THE SELDENS OF SHERWOOD. CHAPTER XXXII. Let me not have this gloomy view, Till I, a fading flower, am dead.-Crabbe. cups of mortal woe, some drops of precious balm should be mingled, that we may feel, even in the darkest moments, that He does not utterly abandon us, and in the kind heart of Dr. Leiber, her desolation and sufferings had awakened for her a degree of compassionate interest, which secured for her all the alleviation of suffering, that medical skill, money, or dearest of all to Clara, kind words or looks could ensure. It was so natural to Clara, to be loved and cared for like a child, that she was inexpressibly soothed by it, and as the idea became established in her mind that Dr. Leiber was her father's friend, she would cast upon him the confiding, helpless look so touching in childhood, and obey his directions implicitly. It was well for poor Clara, that she fell into Dr. Leiber's hands, for it required all his skill and benevolence to save her; he found her, when But at this stage of convalescence, when conhe arrived at Mrs. Nelson's, in a state of deliri-sciousness was fully restored, the' sense of desoum, and at once perceived her case to be one of lation, and the bitterness of crushed hope, fell so typhus fever, presenting some of the most alarm-coldly, and heavily on the heart of the poor sufing symptoms of that dreadful disease. As Dr. ferer, that Dr. Leiber feared she would sink unLeiber sate by Clara's bedside, and listened to der a malady which his skill could not remove. her moanings and broken sentences, now calling He thought much and anxiously of the future of on her father not to leave her, now murmuring this poor girl, and revolved various methods in the name of Augustus in the most plaintive ac- his mind, of doing something to alleviate her cents, he was convinced that mental distress had lot; to abandon her now, would be like casting greatly aggravated the symptoms of her disease, a helpless infant on the highway, and yet he did and he felt that depth of pity for the sufferer, not well see how he could provide for the happiwhich can only find relief in action. ness of a young girl, such a girl too as Clara. Dr. Leiber, availing himself of the disordered Just about this period, it happened that Gerald state of Clara's mind, called himself her father's Devereux arrived at Philadelphia on business, friend, and Clara would then, with an earnest, and by one of those apparently casual coinciwistful, look, consent to receive medicines and dences, which often take place in real life, was nourishment from his hand, which she would not made aware of Clara's situation. Edith had retouch when administered by any one else. But quested him to purchase some trinkets for her, it was all important to her recovery, that she which she designed as presents to her cousins, should be carefully nursed, and as Dr. Leiber and Gerald went for the purpose of executing was aware that Mrs. Nelson could not spare her commission, to the shop of the very jeweller time to devote to her, and was sure, even could to whom Mrs. Nelson had sold Clara's jewels. she have done so, that she was unfitted, by her nature and habits, for such an office, he went out himself, in search of a woman, to whom he thought he could intrust her. As Gerald was looking over a variety of lockets and rings, his eye was caught by the peculiar workmanship and setting of a large pearl locket, which the jeweller pronounced to be an unique, Now it happened that Betty Price, the bearer and he recollected that he had seen an ornament of the letter from Augustus, was a professional similar to this, worn by one with whom he was nurse, aud one whom Dr. Leiber frequently em- familiar. He examined it carefully, and perployed, as he could rely on her kindness of heart, ceiving a German motto on the back of it, it sudand implicit obedience to his instructions, and denly occurred to him, that he had seen this the bargain was soon concluded between them, trinket worn by Clara. as he told her he would not only pay himself "May I ask, Mr. Vincent," said Gerald, turnthe usual rate for such services, but would make ing to the jeweller, "from whom you procured her a present, if she acquitted herself to his sat- this trinket?" isfaction. It required all the aid which the "This trinket, Mr. Devereux, belonged to a careful nursing of Betty, and the skill of Dr. young lady who boards with a Mrs. Nelson; she Leiber could give to Clara's youth, and naturally is reduced to distress I believe, and Mrs. Nelson good constitution, to enable her to struggle with undertook to dispose of this locket, and some the violence of her disease, and fearful was the other jewelry for her." conflict for days and nights between life and "Did Mrs. Nelson mention the young lady's death. God has ordained, that in the bitterest' name?" VOL. XVI-56 "Yes, but I really forget it, I only remember upon her, associated with her home, where alone it was a German name." she had ever seen him. "It strikes me forcibly," said Gerald, "that this locket belonged to a young lady with whom I am well acquainted, and to whose father I owed some gratitude. Be