The Maniac father : or, The Victim of seduction. A romance of deep interest

Front matter

i THE MANIAC FATHER, OR, THE VICTIM OF SEDUCTION. A ROMANCE OF'DEEP INTEREST. BY THE AUHTOR OP " ELA, THE OUTCAST," " ANGELINA," " SRHESHHE DE LAW," "EMILY FITZOBMOND," "THE DEATH _RA6P," "EOSALIE; OK, THE VAGRANT'S DAUGHTER," "THE BRIGAND; OR, THE MOUNTAIN CHIEF, 'i " AONE8 THE UNKNOWN ; OB, THE MENDICANT'S SECRET," " WIFE'S DREAM ; OR, A PROFLIGATE'S LESSON," " EVBL1NA, THE PAUPER CHILD," &C, &C. '4When lovely woman stoops to folly, And finds too late that men betray, What charms can soothe her melancholy ? What tears can wash her guilt away V" OOLDSElTH. LONDON: PUBI jHED BV E. LLOYD- SALISBURY-SQUARE, FLEET -STREET. meoc-, •I

Preface

. For the idea of the present tale, thc Author feels it necessary to state that he is indebted to Mrs. Opie's beautiful story of " Father and Daughter," but for the idea only ; the first part of " The Maniac Father" only bearing tlie least similitude to that work, and all the other portion ofthe matter being entirely original. The tale above mentioned embraces only one incident, which, however beautifully wrought out and skilfully treated, is abruptly brought to a termination at the very time when the interest is most excited. The object of ihe writer ofthe present narrative has been to show the numerous miseries which a dereliction from the path of virtue is sure to entail upon the unfortunate ; but how, by repentance and remorse, and a strict adherence afterwards to rectitude, are sure to defeat ultimately Ihe designs and machinations of the guilty, and to be re warded by suture happiness.

In the career of Adder, the Author has endeavoured to show the continual cares, disappointments, and anxieties that guilt is sure to bring upon itself, until, in the end, defeating ils own purposes, it is brought to a premature death of ignominy and violence. How far he has succeeded in achieving these objects, tbe Author roust leave to the judgment of the reader, who he is bound to believe be has at any rate amused, by the remarkable sale " The Maniac Father" has enjoyed from the commencement, for which patronage he returns his grateful acknowledgments, and begs leave to remain The Public's Most Humble axd Obedient Servant. October, 1850. FATHEE 9 OE, THE VICTIM OF SEDUCTION HIE MANIAC OCCUPIED IN SKETCHING A TOMP.

Chapter I

the sighs that frequently escaped her bosom, clearly evinced that sorrow lay heavy at her heart. There could not be imagined a more lovely object than Rosabelle Montalbert, and to every perfection of face and form, she united all tho graces and elegances of mind that can he inherited by her sex. Nor was she the less remarkable for the sweetness and gentleness of her disposition ; and in the country town in which she resided, she was held up as a pattern of virtue, and univer sally admired and beloved. "Beresford, dear Beresford," she soliloquised THE SFDUCER. — THE ASSIGNATION. Tt was evening, and ihe moon was sailing ma jestically through an ocean of fleecy clouds, ting ing the scenery around with a silvery hue, when Rosabelle Montalbert was seated at a window in the spacious and elegant apartment, which was the favourite lifting-room of her and her father.

A deep melancholy seemed to have stolen 'upon her senses; she leant her head upon her hand ; er whole demeanour was sad and pensive, and No 1, fully, "how can you be so cruel and unjust? Think you I can impugn the conduct of a father, who, till now, has never cost me a pang, or aw-kened an emotion, sive of pleasure and transor, whatever may have been his conduct, I have ever received you with kindness and sin cerity ; never professed more than I felt, nor meant leas than I professed." "Forgive me, Rosabelle, for the observations that I made in a mome-i t o( Irritation." s^id Be resford, " I will not, cannot doubt >ou ; but this no place to enter into explanation?; your farther cannot be long ere he returns, aud r.fusing to sanction my addresses, he will not be disposed to dly on my attentions; promise to meet me a1-, midnight, in the garden, and I will fare of your life i that hour.

