and bowed in patient resignation. Nor were the| retaining hours of her life unblessed to herself, or to those around her. Weaned from the world and its vanities, she offered up her last prayers in perfect simplicity of heart; and that peace of mind which had for a time deserted her, returned to cheer her dying pillow. The king, charmed with this act of gallantry so congenial to his own mind, inquired the name and family of the stranger, and not only repossessed him of his patrimonial estates, but took him under his immediate protection. It was this same Charles Brandon who afterwards privately married Henry's sister, Margaret, Queen Dowager of France; which marriage the king not only forgave, but created him Duke of Suffolk, and continued his favor towards him to the last hour of the duke's life. When Autumn came again and yellow harvest spread her golden store, Ruth Kennedy was solitary in her father's home. Faithful in affection, faithful in duty, and faithful to the memory of the dead, she never found a second object to supply her sis- He died before Henry; and the latter showed, ter's place. She had no romantic fervor to make in his attachment to this nobleman, that, notwithher sigh over the wilderness of life; but if the fond standing his fits of capriciousness and cruelty, he cherishing of dear memorials through future years, was capable of a cordial and steady friendship. the long remembrance of one image unaffected by He was sitting in council when the news of Suftime-one image, of what, to her, was the perfec- folk's death reached him; and he publicly took tion of all loveliness, if the frequent sigh unheard, that occasion both to express his own sorrow, and the tear unpitied, and the visiting of the lowly grave, to celebrate the merits of the deceased. He deforgotten by all beside-if these be tokens of affec-clared that during the whole course of their action, or signs of sorrow, Ruth Kennedy was a mour-quaintance, his brother-in-law had not made a sinner indeed. The Orphan. THE father of Charles Brandon, afterwards Duke of Suffolk, retired, on the death of his lady, to the borders of Hampshire. His family consisted of two sons, and a young lady, the daughter of a friend lately deceased, whom he adopted as his own child. This lady, being singularly beautiful, as well as amiable in her manners, attracted the affections of both the brothers. The elder, however, was the favorite, and he privately married her; which the younger not knowing, and overhearing an appointment of the lovers to meet the next night in her chamber, he contrived to get his brother otherwise employed, and made the signal of admission himself, thinking it a mere intrigue: unfortunately he succeeded. On a discovery, the lady lost her reason, and soon after died. The two brothers fought, and the elder fell. The father broke his heart a few months afterwards. The younger brother, Charles Brandon, the unintentional author of all this family misery, quitted England in despair, with a fixed determination of never returning. Being abroad for several years, his nearest relations supposed him dead, and began to take the necessary steps for obtaining his estates; when, roused by this intelligence, he returned privately to England, and for a time took obscure lodgings in the vicinity of his family mansion. While he was in this retreat, the young king, (Henry VIII) who had just buried his father, was one day hunting on the borders of Hampshire, when he heard the cries of a female in distress, in an adjoining wood. His gallantry immediately summoned him to the place, though he then happened to be detached from all courtiers, where he saw two ruffians attempting to violate the honor of a young lady. The king instantly drew on them, and a scuffle ensued, which roused the reverie of Charles Brandon, who was taking his morning's walk in an adjoining thicket. He immediately ranged himself on the side of the king, whom he then did not know; and by his dexterity soon disarmed one of the ruffians, while the other fled. gle attempt to injure an adversary, and had never whispered a word to the disadvantage of any one; "and are there any of you, my lords, who can say as much?" When the king subjoined these words, (says the historian,) he looked round in all their faces, and saw that confusion which the consciousness of secret guilt naturally threw upon them The Poor Man's Death-Bed. Tread softly!