the medal, when we observed Amelia coming into the garden, accompanied by the lady of the house. We soon joined them, when I was introduced to Amelia as an intimate friend of Mr R's. A ray of hope instantaneously lighted up her finely-expressive and intellectual countenance, and she received me with uncommon warmth and cordiality. At the father's request, I accompanied them home that evening. Their residence was a few miles from Florence, on the very line of road where I had so frequently met them. After this, I visited them almost daily; and though, when Mr R—was spoken of, hope and fear seemed alternately to prevail in the bosom of Amelia, yet it was very evident that her mind had been considerably relieved. In the meantime, I wrote to Miss Robinson, making inquiry after her brother, but, week after week, was disappointed of an answer. I was much puzzled to account for this, and, on my return from visiting Mr Bennett one evening, having carelessly thrown the reins on my horse's mane, was musing as to the measures I should next adopt for discovering Mr R, when, on a sudden, from some cause which I never knew, my horse reared, and, in a few seconds, horse and rider were thrown over a dangerous precipice of considerable depth. That moment my recollection left me. On recovering, I found myself in bed, but not in my own apartment, and an elderly matron sitting near me, reading. On attempting to move, I discovered that my head and left arm were bandaged. She had observed my motion, and rising up, to my surprise, addressed me in the language of my country, putting several kindly inquiries. "Thank Heaven," said she, "young gentleman, that you have escaped. My mistress had been accompanying her brother to the nearest post town on his way to Naples, when on her return you were found lying insensible, your head streaming with blood, and your horse dead by your side. You were immediately put into the carriage, and conveyed thither. My young mistress has been in deep concern ever since you were found. O the dear angel! how anxious she is for your recovery. I hope God will reward her. She has just gone out with a lady who was paying her a visit, but will be here presently." That instant she entered the room, and appeared astonished to see me engaged in conversation. Throwing aside her veil, and approaching me, she discovered two of the finest light blue eyes I had ever seen, which, heightened in effect by contrast with her lovely yellow hair, in golden ringlets, adorning a countenance of exquisite beauty, gave her an appearance almost angelic. She expressed her sympathy for me on the unfortunate accident which had occurred; and desired me to make their house my home till I should be completely recovered. Her manner had in it so much sweetness and feeling that I could not help being struck with it; and I thanked her for her disinterested kindness to one who was a stranger in their country. "Sir," said she, "if I mistake not, neither your name nor your history is unknown to me. Are not you Mr - ofOn my answering, with surprise, in the affirmative, she instantly asked, 66 Do you remember George Robinson?" "I do, Ma'am," said I," and will to the latest hour of my life. Do you know any thing of him?" I immediately rejoined, with some impatience. "Yes, Sir," said she, blushing, "George is my brother, and you are now in his house. The medal on your person led me to suspect who you were, the moment we found you. George was appointed, shortly after my mother's death, to an office of considerable emolument and literary distinction in Florence. He is at present on a visit to Naples, but will be home in two or three weeks. Oh, how overjoyed he will be to see you!-he speaks frequently of you, and wonders why you have never written in answer to his letters. But I forget-longer conversation, in your present exhausted state, may expose you to a relapse, I must therefore leave you to repose." Before I could recover from my astonishment, she had left the room. Her sylph-like form seemed still to move before me-every look, and word, and action, was impressed upon my mind; and emotions, such as I had never before experienced, swelled my bosom. Every day she appeared to me more interesting. I was never happy unless when she was with me. I seemed to live to breathe-only for Harriet. In a short time I was out of danger, and able to move about, when I wrote Mr Bennett informing him of what had occurred, and of my intention of remaining in Mr R's till his return from Naples; after which he might expect an early visit from us. That very evening George returned, and our joy at meeting was unbounded. Among other topics of conversation, my interviews with Mr and Miss Bennett held a chief place, and at my request he consented to visit them the following day. We were nearly ready for our departure when a carriage stopped at the door, and Mr and Miss Bennett were immediately announced. George's bosom heaved with indescribable emotion, and he stood for a little in breathless suspense. Mr Ben nett then entered the room, accompanied by Amelia—in a moment, the two lovers were locked in each other's arms. The father was deeply affected, and burst into tears. Harriet and I instantly left the room, and were speedily followed by Mr Bennett. The feelings of the lovers in the interval, I shall not attempt to describe. They were of too pure and ethereal a kind for my feeble pen. Suffice it to say, the interview was a most endearing one. That was to I have George the happiest hour of his life-to Amelia it was as life to the dead. By the time of dinner, both had regained composure, when Mr Bennett, addressing himself to Mr Robinson, and cordially taking him by the hand, said, "My dear Sir, I humbly crave your forgiveness for the injury I formerly did you. seen enough to convince me of the sincerity of the affection that exists betwixt you and my daughter, and I am now persuaded you richly deserve her. Rest assured, that henceforth I shall be no barrier in the way of your happiness." From that hour a load was removed from Amelia's spirits, and she soon regained her health and beauty. George was in transports at having an honour conferred on him which he had never hoped to realize. Harriet was overjoyed at her brother's good fortune; and my gratification was none of the least, that, while I had thus been the mean of bringing together two so well worthy of each other, I had received such an important accession to my own happiness in securing the affection of the amiable Harriet. We were waited on, shortly afterwards, by a Presbyterian clergyman from Scotland, then in the neighbourhood; and the same hour that united George to Amelia, made Harriet mine. POWER AND GENTLENESS; OR THE CATARACT AND THE STREAMLET. NOBLE the Mountain Stream, Bursting in grandeur from its vantage-ground; Of brightness;-thunder in its deafening sound! Mark, how its foamy spray, Tinged by the sunbeams with reflected dyes, Arching in majesty the vaulted skies ; Thence, in a summer-shower, Steeping the rocks around :-O! tell me where! Be clothed in forms more beautifully fair? Yet lovelier, in my view, The Streamlet, flowing silently serene; And livelier growth it gives ;-itself unseen! It flows through flowery meads, The aiders that o'ershade it with their boughs. Gently it murmurs by The village church-yard :—its low, plaintive tone For worth and beauty modest as its own. More gaily now it sweeps By the small school-house, in the sunshine bright; Like happy hearts by holiday made light. May not its course express, In characters which they who run may read, Were but its still small voice allowed to plead ? What are the trophies gained By power, alone, with all its noise and strife, Won by the charities that gladden life? Niagara's streams might fail, And human happiness be undisturbed: But Egypt would turn pale, Were her still Nile's o'erflowing bounty curbed: BARTON. |