The hapless orphan; or, Innocent victim of revenge. A novel, founded on incidents in real life. In a series of letters from Caroline Francis to Maria B----. : In two volumes. Vol. I[-II]. / By an American lady. ; [Five lines of quotation]

LETTER XV.

Havre-de-Grace.

SINCE I last addressed my dear Maria, I have had an opportunity of be|coming more acquainted with the unfortu|nate Mr. Gardner. Fanny entered my chamber this morning, and requested me to favour her with some entertaining books. There was a number upon my table: I desired her to select such as would be pleasing to her. Engaged in reading, she had reached the door; when looking up and seeing but a small pamphlet in her hand, I asked her, if there were none con|sonant with her taste? Her heart was full; the pearly tear glistened in her eyes: She could not articulate. Fanny, continued I, what distresses you? Believe me your friend; unbosom your affliction. She in|clined to retire. I arose, took her hand, and led her to a chair; she laid the book upon the table; I glanced my eyes upon it, and found it a play, entitled, "The

Brothers." Curiosity was excited; my attachment for her increased; I experienc|ed all that inexpressible sympathy, which is united with those sweet sensations of a feeling mind, and was silent for some min|utes, that she might give vent to the effu|sions of her grief. Tears having afforded a momentary relief, I resumed my solicita|tions, assuring her of my preposessions; observing, I had noticed an anxiety upon her countenance, the cause of which, if possible, it was my wish to remove. She replied, "I thank you for your friendship; nor can I refuse your request. The title of that book, forced upon me many disa|greeable ideas, by reminding me of the sit|uation of my brothers; the youngest of whom has experienced a succession of mis|fortunes. Long initiated in the school of severe disappointment, with the most eco|nomical attention, and closest industry, he finds it difficult to support his family; yet his destitute circumstances make no im|pression upon the heart of Charles, who, by great success, has accumulated immense property. Intoxicated by the inebriating bowl of prosperity, he lives only for him|self.

"Those innate principles of benevolence, generally ingrafted in the human heart, which induce it to assist the distressed, ap|pear totally eradicated from his breast; and he is governed by a penurious dispo|sition, which renders him callous to the wants of his nearest friends. He views, with an adamantine indifference, the suffer|ings of a deserving family, without a single effort to relieve them. The unpardonable insensibility he uniformly discovers to the embarrassments of a brother, adds a barb to the dart of misfortune. The pain which results from the inattention of our connexions, is too severe for a susceptible mind. To meet indifference, where we expected assistance, destroys the fond hope nature excites.

"Shall a love of money absorb the natu|ral affections, steel the feelings, and im|perve every virtue of the heart? No, my dear. If we are actuated by gratitude, our minds will be dilated by the bounty with which we are blest. We shall endeavour to communicate happiness to the distressed, and in search of objects, duty and inclina|tion will first direct to those with whom

heaven has immediately connected us. But sympathy never filled the eye of my broth|er with a generous tear; nor has human|ity meliorated the insensibility of his heart." Here she paused. I urged her to suppress feelings so destructive to her health. Let us anticipate your brother's better fortune. Hope is the cordial of life. Encourage the friendly delusion: It will assist you in conquering those reflections so prejudicial to you. She was now called.

The great contrast in this family fre|quently engaged my reflection. It is in|deed happy for society that characters, similar to Mr. Gardner's, are not more frequent. How much more amiable the man, who studies to communicate happi|ness, whose breast beats with humanity, and who listens to the voice of sorrow, with a disposition to mitigate human misery. The remembrance of such is truly grateful to the children of affliction.

Every feeling of my heart is excited for Frederick. I pity and esteem him, and the amiable Fanny. Pity and esteem! what cold expressions! I will ever evince my

warmest friendship for them. No new at|tachment shall, however, deprive Maria of the real friendship of

CAROLINE.