so good as to tell me where Mrs. Nelson lives." "Oh yes," said Clara, “I will see him, if you will only be so good as to give me a few drops of the restorative mixture Dr. Leiber left for me; my hand shakes, or I would not trouble you.” "Don't agitate yourself so, Miss," said Mrs. Nelson after having administered the drops, "just throw this shawl around you, and let me smooth your hair a little, and take my arm just across the passage, to my little private parlor, as Mr. Vincent gave him the necessary directions, and Gerald set out immediately with the generous purpose of seeking Clara, ascertaining the nature of her distress, and discovering whether he could render her any assistance, little doubt-I call it, I will ask Mr. Devereux up, as I am sure ing that Clara was indeed the sufferer and that her entanglement with Augustus had been the cause of her present misfortunes. He soon arrived at Mrs. Nelson's, and knocking at the door, it was opened by the mistress herself, who start- Clara thanked Mrs. Nelson for her kindness ed back at the sight of a stranger, whose whole and consideration, with so much gratitude aud appearance bore the stamp of unmistakable gen-humility, that it put her in a fine humor with hertility. you could not get down stairs, and Dr. Leiber will be here to look after you again to-morrow, and a pretty scold will he give, if he finds you are not mending." self to find she was acting with such extraordinary kindness; she assisted her carefully into the parlor, where Clara, resting in an arm chair, awaited the arrival of Gerald with a beating heart. Once a wild thought darted through her Recovering herself almost immediately, Mrs. Nelson asked the gentleman to walk in the parlor, and Gerald, after exchanging with her a few civil speeches, inquired whether Miss Kaufman boarded with her. Mrs. Nelson, with a look of brain, that perhaps he came from Augustus to much surprise, having answered in the affirmative, Gerald proceeded to inform her that he was a friend of Mr. Kaufman, an old acquaintance of Clara's, and requested Mrs. Nelson to have the goodness to inform Miss Kaufman that Gerald Devereux had called to see her. "Perhaps sir, you do not know that Mr. Kaufman died two or three months ago, and that poor Miss Clara has been at death's door, indeed it is well for her she fell into charitable hands, or I don't know what would have become of her, or what will become of her now, for I am but a lone widow with five children, and nothing to depend on but my own exertions." express his penitence for his cruel desertion, but she feared to entertain such a thought for a moment, lest it might become a hope, and she felt that she could not bear the bitterness of disappointment. Clara extended her hand to Gerald as he entered the apartment, and for some minutes neither of them had power to utter a word; the past rushed with full force on Clara, she once more saw her father, was once again transported to Rosendale. No one that retained the natural feelings of a man, could have known Clara in her days of happiness, and looked upon her now unmoved, how deeply then must a heart such as Gerald's feel the change he witnessed! The sweet shades, and the bright bloom of Rosendale, which the sight of Clara recalled to the memory of Gerald, contrasted painfully with the narrow. dark parlor, whose very atmosphere was oppressive, but what was the pain occasion There is a sort of instinct, by which selfish natures discover generous ones, and Mrs. Nelson felt that a chance had now offered itself to her, of throwing off a burden, which she was unwilling to sustain longer than Clara's slender resources lasted. Gerald looked grieved and shocked-"Is Missed by this change of outward circumstances, to Kaufman too ill to admit any one?" "Well, as you were her father's friend, and an old acquaintance of hers, I dare say she will see you, for she seems to feel very lonely like, and she is able to walk about a little, though she has no heart to do it." A smile, faint and sad as the pale moonlight struggling through a dark cloud, lit up Clara's face when she heard the name of Gerald Devereux; the frank kindness of his manner had endeared him to all the little circle at Rosendale, and with his name many sweet, refreshing images, many thoughts of peace and love, rushed that with which he beheld the pale, trembling girl before him, whose touching look of desolation and helpless wretchedness entered his very soul, and thought of the bright face, the lithe form, the spontaneous grace of movement, that were once her own. The contrast was so vivid, that he could almost have imagined it was the ghost of Clara he beheld. But Gerald felt the necessity of restraining and concealing his emotion, and with a look and tone such as one uses in soothing a child, he began some kind inquiries with regard to her health and present situation. Clara wiped away the tears which had trickled such utter desolation; he spoke to Clara of the silently down her cheeks, and turning to Gerald consolations to be derived from the Word of God as to a true friend, encouraged by the depth and with a fervor and