Nature's last, best gift:
Creature in whom excell'd, whatever could To sight or thought be nam'd!
Holy, divine! good, amiable, and sweet!
How thou art fall'n!--
WHEN Charlotte left her restless bed, her languid eye and pale cheek discovered to Madame Du Pont the little repose she had tasted.
"My dear child," said the affectionate governess, "what is the cause of the languor so apparent in your frame? Are you not well?""Yes, my dear Madam, very well," replied Charlotte, attempting to smile, "but I know not how it was; I could not sleep last night, and my spirits are depressed this morning.""Come chear up, my love," said the governess; "I believe I have brought a cordial to revive them. I have just received a letter from your good mama, and here is one for yourself."Charlotte hastily took the letter: it contained these words--"As to-morrow is the anniversary of the happy day that gave my beloved girl to the anxious wishes of a maternal heart, I have requested your governess to let you come home and spend it with us; and as Iknow you to be a good affectionate child, and make it your study to improve in those branches of education which you know will give most pleasure to your delighted parents, as a reward for your diligence and attention I have prepared an agreeable surprise for your reception.
Your grand-father, eager to embrace the darling of his aged heart, will come in the chaise for you; so hold yourself in readiness to attend him by nine o'clock. Your dear father joins in every tender wish for your health and future felicity, which warms the heart of my dear Charlotte's affectionate mother, L. TEMPLE.""Gracious heaven!" cried Charlotte, forgetting where she was, and raising her streaming eyes as in earnest supplication.
Madame Du Pont was surprised. "Why these tears, my love?" said she.
"Why this seeming agitation? I thought the letter would have rejoiced, instead of distressing you.""It does rejoice me," replied Charlotte, endeavouring at composure, "but I was praying for merit to deserve the unremitted attentions of the best of parents.""You do right," said Madame Du Pont, "to ask the assistance of heaven that you may continue to deserve their love.
Continue, my dear Charlotte, in the course you have ever pursued, and you will insure at once their happiness and your own. ""Oh!" cried Charlotte, as her governess left her, "I have forfeited both for ever! Yet let me reflect:--the irrevocable step is not yet taken:
it is not too late to recede from the brink of a precipice, from which Ican only behold the dark abyss of ruin, shame, and remorse!"She arose from her seat, and flew to the apartment of La Rue.
"Oh Mademoiselle!" said she, "I am snatched by a miracle from destruction!