I have matters of the utmost moment to reveal. You will QOt — you cmnot deny mei On my knees I ask — 1 imp] . "An assignation, Beresfordl" ejaculated Rosa bell--; "can Rosabelle Montalbert honourably ition with any one, however beloved aad lespected ? What would my dear father bay, were he to know his child concealed a thought from him 1" " Your saiher 1" cried Beressord, vehemently; " he is is, of your love; oan you exped i will smile i iffi v_r unexceptionable, that you may tako to secure it? Refuse me, and I will tare mys:ir away from you for ever — consent, and a obedience to your wishes, of devotion to your will; of unbounded love, shall recompense tho blest oompllaooa. Rosabelle, adored, _ ille, speak but the word then ; it is my first, poor request; let it not by your cruelty prove my last."

As he spoke, he knelt before her, and taking hei band, pressed it to bis lips, and looked up iu her face with an expression ofthe most earnest tiou. The maiden trembled; a variety of Ing feelings rushed for a moment to her heart, and she paused and hesitated. "How shall 1 act?" at last she observed, in toiies she di 1 not mean Baresford to hear; " the instant expectation of my father's return, the still small advocate that pleads for him in my heart ! Oh 1 I cannot hesitate I I may be wrong, but I cannot be cruel. Beressord," Bhe added alould, while deep blushes suffused her cheeks, and rendered her ten times more ravishing to his sight,—" 1 will not be inexorable— I must, I do consent." .t length, and her beauteous blue eyes beamed or th redoubled lustre as she mentioned that name, 4 alas I what a change has come over Rosabel e since first we met ; what hours of rapture, yet of intense melancholy, have I endured.

How often, ere we bicome acquainted, have I reso ved never to marry, but to Jive single for tlie sake of my belorved father; tbat father whose virtues have rendered him the admired of all ; but oh, can I help thinking that he is n_w unju<t and capricious, or why should he encourge a prejudice againA Beressord? A prejudice which he Is himself un able to account for. Who can dislike B.re.ford? —young, amiable, and accomplished; graceful in person, elegant in manners, iiuble ;i ike by birth and nature, to see, and not to approve oi hiiu, were irreligion against love. On, Alfreil, dear, dear Alfred, you have gained that ascendancy over my heart which I am certain nothing can ever destroy." As she gave utterance to these observation1', she took from her boom a miniature, which, having gazed at for a few minutes in transport, -Im pressed vehemently to her lips, aud ;ears, tears of mingled Joy and sorrow, flowed from her eyes.

She was aroused by a gentle tap at the door, and having desired the person to walk in, Martha, her waiting-maid, presented lersejf. " Colonel Beressord, Ml,s, requests permission to see you," eaid Martha, in replf interrogatory, as to whit had brought her Rosabelle started at the m it name, and turned very p„le and blushtd al'ti while her bosom heaved with mud " Is it possible that B dress been so Imprudentas to come at this hour?" ihi "should my father become acquainted wi clandestine visit, how angry would he be. Still, can I refuse to see him? O i, no, so Bh the hold he has qf my heart, that I cmnot deny him anything. But aro you sure my dear father Is not ln the way?" " I am quite positive, Miss," answered Martha, "tor 'master bus gone down to Mortimer's, his steward, to give directions about the festivities that are to take place tomorrow, which is the anniversary of your birthday.

Oh, it will b^ a delightful day. My dear mister is resolved that all work shall be tnrown aside on that occasion, and that it shall not be his fault If there his a sad heart in the neighbourhood. Ah! Heaven b e ■ him! if ever there was a good man, squire Mont albert is one." " Yes," exclaimed Rosabelle, as her maid quit ted tne room, while her eye3 b amed with love and fervour as she spoke, " well does my beloved father derserve those encomiums. If succouring the sick, and encouraging the poor; provh.g a father to the orphan, anil a friend to the widow; rewarding the righteous, rescuing the sinner, make a good man, wbo is so well entitled to that name as my father V She was startled by some one laying his hand gently on her shoulder, aud, turning round, the liaheld Beressord standing before her.

Alfred Beressord was possessed of an degant figure, and noble countenance; his manners were graceful, and his talents of the first .rder. Few could resist the fascinating powers of his conver sation, aud many were ths female hearts that he hail raptived, deceived, and broken. " Rosabelle," said Beressord, in atone of sad ness, " I hope yuu will pardon this intrusion ; it may be my last. I have seen your fath.r, have urged my passion to him, and soiie. ted your hand; bat he has proudly, unjustly, and contemptuously refused me I but come here to h.ve that icsusal confirmed by you, aadl :eave these scenes for ever. Yes, I will wander to others, less dear, perhaps, to my heart, bat less fatal to ing to my fancy, and les. dece.lful to in> 1. " Oh, Beressord," replied Rosabelle, repioachi thousand, thousand thanks!" cried Beressord, energetically, and his eyes sparkling with delight; "this repays me for all your father's sc.m, your " " Pray begone !" interrupted the agitated and trembling Rosabelle, "he will return,— will cis- ; i , —let me entreat,— let me beg."