eloquence, of which but a few truth of the sympathy expressed in his counte-moments before, he would have thought himself nance, she seemed to find relief in relating to him incapable; indeed his thoughts and feelings the death of her father, her leaving Rosendale, clothed themselves in words, without the least the loss of her only remaining friend, Miss Wood, consciousness of effort, so great was his desire to how she had been brought to the verge of the impart some comfort to her. grave herself, how she had been restored by the Clara listened meekly, but she looked sad and kindness of Dr. Leiber:-concluding her touch-bewildered-"If," she said at last with a deep ing narrative, the more affecting from its extreme sigh, “God indeed loves us, and I could believe simplicity, and from her forbearng any attempt so, the world would not be all darkness, and coldat describing or expressing her feelings, which is so natural in sorrows "past cure, past hope, past help," by saying as if involuntarily, "Oh, would that he had let me die then!" ness, and sadness, but I have never thought of these things. He seems so far, so distant, nor do I even know," she added, and a flush passed over her pale face, "whether the Scriptures are indeed this Word. But I feel as if I should soon known, and yet I cannot dread death, it is so hard for me to live now; but if I could die where I could look out upon shades and flowers, could hear the rustling of the wind amongst the trees, it seems that death would fall gently upon me as sleep." God will heal your sorrows, and I believe that He is now drawing you to Himself, however dark and rugged the path may be, which you are called to tread. But something must be done at once for your relief, as far as human means can avail; let me beg, that you will look upon me as a brother; and allow me to act towards you as such. Will you not?" Clara took the hand which he held towards her, in token of acquiescence, but she replied only by tears, which fell fast and unheeded. She did not mention Augustus, but Gerald was sure that he had deserted her, and that her pre-pass to that world where all these things will be sent situation was owing to his faithlessness and heartlessness; he had never felt so strongly be fore the inefficacy of all the usual topics of consolation; the world had no charms for her, she knew and cared little for its opinions or usages, she had lived like St. Pierre's Virginia, in the enjoyment of the affections, of the beauties of "Clara," said Gerald, in a voice hoarse with nature, careless of the future; it had been happi-emotion, "I feel assured the time will come when ness enough for her to listen to the songs of the birds, to watch the varying bloom of her flowers, to look abroad on "the pomp of groves and garniture of fields," to love, and be loved by all within her home, and then dearest of all, to cherish brighter day-dreams of bliss, after her heart had been given to Augustus, than could ever have entered into the imagination of one, acquainted even in a slight degree, with the realities of life. Gerald knew for her there was no balm but in the consolation of religion, and he had never before felt so strongly the necessity of such a support to human weakness; he had always thought that religious principle imparted strength, elevation, and consistency to the female character, but he had never perceived that in situations of extreme trial, such as the sterner spirit of man may nerve itself to endure, woman sinks and perishes without such support. Gerald knew that Mr. Kaufman had been a "I cannot thank you as I ought,” said Clara, sceptic, he could therefore never have implanted "yet time can never erase the memory of your a belief in the doctrines of revealed religion in the kindness," but she added, with some embarrassmind of his child, or have awakened such feel- ment and hesitation, "I fear I cannot leave this ings within her heart, as the doctrines of the place, you know Rosendale is in the hands of Gospel can alone produce; but in witnessing his Mr. Hopkins, and perhaps the money for my simple and harmless mode of life, and beholding jewelry is already exhausted—I have been afraid Clara's childlike and innocent gaiety, he had to ask Mrs. Nelson about it, until I feel a little not thought of the uncertain foundation, on stronger; I must do something to support myself which all fabrics of earthly happiness rest, he when I am able, and could perhaps get work remembered not, that when the storms arise, and more easily here than in the country.” the winds blow, all must be swept away, which are not founded upon a rock. 66 You must leave this place, I will think how some suitable arrangement can be made to effect this purpose, I will tell my plans to good Dr. Leiber, with whom I am fortunately acquainted, and I am sure I can find for you some quiet, secluded place in the country, where you may regain your strength of body, and recover your peace of mind." It would not have been more painful to hear a young child talk of the necessity of supporting Gerald felt awed and humbled at the sight of itself, to see the helpless infant oppressed