-bow the head- Is passing now. Greater than thoa. Beneath that pauper's roof, This palace-gate. That pavement, damp and cold, Oh, change, oh, wondrous change! Beyond the stars! Wakes with his God. self if it were not possible to gain this gentle crea- her, that if even her parents consented, she herself, ture, with whom he seemed already to have found would cheerfully resign him. Alas poor Joseph! such favor. But there was another, who was also Surrounded by false and vicious friends, whom he looking into the speaking face of the young qua had so rashly attracted at him, he plunged keress, and to whom its expression gave no pleasure. headlong down the depths of dissipation. In vain Joseph could not endure to see her, whom he loved his weeping mother mildly entreated him to change so passionately, and who always gave him the his course of life. In vain the elders went to treat coldest reception, thus evidently pleased with the with him;' promises of reformation, were all they discourse of another. He was ignorant, that she could obtain. Joseph each time, resolved and rebestowed her attention on him merely as the friend resolved to lead a better life, but he was weak, and of one, whom she sought thus to please without in- easily led by any one who would exert himself to fringing on her parents request. Esther continu- influence him. This one, he found in the wily ed unconsciously to torture her poor lover, until he Alsatian, who followed in his career untiringly, began to think the evening interminable. The like a vulture hovering over his prey. At last, venerable overseers, who had been appointed to when he supposed Esther's indignation, must have keep the young folks in order, had retired some conquered her love, Von Swartz imagined he time, and now the bride arose to depart. Von might venture to declare his passion, and had no Swartz kept near the party, and when they had re- doubt he should be favorably received. Von turned from the dressing room, in their cloaks and Swartz possessed the talent of making himself hoods, he advanced to Esther, to offer his arm, to agreeable in conversation, as he had seen much of the carriage, Joseph, he saw was mustering up cou- life; and had a fund of amusing anecdotes ever rage to do the same, but by a dexterous manœuvre ready, to amuse his listeners. Esther like Desdethe Alsatian contrived to arrive there at the same mona, would seriously incline,' to hear his tales of moment. They were on each side of her-Esther lands beyond the sea, and his vanity induced him hesitated a moment, and then accepted the arm of to place her attention to a deeper feeling. One Von Swartz, who not understanding she did vio- bland summer evening, there was a party arranged lence to her inclination in obedience to her parents, to visit the Vauxhall Garden, which was then quite imagined she preferred him, and he gave a trium- a fashionable place of resort, and Von Swartz was phant glance, back to Joseph. Young Denham invited to join them. Esther walked with him, looked after them, bitterly repenting he had ever and he succeeded as if by accident, to draw her brought the Alsatian there to supplant him. He away from the party, into a lonely walk. When followed, and just arrived in time to hear, Good here, he began a topic which was usual with him night friend Herman, don't thee forget to come to- of late; the vices, real or imputed, of poor Joseph. morrow night." And "good night freundin Esther, the stars will forget to shine, when I cease to remember such a promised pleasure. The carriage drove off, and a powerful grasp dragged Von Swartz from the light of the open door, to the shadow of the stoop. Der Feufel?" he exclaimed, "who is this." *6 "Tis I," cried Joseph, in an agitated whisper. “How dared you address yon pure being in such a familiar strain." why this anger,-take your hand from my collar, or I shall be obliged to throw your high-mightiness! in the gutter. "Herman-I thought you my friend-I confided my love to you. You know all I am about to sacrifice, to gain her approbation,to forsake my familiar friends,-my life of freedom, and gaiety, and pledge myself, never to stir from her side, whom I now feel to be dearer to me than ever, and you treacherously seek to blast all my hopes, by winning her from me!" "No one knows," he said, "the pains I have taken with that reckless young man, to induce him to reform. I have been, I may say, his guardian angel, ever at hand, to lead him aright. Argaments and entreaties, have been of no avail-dear lady-I have even ventured to use your name, but, hear it heavens!-even that had no effect on him. A name which to me, would have been a talisman, Softly Herr Joseph-to follow to death, if needed, excited no emotion in his obdurate heart.” It was not the Alsatian's cue to offend his wealthy friend, and he soon succeeded in soothing his exasperated spirit, and in convincing him, that Esther only endured his society for Joseph's sake, and loved him as well as ever. This however, was not Von Swartz's belief. Deceived by her apparent preference for him, he returned home that night, with his heart filled with visions of wealth, and pleasure, enjoyed with the lovely Esther Hanway. 