CLARA HOWARD: OR, HEART YEARNINGS FOR THE UNSEEN AND THE ABIDING. A Tale. LONDON: JAMES NISBET AND CO., 21 BERNERS STREET. M.DCCC.LVI. 249. u. 59. CLARA HOWARD. CHAPTER I. "Woman all exceeds In ardent sanctitude and pious deeds; And chief in woman charities prevail, That soothe when sorrows or disease assail." BARRET. WELL, Sir Edward, of course you can do as you please," said the sharp voice of Miss Lydia Hamilton to her brother-in-law; "but really, when I think of my poor sister Agnes, and of what would have been her feelings if she could know of your taking Clara abroad, I cannot help being quite grieved. So preposterous! a girl of fourteen, whose education is but half finished, and with no one to take care of her but yourself. It is too bad." "And who so proper, Miss Hamilton, as a father to have the charge of his only child?" replied Sir Edward, quietly. "Had my dear Agnes been alive, there would have been no occasion for Clara, or indeed for me either, to leave England; but, as you well know, my health will not bear another winter here, and I cannot now consent to leave behind me my only earthly tie. My dear child's A |