It was not long after that a malignant distemper broke out in the neighbourhood, which proved fatal to many of the inhabitants, and was of unexampled rapidity in its effects.

One of the first persons that was seized with it was Mr.Clare.It may be conceived, what grief and alarm this incident spread through the vicinity.

Mr.Clare was considered by them as something more than mortal.

The equanimity of his behaviour, his unassuming carriage, his exuberant benevolence and goodness of heart, joined with his talents, his inoffensive wit, and the comprehensiveness of his intelligence, made him the idol of all that knew him.

In the scene of his rural retreat, at least, he had no enemy.