66 "Nay friend Herman," said the agitated girl, pressing her hand on her heart to keep down its throbbing. Thou need'st not expatiate on the errors of that unfortunate youth. Thou know'st my friendship for him, and my only hope of peace now, is, to banish him entirely from my thoughts." You are right dear madame, but believe, I do not heedlessly wound your feelings. All I say, is for the best. Like a skillful physicia f I would cure you, I must probe the wound. Pardon me, but I think the better manner to eradicate him from your friendship, we 'd be, to force yourself, to hear all his enormities." Esther turned from him, to conceal the tears, which, in spite of her self-command, were streaming down her face. 44 Could ye but have seen him," continued the "when the elders came to treat false Alsatian, with him,' as you say,-to remonstrate with him It was, however, absolutely necessary to put on his ruinous habits, ere they turned him from Joseph hors de combat, and to do this, he exerted the meeting, (as you know they have since done.) every wily artifice, and seduction, with which he I am sure no spark of pity or friendship would rewas too familiar, to drive the unsuspecting Joseph main even in your tender heart. I loved Joseph so deep into the mire of iniquiy, that he could as a brother-I called him ever, mein freund, but never hope to obtain Esther. Nay, so to disgust from that time I left him. I have done with him. His conduct is such, that no man, who respects | future day I may find favor in those heavenly eyes, his own reputation, ought to hold communion with and I am satisfied? him more. We were sitting on the front steps, when these ancient and solemn old men advanced. They reminded me of the conscript fathers of old, and I felt as if I could have knelt, and asked their blessing, when Joseph-herr gott! how hardened must have been his heart. Friend Swartz, in mercy stop !" cried EstherI cannot-will not listen to thee—thou knowest not how my heart is pierced." "A few words dearest madam, and I have finished. The scoffing wretch spoke to them as if they were dogs, told them it was a d―d hot day, and asked them in to take a glass of mint julap! what horrid insolence. Two of them turned away in indignant silence, but the other-it was your own father fair Esther, gazed on Joseph while the tears rolled down his aged cheeks-"Oh Joseph, son of my old friend!" he said. "Art thou so young and already so hardened! truly do I rejoice that thy father Hezekiah is no more, for this sight would have snapt his heart in twain. But turn thee Joseph, ere it be too late-and if there is joy in Heaven over a repentant sinner, surely there ought to be on earth, and my arms will be the first to receive thee." 44 Shame on the graceless wretch! how could he turn from that good old man, with ribald oaths, knowing it was shutting the door of access, to the loveliest of earth's daughters. Ah! fair Esther!" added Von Swartz, taking her hand; "had it been my happy fate, to be loved by one so peerless as thou art, how different would have been my conduct. Nay, take not this dear hand from me sweet girl, let it be mine forever; give me but one portion of that love you have lavished on the ungrateful Joseph, and I shall not envy earth's potentates !" Esther turned slowly round and gazed bewilderLove!" she gasped, ed in the face of the Alsatian. " "did I hear thee aright?" "Yes, dearest Miss Hanway, love!-my words seem to create surprize-can it be possible that the untiring devotion of my heart has been unobserved. Then hear it now. The most intense passion that ever burned in the breast of man, I feel for you, and all I ask, is a small return from that gentle bosom, to make me the happiest of mankind." “Ah, Herman," said Esther, rising from the bench, on which they had been sitting. Sorry I am that I have not read thy heart before, and saved thee and myself, the pain of this avowal." "What mean you lady-sit down, I cannot understand you." 44 Yes, it seemeth thou hast sorely misunderstood me, hitherto if thou dreamest I can love again. No friend Swartz, thou art acquainted with some sad passages of my life, and knowest I can never be aught to thee but a friend." 66 Esther looked up, and as the lamp which hung over their heads, shone down on her, Von Swartz saw she had been weeping. But she pressed her handkerchief over her eyes, and after an effort was calm. "Hear me Herman Von Swartz," she said, while the profound melancholy of her voice, told the deep feeling which reigned within. Thou art strangely deceiving thyself, but it is time all should be openness between us. Talk not to me of loving again, for that feeling has never yet left my breast. The attachment I once acknowledged, for Joseph Denham, still exists in full force; yes, and always will, and here I tell thee decidedly, no man can ever succeed him in my affections." "What," exclaimed Von Swartz passionatelyyou dare not tell me you prefer that wretched Denham to me-one who has scorned and left you." "Yes I do say it," replied Esther, while her voice became tremulous with einotion, “scorn me or love me as he may, I cherish for him those sentiments which death only can subdue. It