with the cares of the world, than to look at Clara and other, or in concerting plans for the accomplishhear her talk thus. ment of their purpose. It was accordingly set"Remember you have accepted me as atled, that Gerald should go to Rosendale and see brother, you must allow me to think and act for Mr. Hopkins, convince him that Clara was not you. I can raise money enough for all your entirely in his power, that for the sake of his wants for sometime to come, if you will allow own character it would be necessary to do her me to purchase and dispose of a part of your justice, make necessary arrangements for the library, it would likewise be conferring a favor preservation of Mr. Kaufman's library, furniture on me, for to me these books would have a double and the few valuables left; meantime, Dr. Leivalue." Gerald would not grieve Clara by pro- ber and himself would advance a sufficient sum posing to lay her under any pecuniary obligation. of money to defray the expenses of her board in "Oh yes," said Clara, "I should like to think the country and supply her simple wants, and to that any of my dear father's books were in your relieve Clara's mind from the oppressive sense hands or Dr. Leiber's," she paused and hesita- of obligation, they would take some books from ted, how much she would have liked to offer as the shelves of her father. a gift, the books that Gerald wished to purchase, but remembering the inexorable necessity that controlled her actions, she checked the wish with a sigh. The next thing to be thought of, was some suitable family in which to place Clara, and it occurred to Gerald how he might be able to find such a residence as would be desirable. It had “Dr. Leiber would, I am sure, like to purchase once chanced to Gerald to have some dealings some of them, I remember he used to have a with a Mr. Hickman, a worthy man, of humble passion for collecting rare books. I shall have though highly respectable connexions, and it had a few days leisure and will go to Rosendale and been in his power to render him some services, arrange your affairs, meantime, I will make ar- which had called forth Hickman's warmest gratrangements for your removal to the country, and itude, and he had often declared how much pleacome again in a day or two, to tell you what I sure it would give him to be able to evince bis have done, and know if it meets with your ap- regard for Gerald. It had been more than two probation. Trust to me, and do not trouble years since Gerald had seen this man, until he yourself with cares for the future. But I fear met him unexpectedly in the street on the very this interview has been too agitating and ex- morning of the day, on which he became achausting for you. I will call to Mrs. Nelson to quainted with Clara's situation; he had been assist you to your room. Adieu, for the present." "I trust every thing to you, I will do whatever you think best, and I will try," said Clara, with a smile sadder than tears, "to follow your advice, and study the Bible; if it is indeed the Word of God, I think I shall feel it to be so, for surely in mercy to my weakness, He will bring it home to my heart. "I hope and believe that He will, but you absolutely require rest now, and I must leave you." He pressed kindly the cold and trembling hand Clara extended towards him, and withdrew. And the little parlor was narrow, dark, and oppressive as before, but the light of kindness had illumined and cheered it; Clara breathed more freely, her crushed heart revived somewhat beneath its influence, and the vision of some quiet, secluded, shady spot, where she might close her eyes in peace, was to her inexpressibly soothing. Gerald set to work immediately to put all his generous purposes with regard to Clara, into execution. He went at once to Dr. Leiber's, and entered without preamble upon the subject of Clara, he found the good physician's feeling's deeply interested for her. Single-minded people, actuated by the same benevolent purpose, seldom find any difficulty in understanding each much gratified at Mr. Hickman's evident pleasure at seeing him again, and the well to do air of his whole appearance. Hickman informed him that a bachelor uncle, who had resided in Maryland, had left him a comfortable farm, well stocked, and that he had been living upon it for more than a year, that he was now in Philadelphia for a few days with his wife, who had been long urging him to bring her to this place on a visit to her mother. He went on to tell him that he had called his youngest boy Gerald, and that he was allowed by every one to be the flower of the flock, and Gerald promised to call next morning to see his namesake. All these circumstances now rushed upon Gerald's recollections, he remembered Mrs. Hickman as a cheerful, good-tempered looking woman, and he was sure from the hearty manner in which her husband praised her, that she made him happy. An abode with these good, and simple people, was exactly what he wished for Clara; quiet, kindness, fresh air, rural sights and sounds, were best adapted for the restoration of her health and peace, as far as outward circumstances