" Well, then, at twelve— in the gardens." "I wiil be waiting," hastily replied Rosabelle. '-Ang.llc, enchanting girl— sht's mine! she's mine !" said Beressord, a_t_e ; then turning to Rosabelle, he ejaculated, in a tone of the utmost fervour, "farewell, dearest maiden, farewell !" " Farewell— till midnight," said Rosabelle, and Beressord tore himself from her presence. The moment he wa3 gone, the most agonizing thoughts distracted the bosom of Ru3abelle, and her heart was agitated.by a thousand fears. What had she done? No— no— she had no alternative Her beloved father, whose pride it had hitherto been to anticipate her wishes, now disappointed her in the one most dear to her. Sur_;y her love an 1 duty merited not such a denial i tears filled her e)es as tLese thoughts oc_arred to her m'.r.d, and she covered her face with he hies and wept So .sbe: was slid in the sorrowful relictions that tortured he. bain, that she did not notice the entrance of her father until he spoke to her.

" though it were my list breath, it were sweetl, breathed to pleasure thee." A3 Rosabelle spoke, she drew her chair cliser to where her father was sitting, and whi'e he listened to her with breathless attention she sing to him a song he chiefly delighted to hear. It was a simple, pi ai at ive ballad, and sbe sui g it with such taste and melodious sweetness, that "ln tears, my Rosabelle?" he said, ina voiceof deep affect on, — " but too welt can I divine the cause : I met Beressord as I entered. "Why will my darling girl still cherish an affection for one who never can Insure her happiness? Believe me, I speak, love, m<re in sorrow than in anger. Beresford's income is precarious, is slender; he cannot be either constant or domest'e; brought up in an idle profession, and accustomed to habits of intemperance, expense, and irregularity."

"Oh, my father!" exclaimed Rosabelle, with feelings of powerful emotion, " spare me, spare your Rosabelet'l "I will forbear, my poor child,' said her father, kisjiiogh-i cheek ;— R^abelle Montalbert, I am certain, will never accept the addresses of a man, whose father, he himself owns, will never sanction them with his approval." " I have no plea but one — I dare not urge," returned the maiden, " unbounded love 1" "You would not wed without a father's sanction, Rosabelle?" said Montalbert, solemnly. "Oh, no— no— no; never!" she replied. "Then," said her father, seriously, "encourage not that in another which you would forbid in yourself. I am only prompted to urge this by the earnest, the ardent wishes I have for your future happiness. Think not that I would endeavour to oppose your love whenever your affections were placed upon a worthy object; and, although it will be a severe trial for me when you are taken from me, I will not be so selfish as to wish to con tinue my happiness at the price of your's. Still in tears?— nay, iny love, I cannot bear to see you weep, You know that tyrrany is foreign to my nature.

Time andabsence may have thi effect of eradicating this unfortunate passion fro. a your heart; at any ra^e, I must advi-e you to try what effect they will have; atid should you, after due trial, not be able to succeed in vanquishing your love for Beressord, even though it is sorely against my inclination, I promise you that you shall receivemy consent to your union on one condition only ; namely, that the consent of the father of Beressord is also obtained. But I do my child an injustice to im ig ne for a mome it thatshe would ever agree to be united to any man in a clandestine manner. Her heart would re volt from such an idea." " Might have created a soul Under the ribs of death." The following lines Mr. Montalbert always listened to with particular pleasure aad atten tion — " Oh ! never could that darling child, Her age 1 parent loved so dear, Cause in his cheek the blush of shame, Or in his eye excite a tear !

