was ineffectual: he refused every overture towards a reconciliation; and, dying shortly after, bequeathed his immense property to a monastery. A distant relation of my grandmother's, however, preserved them from the extreme poverty, by the timely bequest of a thousand pounds; and with this small sum they continued in retirement, until their daughter attained the age of sixteen; at this period my father became acquainted with them, and, by imperceptible degrees, wormed himself into the heart of the youthful and unsuspecting Agnes; and, in an evil hour, by the assistance of a false marriage, destroyed her reputation-Mr. Campbell's father had selected a wife for his son, and he soon after plighted his hand to her at the altar, in the face of the world. The only witness of Agnes's marriage, was a poor woman, who died soon after; so she was considered, by the gene rality of mankind, as an indiscreet and foolish girl, whom credulity had be trayed to her ruin. The knowledge of my father's second marriage produced a premature labour, which first opened the eyes of her venerable parents. The stigma which was thus cast on them, eat into the vitals of ancient nobility, and the death of Agnes soon after, reduced them to despair. They collected the little property they possessed, and retired to the cottage before mentioned, on the summit of Moncrieff, where they had resided ever since, unknown by the world, brooding over past calamities, and wearing out life in all the bitterness of disappointed hope and comfortless despair. Unused to fatigue of any kind, my grandmother was taken ill, on the third day of our journey, which detained us nearly a week. Immediately, on her recovery, we proceeded with all pos sible expedition to Port Patrick; within two miles of which place, I procured a small cottage, and having seen them quietly settled, I bade them adieu, being internally convinced, that our separation was, in all probability, eternal. The following month I embarked with my regiment for the East Indies, and, ere my return, the virtuous Forbes was no more. I received, before my departure, a letter from my father, filled with expressions of contrition and affection; and promising no longer to suffer the name of my mother to be consigned to infamy. I dissuaded him not from an act of retribution; yet he died ere he had acquired resolution sufficient to clear her fame, or do me justice. After a prosperous voyage, I arrived at Bengal; and, during my residence in that place, received frequent letters, both father and grandfather; in one from my of which I was informed of the mar riage of Adeliza and Mr. Nugent; and about twelve months after, I received, from that gentleman, the melancholy account of my father's death. His letter concluded in the most indelicate manner it said, that as Mr. Campbell died intestate, his property, of course, devolved to his legitimate child—his daughter; and having been so handsomely provided for in his lifetime, I could have no reasonable claim on his executors, as I was incapable of proving my right to any of the property.Alas! I was equally incapable of wounding the feelings, or injuring the fortune of Adeliza; and while I rejoiced in my independence, I rejoiced also, that I was removed from witnessing her union with such a worthless, groveling, spirit. The natural energy of my mind bore me up against the contumelious treatment of my brother-in-law, and I felt and gloried in my own superiority. About About three years after my residence in the East, I became acquainted with an amiable young woman, of a good family and large fortune. My person happened to hit her fancy; and the amiable Caroline St. Ledger was indifferent to every sordid idea, and by giving herself to my arms, ensured my esteem and fervent gratitude.-Nine months of uninterrupted felicity were mine; the tenth was ushered in with general gratulations on the birth of a daughter; but my Caroline never recovered from the effects of her accouchement, and I followed her remains to the silent grave a sincere mourner !→ I now became sick of Bengal and its environs, and proceeded to dispose of all my property in the East, and settle my affairs, previous to an embarkation for England or Scotland. My little Clara, for so I had named my sweet babe, supplied to me the loss of every other |