returned to share the benefit of his labors; Their whole community had
been more or less affected by this failure. As to Mrs. Grosvenor's own
loss, she had said it was not heavy, or, at least, she had spoken of it
as not resting heavily upon her spirits; why then should the
Sea-flower's thoughts dwell thus upon the matter?--she still mused--"I
fear this may have been a heavier loss, than the gentle words, so
characteristic of my mother's tenderness for me, may imply! she would
not, if it were in her power to prevent, have me feel that I must
curtail my expenses in the least, and I know that my necessary expenses
here, must be a great tax upon her income; to be sure Harry has often
said, that our dear mother shall never know what it is to want; but for
all that, I feel that I might do something to repay my mother for all
that she has done for me. Yes! it is my duty! and it certainly would be
a duty of pleasure, if I could do anything to assist her." This it was,
which had caused the thoughtful expression of the Sea-flower; this which
had called forth the ever ready wit of Miss Winnie--had detained
Delwood's gaze! But what would be the sentiment of uppertendom, when it
should be rumored that the beautiful young creature, of the proud
Clarence Delwood's choice, had stooped so low, as to maintain herself by
her own hands? How would Mr. Delwood himself receive such an
announcement? such thoughts did not occur to the mind of the noble
hearted girl; her every thought and act were of good, and she did not
for once think, that there were those, who could sneer at good motives.
Ah! Natalie, this is a cold, unfeeling world, at best! as experience of
long years doth confirm. Thy little day hath not yet taught thee, that
the world is born of sin, for thou only lookest on the human face as
divine. How Natalie was to render assistance to her mother, by relieving
her of any incumbrance, of which she, herself, might be the cause, had
not yet been matured, until Delwood had spoken of the popular
picture-gallery, of the unknown artist; when as we have said, her face