A cemfort to his old grey hairs, A so'ace in his hours of woe ; Woe brought not on by sin of her's : Could she e'er grieve his heart? ah I no!" "No, no, my swestest," said Montalbert, straining his daughter fondly to his bosom ; " never will you, never can you My dear Rosa belle will live to be a comfort to that father who loves her so fondly; and never, he is confident, will she giva him cause to leel a moments an guish. Good gill, good girl ; and now, then, good ni™ht. I have a sad weight on my soul, and yet to-morrow should bring smiles and joy. It must be our la'e conference tbat has affected me. Wo are not used to differ, Rosabelle. God bl ss thee child; a father's prayer act like a charm upon thee, and shield thee from the perils of the night. Good ni*ht — good night." Again and again did Mr. Montalbert embrace his beloved daughter, and seemed loath to separate from her.

A terrib'e forbodiog of he knew not what haunted his mind ; and when Rosabelle responded to his wish, and he had rea.hed tho door, a sudden Impulse made him return ; and agaiu enfolding her in his arms, he ejacu'a'ed— " Again let me press thee to my heart, my child. God bless and shield thee; for on tby precious w [fare han.s thy doating father's life should aught b . fa! thee. Why yield I to these thoughts ? 'tis strange ! let me shake off this weakness ; 'twould seem as ii some spell forbade ray 1-avmg thee, and yet a few -hort hours of sleep, and we shall meet again. Why, what a fond, weak fool has nature made me; once more, good night; good night, and Heaven preserve thee, child I" The old man once more hugged her to his bosom, parted the silken tresses from her forehead, aod kissed her fervently; a tear fell from his eye upon her cheek ; and at length, with a powerful effort to conquer his feelings, he tore himself from her embrace and rushed out of the room.

" It would, it would, my dear sir P returned Rosabelle, vehemently ; " belLve me, I will never do anything which is not sanctioned by you, or might cause you unhappiness." "That promise re-assures me," said Montal bert, " but I must exact yet more from you, my dear child. You must assure me that yeu wi;. not see Beressord again, and I am satisfied. Hc has a wily serpent tongue, and if " "Stay, stay, my father," cried RosabeU., as the idea of the manner in which she was about to deceive him, for the first time flashed across her conscience; " but why should I recal him?" she added ; " what thoughts are these that dart across my brain? — his unusual tenderness— Beressord— Beressord, I cannot, I darenot meet thee. Not meet him? Am I, then, so weak in resolution that I fear to trust myself? I were unworthy of ecurity were I unable to withstand temptation.

I will not think so slightly of myself ; besides, have I not pledged my solemn word, and eau I break it? No, Beressord; I'll at all hazards meet thes; the hour is almost come; one last look at this dear scene of all my childhood's pleasures, and I go. This is my father's favourite apartment, and doubly is endeared to me for that. Farewell ! farewell!" "Does, then, my father suspect," said the d a nisei, " that Rosabelle would ever be seduced to violate her duty, or endanger her honour ? — Oh, sir, think better of your child, nor wound her heart by such unkind suspicions." "I spoke in haste, my child," said he; " forget it and forgive it. The nigbt advances; the mor row brings with it a busy round of pleasures ; we shall need less to encounter their sweet labour. I will no longer keep you from your couch than to solicit my favourite strain.

I have been some what ruffled ; it will 6ootha my troubled spirits; come, then, my Rosabelle; thy voice has that sweet power that can charm to rest the darkest, moodiest passion. Kind Heaven hath given it its own seraphic sweetness; and as thou singest, the ministering angels stand in the porches ofthe eternal palace, and fancy echo gives them back theft own celeui.l songs of praise and l()ve. Sing, sing, mv u With joy, my father," said Rosabelle; As she thus spoke, she cast a sad, last lingering look upon the apartment, and then prlaively quitted if. With a melancholy hears. ' - bent her steps 1 1 wards the spot where sh iad pro mised to taeet her lover. At th* do »r o'f her father's chamber sbe again paused and listen* i ; the tones of his voice met her ear; he was breathing his evening prayer to Heaven, and she heard him implore the protection of the Almighty for her.

Her heart faltered, a trembling came over bar, and she felt half inclined to abandon. her pur pose, and to retire to her chamber; but a secret and irreslstable impulse urged heron ; and breath ing a blessing upon the head of her beloved parent, she harried from the place. from an unfeeling and interested design of preventing you marrying at all." "Can such be my father's motives?" said Rosabelle ; "impossible, Beressord; I cannot believe it." "What others can he have?" interrogated the libertine ; " Is not my character unexceptionable ? are not our habits, our inclinations, our ages in unison? Wha*. possible objection can he have ?" Rosabelle psaied for a few moments, and it was evident, from the agitation she evinced, tbat the most tormenting thoughts racked her brain. "It is but too true," at length she said ; "I am unwilling to beUeve It of my father, yet cannot blind my Judgment to the justice of your argument."