pains me to be obliged to say all this, but for thy sake, I do it, for now thou see'st I never have, and never can love thee!" "You shall love me," exclaimed the Alsatian violently, at the same time throwing his arm around the trembling girl, and endeavoring to force her to seat herself beside him. "Am I to be refused for a sottish boy! No, by the heavens above, you shall not stir from this seat until you have sworn to give me this hand." "Villanous Alsatian!" exclaimed a voice from the trees behind the bench, and a blow from an unseen hand sent Von Swartz staggering across the walk. The terrified Esther threw herself on the seat, while Joseph, for it was he and Von Swartz, stood face to face, their passions apparently too violent to give utterance in speech. "Treacherous deceiver!" burst from Joseph's overcharged heart. "At length thou art discovered! Yes, I have stood behind thee this last hour, whilst every muscle was not a word thou hast uttered should escape. strung to pain, to subdue myself to quietness, that Base Alsatian! away. Thou my guardian angel!-my mentor!-Thou knowest," added the excited youth as he drew near the Alsatian, and gazed into his face. 66 Thou darest not deny thou hast dragged me down, step by step, aye, against my own judgment into the mire that surrounds thee. And now thou thinkest to tread me down and exalt thyself in my place." "Rail on," said the Alsatian who stood with his arms folded, smiling scoffingly at the agitated Den"If I have effected this, so much greater is ham. my joy. But I have not done with you yet, Herr Denham. There is a blow to be avenged, and," he added through his closed teeth, it shall be requited, for the revenge of Von Swartz is always sure!" 44 "Der Feufel!" exclaimed the vexed Alsatian," "what does the girl mean, she loves me I know she does, but they will all have their airs. I know lady" he added aloud-"all you have recently felt for another, but as his conduct must have eradicated all Joseph turned from him, and approached Espartiality for him, from your pure breast, and as the ther. "Dearest Esther," he said, for all thou hast ties between you are broken, you will surely deign said in my favor, receive my warmest thanks. Beto look on one who loves as fervently as I do. Ilieve me, I am not as black as yon fiend would make will not hurry you, but only give me hope that some me, and when next I appear before thee, it will be with a redeemed name, and then we may be again happy." "Never!" exclaimed a voice near him, and looking up he beheld the Alsatian before them, and while every dark passion was expressed in his countenance, he addressed Esther. Adieu lady," he said, but not forever-you will see me again when you little expect it. Dare not to think of love and happiness with him, for," he added, while his eyes expressed a demon's malice, "you shall never be his bride. My dagger has reached as pure a heart as your own, and you are my bride, or death's!" He disappeared, and Esther terrified with all that had just passed, threw herself in Joseph's arms and wept. His whispered vows of unaltered love, and determination to reform, and restoration to the favor of the world, soon soothed her, and enabled her to meet her friends who just then appeared, with composure. Now that Joseph was thoroughly awake to his situation, and his interview with Esther had revealed to him all the devotion and constancy of her heart, his efforts to create a good name were unremitting. No young man was so steady at his business, or attendance on the meeting.. Heart and soul were embarked in the work of reform, and after a long course of probation he was allowed to visit at Friend Hanway's, where he had been a great favorite, and even to hope for the hand of Esther. His petition to be again received in meeting as a member, was favorably listened to, and it was hinted to him, if his conduct continued to be as exemplary as it had been of late, he would be received again as a prodigal son. Time flew swiftly away, and Joseph by his sincere penitence, found favor in all eyes; so that when it was signified to Esther's mother, by her daughter Judith, that the day was fixed for Esther's wedding, she expressed no disapprobation. The consent of her parents could not be asked, as Joseph was not yet a member, and should Esther marry him, she also would be "read out of meeting." Her parents of course, could not give their consent, without incurring the censure of the meeting. This was very unpleasant on both sides, but it was often done, and sometimes the parties after due repentance, were both admitted into the ineeting. Joseph's new house was neatly furnished, and arranged for the reception of the bride, who was to be married there in the evening, and in the presence of a circle of friends. The ceremony was to be performed by a justice of the peace, for a hireling priest," is a good quaker's abhorrence. est simplicity, and the trimmings obscured