could restore them. He lost no time in repairing to Mrs. Hickman's lodgings, and found her surrounded by a happy little group of chubby children; he did not forget to inquire for his little namesake, whom he placed on his knee, | himself talking to her, as he would have done while he distributed a variety of presents, with to his own child. which he had crammed his pockets for the chil- Clara wept at his kindness, and held his rough dren. He scanned Mrs. Hickman's countenance hand closely clasped between both her own, as if carefully, and was much pleased with its cheer-loath to leave him; she promised in compliance ful, placid expression, and still more by the unpretending, simple good-heartedness of her manner and conversation. with his request to write a few lines to him from time to time, to acquaint him with the state of her health, and should her situation become unpleasant, or any thing arise to make the assistance of a friend needful, to acquaint him with it. After conversing with her on various topics, so as to elicit some information with regard to their manner of life, Gerald narrated Clara's story to Dr. Leiber's loud tone, and somewhat rough the Hickmans, omitting only the part of it which manner softened involuntarily in talking to Clara, related to Augustus, told them how he had become and when he entreated her in the most urgent acquainted with her, and requested if such an manner to attend to the general prescription he arrangement would occasion them no serious in- gave her for her health, told her he had called convenience, that they would receive her as a himself to see Mrs. Hickman, and delivered into boarder in their family for a year. Mr. Hick- her care some medicines for her body, with man was glad to do anything to oblige Gerald, directions how they were to be used, as he knew but Mrs. Hickman was likewise interested and Clara would not take care of herself, and a few touched by his account of Clara, which Gerald books, which she must also use as medicines for gave with minuteness and pathos, for he thought the mind; all these proofs of kind and considehis task but half done, unless he could enlist her rate affection overcame Clara's assumed compofeelings in Clara's favor, and he expressed with sure. She tried to smile, but tears came unbidso much warmth and sincerity, his confidence in den; she suppressed all expression of the feelings the kindness with which she would be treated that were struggling at her heart, for she underunder her roof, that when he had finished speak- stood the nature of true kindness too well not ing, Mrs Hickman seemed quite as intent as him- to know, that one word of cheerfulness or hope, self that the plan should be carried into exe- uttered by her, would have been more acceptacution. ble to Dr. Leiber, than all the thanks and gratitude she could express, but how impossible to utter this word, when her heart seemed dead within her. Delighted with the success of his scheme, Gerald hastened next day to impart it to Clara. He found her waiting anxiously for him, and she consented immediately to every arrangement he "God bless you, my child,” said Dr. Leiber, proposed, expressing in terms of the most touch-"remember He can comfort you, when all huing simplicity her gratitude to Gerald. It was, man comfort fails." however, but too evident to him, that Clara looked forward without hope to the future, but that her utmost wish now was to die in peace. This was a source of comfort, of which poor Clara knew nothing, the words fell cold on her heart. The next morning she left Philadelphia, with what different sensations, from those with which she had entered it! She looked back upon it, as the tomb of her hopes, and the only wish that she felt then, was that her heart could be laid open before Augustus, that he might behold all its misery and desolation. CHAPTER XXXIII. Dr. Leiber approved highly of the arrangement Gerald had made with regard to Clara, for he thought nothing would be so likely to save her, as a change of air and scene; he had gathered from Clara's incoherent speeches, from Mrs. Nelson's and Betty Price's hints, that she was suffering from the desertion of some lover, in whom she had trusted, and a speedy removal from Philadelphia, he thought absolutely essential to her recovery. But he almost feared, that such a crushing sorrow, following such sad bereavements, had fallen on that young heart with a weight too heavy to be shaken off. When he went to take leave of Clara, he felt at first somewhat embarrassed how to utter the feelings of almost paternal tenderness with which he regarded her, for it was easier for him to do a thousand kind things, than to express an affectionate seutiment, miles of Bellevue, but his family were in such a but there was something so sweet, so sad, so sub-different sphere of life from that in which the missive, so child like in Clara's look and manuer, Lennox's moved, that the family at Bellevue that his embarrassment vanished, and he found were scarcely aware of their existence, with the Thy cheek too swiftly flushes; o'er thine eye Mr. Hickman's farm was situated within a few |