Beressord, with difficulty, could repress a smile of BAtisfkcton and exaltation at the ready manner la which Rosabelle was falling into the snare he had laid so r her, as he thus observed : — " Why not at once defeat his machinations, then, and secure my happiness and your own, by eloping with me to Scotland? Time, necessity, and our parents' affections, will soon secure us their forgiveness. Never may we find another opportunity : to-night either makes us wretched, or blest for life. I have a chaise-and-fonr at hand ; this rope ladder you may descend in safety; and, to-morrow, tbebleBied day of your birth, will prove the still more auspicious day of your nuptials." "A clandestine marriage I" ejaculated Rosa belle ; "can Rosabelle Montalberteverso descend? Ah ; she who listens to the dictates of pride, can know bat little of love besides its nane ; — _h, Beressord, B.iesford, cease to tempt me to my ruin."

Chapter II. The Elopement

With feelings of exultation the profligate and unpriucipled Beressord quitted that fair girl whom he was seeking to make the victim of his guilty aud disgusting passions. And when he had left the house, after encountering Mr. Montalbert, with whom he only exchanged a few words, he gave vent to hia sentiments upon the subject in the following expressions — " So, then, she has consented to meet me, and I triumph; she will be mine; the old dotard, Montalbert, to believe me serious in my offer of marrl-ge to his daughter. Marriage I hai hai it would ill suit my roving Inclination; besides, it would disappoint all the ambitious pwspects I have formed for my future life, and bring on me the eternal displeasure of my father, Lord Mor ning too. Twas a masterly stroke of policy my hinting at the necessity of the marriage being kept secret till my father's consent should be gained.

I did not think old Montalbert had so much pride in him, though; I never was bo cut up since I met my tailor in Bond-street, the day alter the non-payment of mv last bill forced him into the Gazette ; but I shall have my revenge. Rosabelle is irrevocably mine; admiration, gratitude, respect, esteem, pride, all combine to keep her so. She admires my person; fs grateful for the distinction of my attentions ; respects the superiority of my acquirements; ee teams my out ward virtues; and is proud of my birth and ex pectations; what, therefore, is to prevent me obtaining full possession of her? I will convey her by a forged tale to London ; feed her with promises tilt I have obtained tke summit of my wishes; and having satisfied my love, by procuring a handsome mistress, make a necessary sacrifice to prudence, by looking out for a wealthy wife.

Ha I ha ! ha ! nothiug could be more admirably ar ranged, and so certain of success I" With these words the heartless libertine hurried home, and gave instructions to his valet Adder, to procure him a rope-ladder, and to have a post chaise ready by twelve o'clock, and to be waiting near the house of Mr. Montalbert. ** I do but urge you to your happiness; pause ■ot, beloved Rosabelle, I eonjureyou; think of the dreadful agony your loss will cause me ; think of my despair, nor burden your pure soul with the dread weight the consciousness of my destruction would heap upon it. Oh, let my tears, my sighs prevail upon you. I call on every sacred power to witness I will be all your fondest thoughts can wish me— your faithful and adoring slave for life; will live, will die for you. Consent, then, Rosabelle; seal thine own happiness for ever, and rescue me from everlasting wretchedness.

Coy opportunity has lent his wings to these brief moments; oh, aelze them, ere tbey fly for ever from us." "I dare not deliberate," said Rosabelle, with much emotion; " Beressord, thou hast triumphed ; I yield me thine for ever. Great Heaven, that gave me all a woman's weakness If I hare erred, oh, judge me as a woman, nor blame me for the absence of that strength waich thou hast not biatowed trpon me.H " Thi* ladder, Rosabelle,** returned the delighted Bemford, throwing tt into Vhe balcony; "this adder loads thee to love and liberty; a moment will convey thee to my arms." " My trembling hands can scarce perform their office," said Rosabelle, as she prepared to affix the rope-ladder to the balcony, according to the in struetloos of Beresf«rd. "Now, for the first time, h .me of my father, peaceful shades of my early joy, to quit your fostering shelter."