the noble contour of her bust. The three sisters sat in silence, awaiting the appearance of the bridegroom. "Alas!" said Esther-"I feel not as I once imagined I should, when about to be united to the object of my affection. This stolen marriage, although with the approval of my parents, weighs heavily on my spirits." Dear Esther," said Judith, "thou needest not let this affect thee, thou knowest our parents have no objection, farther than sorrow to see thee read out of meeting. But as that happens so often it is not considered in the least disgraceful." Yet I feel it so Judith; to be turned out of the meeting, where I have always sat with my parents and sisters, as one unworthy to enter there-oh, sometimes I think I will renounce Joseph, rather than have my name read from the high seat as a delinquent!" Judith was a kind creature, but had very little of what is called fine feeling, and could not enter into Esther's sentiments; she however was worried to see that the tears of the bride were soiling her dress, and said anxiously-" Dear Esther thou art tumbling thy nicely folded pocket handkerchief; there take this-and she offered her one of dark colored silk, which had been left there by her mother. At the sight of her mother's pocket handkerchief, poor Esther's tears flowed. "Oh, my mother," she said, "must she not be present at my marriage. I must see her once more-I must kiss her before I go." Nay Esther," said Judith placing herself before the door" for that mother's sake I entreat thee to remain here. Thou wouldst not have her to incur the meeting's censure? Forgive me dear sister, but thou dost surprise me, by such excess of emotion. When the wedding is once over, we shall all be happy together." "I am wrong, I know," said Esther sadly, "but I feel such heaviness at my heart, such an indefinable fear of evil to come, which I cannot conquer. The words of that dark man, the Alsatian, are ever present to me, and I tremble at every noise I hear." 66 He cannot harm thee," said Judith, “therefore dear sister, dismiss thy fears, and meet Joseph with smiles instead of tears." Rachel, who had been sitting silently rocking herself in a chair, by the fire now spoke. "It has been borne into my mind this day, that it is an ungodly thing to break the laws of the meeting, and The pa I also have had fearful intimations of approaching sorrow." rade of a wedding train of coaches at the door, would be very improper in the present instance, as the bride's parents were supposed to know nothing of the matter. It was therefore arranged that Joseph should come alone to the house of her aunt in Gh street, in a sleigh for Esther, at eight o'clock, and the attendants would meet her at the door of her new house. The important bridal evening had arrived. In a small front parlor sat the gentle bride with two of her sisters. She was in her bridal gear; in her dark hair shone no jewel or orange blossoms, it was parted in front, and wound in a knot behind, thus displaying to advantage, the classic form of her head. Her white satin dress was arranged with the great Judith did not reply, and the three sisters sat in silence around the fire until aroused by the stopping of a sleigh. So soon," said Esther-" the clock on the mantel points at a quarter before eight." "Lovers are impatient," said Judith, "but I will run and see if it be he." She opened the street door, and there was a sleigh, and as she supposed, Joseph in his peculiar cloak. She ran back and hurried Esther away, who kissed her sisters, and sprang into the sleigh, which quickly drove from the door. The two sisters returned to the fire and were expressing their sorrow at Esther's unwonted dejection, when the clock struck eight. At the same moment a sleigh stopped before the door, and the bride," exclaimed several voices, and the un 66 happy bridegroom, now fully conscious of his miserable fate, fell senseless on the floor. The alarmed guests gathered around him, and laid him on a sofa, and after using restoratives he appeared to recover. He sat up, and gazed around, with his eyes opened widely, but expressing no consciousness, and as if he were endeavoring to take in the sense of all he saw. Suddenly, intelligence rushed to his eyes, he sprang up, exclaiming wildly Joseph was heard speaking to the driver. They both started-"What can this mean," said Rachel. They must have forgotten something. I will go and see." Judith opened the door and Joseph ran into the room, his countenance expressive of joy and happiness. "Has Esther forgotten any thing," said Judith. "Forgotten-I know not, but hope she has not forgotten me; come sister Judy, run up and tell her I am waiting, and that the company are ready to receive the fair bride." Rachel sank" Why do you stand idly here; Von Swartz has with a groan into her chair, while Judith stood staring wildly in Joseph's face. carried off Esther!-Follow me, or she will be murdered!" He rushed from the room. "Judith!