She descended the ladder, and at the foot, tho libertine was waiting, with open arms to receive her. Punctual, of course, to hit appointment, Beres sord made bis way to the gardens attached to the residence of Mr. Montalbert; Adder following at a short distance with the post-chaise, a ad everything ln readiness for the nefarious plot; and he had scarcely reached the spot of assignation, when Rosabelle appeared at the balcony , and, in a timid voice, repeated his name. " My lore 1 my life V exclaimed the deceiver. " Ber.sford," eald Rosabelle, " I have, with many struggles, kept my word ; prize well the momenta of this meeting, for never must it be renewed. My father has been speakiog of our union; he ha; forbidden all further intercourse b .tween us; has stated reasons, alas I too strong, tao convincing, why we sboull never he united, and has for ever refused hie consent to our mar riage without the consent of your father."

" Selfish, cruel '.an," observed Beressord, with warmth; "sseyonnot, my adored one, tbat his rejection of my offers does not proceed from any dislike of you marrying me individually, but "Support me, Beressord," «he said, in trem b'lng aceents; "I sink, wifch unknown terror. Should I be sating wrongly— bat'tis toi late re ceding; I an all thiue, Beressord. Farewell, my homel farewell, my father! Ah I my eyes grow dim, my senses fail me, my limbs refuse— oh!"— and with a sigh she fainted in the arms of the de ceiver. "Bhe faints!" ejaculated Beressord, as he clasped the senseless form of the maiden to his bosom, and gssed with* feeling of indescribable I transport upon her. " How beauteous in insensibility she looks ! I could feel pity but that love overmasters all. Let me b?stow my prize within the carraige, then off to town and rapture."

With these words he bore the insensible Rosa belle to the spot where Adder had the vehicle walling, and after he had deposited her in the carraige, and placed himself by her side, it was driven off, without the least delay, in the direction of Loudon, eald tho steward; "I'll not lose a moment, I wan: mt." The steward hastily departed on the missions of charity and benevolence upon which he had been despatched by his master, and the latterthen turning to the humble guests assembled, said — " Welcome, welcome, my honest friends, I rejoice to meet you thus ;— Goodman, my friend, accept my warmest greetings; as for your daughter, ther fair Miss Emily here, I would fain claim of her a gay salute, in token of our friendship, but that I know my young friend Rattleton, is such a miser of her charms, he'd grudge a kiss eveu unto her father ; and, oae to me .'—oh I he'd grow down right jealous !"

" Yon are pleasant, sir," observed the fair Emily, who was leaning on the arm ot her lover, the gay and thoughless Rattleton. " Yes, "returned Montalbert, " I am not so old but I can still be gay at seasons." "G*y!" repeated Rattleteu, "why you have always been a gay mao; nevertheless, I would sooner trust Emily with you than with our staid justice or eveu the vicar and churchwarden, who dart an ogle through a demure eye. just as tbe angler does a hook through a May-fly, when he wishes to tickle up a trout , and sind the bait swallowed the more readily in proportion as the danger of it is less apparent. Wip ma such sanctified rogues, say I." " The same merry Rattle as ever," said Montal bert. "I have began this day with the performance ot a pleasing, but pensive duty. I have beeu laying the first stone of an asylum for those unfortunates, who, through calamity and disap pointment acting upon too keen a sensibility, too sanguine an imagination, may experience a temporary derangement of Intellect; feeling, in my own frame, the evils of a mind too sensitive,— too ieelingly alive to the crosse. of the world, I have not been unmindful of it In others.

The loss of reason, under misfortune, is what I havo over dread:d: I was not boru for suffering over much; but I grow gloomy. Where — where is she, whnwill enliven all — where is my child— my Rosabelle." M She has not left her room yet, sir," remarkel a domestic.

Chapter III. The Maniac Father

Ma. Montalbert had been a widower for some years, and had no other child hut Rosabelle, on whom he doated with the most ardent fondness, and was unhappy if she was out of his pre sence for any length of time. With all the sin cerity and fervour which woman is capable of feeling, did Rosabelle return her father's affection ; in fact, Mr. Montalbert was universally beloved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him ;— to the poor he was a generous benefactor ; and to the more wealthy an amiable companion, and a sincere friend. He never crossed the threshold of his door without having the blessings of all classes invoked upon his head, and, in fact, he was looked upon as a parent by those whom misfortune had placed in indigence. Rosabelle, too, was beloved and admired by all, for to the inestimable qualities of her father, she united all the gentle ness of her sex, and was admitted to be a pattern of unsophisticated virtue.