-Rachel !-what is the matter with you, "What does this mean," said the justice. is my Esther ill, if so tell me at once, and do not "I know not," said Jeremiah, Esther's brother, stand looking so horridly at me." but Esther is not here, and I go to seek her." "Did not Esther go with thee," gasped Judith-The terrified brother and most of the gentlemen "dear Joseph didst thou not leave here with her in present, followed Joseph out of the house. frightened ladies, meanwhile crowded sorrowfully around the fire, to speculate on the fate of the gen a sleigh a quarter of an hour since." A sleigh!-with Esther! what dost thou mean, I have but just left home." Thou wast here," said Judith wildly. I saw thee in that cloak when Esther entered the sleigh, thou art joking-tell me so and relieve my misery." The paleness of death, took the hue of joy from the countenance of the unhappy bridegroom. His eyes were riveted on Judith, without the power of moving or speaking. "What can this mean," he said at last, gazing fearfully around. "Can it be one of the groomsmen." 66 tle bride. The The justice and several others, went to the Alsatian's lodgings. As they ascended the stairs, voices were heard in altercation in his room. When they opened the door, they beheld Joseph, without his hat, and with his vest open, shaking and almost strangling the Alsatian, Villian!" he exclaimed, "Give me back my Esther! what have you done with her. Where have you placed her. Give her to me, or I will strangle you on the spot!" Gentlemen, exclaimed Von Swartz when he beheld them-release me from this madman." "Nay, Joseph," interfered Mr. Mthe justice. "Leave this man to me, and if he has done this, you shall have justice." "Justice!" said Joseph bitterly. "After Esther is murdered, of what avail will that be to me." May I ask," said Von Swartz, “why I am indebted to this visit, and of what, this young man ac If I understand the matter rightly," said Mr. M, "You are accused of murdering, or abducting a young lady, and you can best tell if you are guilty or no." "Nay Joseph," cried Rachel springing from her chair. "Esther is lost!-Fly-It is the Alsatian. He has vowed revenge, oh, fly and save her." Joseph with a cry of horror, rushed from the house, and sprang into the sleigh. Drive on Nathan!" he cried, drive on for your life! "Where shall I go Joseph," said the startled servant. "Go! aye, where shall I go, what shall I do!" and the wretched man dropped powerless into the seat. A hand was on his arm, and Judith, who had follow-cuses me." ed him, said-" Do nothing rashly, Joseph; it may be a joke of one of the groomsmen-go first to thy house, and if Esther is not there," and her heart sank at the fearful thought, then fly to the Alsatian's lodgings." "Drive home!" cried Denham in a voice of thunder, and the sleigh skimmed rapidly over the snow. As they whirled along, the brilliantly lighted shops, the merry jingling of the sleigh bells, and the laugh, and song, from the numerous sleighing parties that passed him, seemed but mockery to his miserable heart. In vain he endeavored to still his apprehensions, by hoping to find his bride at the house, the dark countenance of the Alsatian, was ever before him, and his threats of vengeance rang Nay, do your best," said the Alsatian. in his ears. How bitterly did he curse the folly found me here, reading in my room, and if any one that induced him to place himself in contact with can prove I have not been here all the evening, let such a ruffian. "Oh God," he cried, " my pun-him do it." ishment is just, I did not deserve to be happy; but oh, save my gentle Esther from harm." The sleigh stopped before a splendidly illuminated house, and Joseph bounded up the steps and threw open the parlor door. Slowly and fearfully he gazed around him. The justice was therethe company were all assembled, and there were the bridesmaids, and groomsmen, but she he sought was not among them. The bride was lost. "Where is Esther? Why dost thou not bring The Alsatian quailed before the stern gaze of Mr. M, but quickly recovering, he said, 66 I have very little to do with young ladies, sir. May I ask the name of the one in question." 66 "If this is so," Thou knowest too well," groaned the unhappy Joseph. "Thy savage threats of revenge and murder, still ring in my ear." said the justice, you must come with me, sir, and we will see if a court of justice, cannot elicit any particulars from you." "You The truth of this struck Joseph to the heart. Yes, Esther was lost to him forever, and the Alsatian would escape, unpunished. A groan of deep suffering burst from him. He grasped the Alsatian's arm and gazed piteonsly in his face. "Oh, Von Swartz!" he said, "If thou hast one drop of human blood in thy heart, tell me where I may find my Esther. Take pity on my despair, and relent from thy dreadful purpose. What wouldst thou? Revenge? Behold me, a despairing suppliant before |