American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1825-02-08
JENNY KELLY.

The following well written story, by the author
of ".Myrtte Leares," first inserted in the Europe
an Magazine, derives an interest from its being a
real fact unadorned by .fction.-The writer oil it,,
it is stated, is near relative to the unfortunate
female, whose brief history he records:
In The town of Newry, in Ireland, lived Jenny
Kelly the subject of this little narrative. At this
distance of time, not any thing material is known
OF her parents it is only known that they were
honest and industrious, and that they brought up
their daughter according to their means. Before
she attained the age Of Is years, she became the
object of affection 10 Two suitors. This distinction
which would, have been hattering to the vanity OF
most young women OF her age, proved 10 her the
greatest misfortune. She had fine countenance,
an elegant figure, an amiable disposition, and was
Of singulary industrious habits. Her voice was
moreover uncommonly fine, and she caroed as
merrily as the lark, and sweetly the nightin-
gale. In short, she could not but make any man
Ia good wife, and delightful companion.
Poor girl when think OF her fate, tear oil
pity falls to her memory. Yet Jenny did not be
come prey to the arts of seducer she was re-
served for misery of different kind
The two rivals who sought her affections, were
brother clerks, in the firm of Messrs. Ogle &
Thompson, we'll known merchants in Newly. The
circumstances of each were nearly equal, and they
were generally regarded with degree of respect
| selves. Rays was the name of one lover, M Evoy
that Of the other. Rays was very handsome
young man, tall and we'll shaped his rival had no,
the same advantages of person, and was conscious
of the superiority of Rays in this respect but this
reflection only caused him to redouble his attentions
to Jenny, and TO do every thing in his power to in
lgratiate himself into her esteem. Whether or moi
Rays was less ardent or persevering in evIncng
| his attachment, cannot now be known but after
opda ofy tho,r H.,
heart owned preference OF Rays, yielded to the
opportunities oil M'Evoy, and was married to him
accordingly.
Jenny was young, and probably scarcely knew
Der own heart at the time, else she ought not to
have given her hand to one lover, and her affec.
lions to another. 1t was weakness on her part
and she bitterly atoned for it yet who shall blame
herr
sfWomen are not,
&c In their best fortunes strong"
and might there not be some neglect on the part oil
Kaysf
When Jenny became wife, she was fully sen.
sibe of the duties and obligations which her new
condition imposed upon her; and she determined
to do all in her power not only to retain the afec-
ons of her husband but to increase her own to.
wards him, With these feelings they might have
been happy but connubial bliss was not to be the
lot of this young creature.
| 1t may easily be imagined that Rays, who was
not less fond OF Jenny than his successful rival was
lplunged into state of distraction, as soon as he
knew of the utter ruin OF his hopes. In the first
paroxysm Of his rage, he threatened destruction to
boz h bGt becoming more calm, he conceived a
scheme of revenge, which he determined to carry
into effect He began to affect an Indifference
upon the subject; then to utter inuendoes that
could not but create strange conjec!ures and at
last he did not scrupe to insnuate, in plain terms,
and, in such way hat it sure reach M'Evoy's
ears, that he had previous 10 her marriage had an
illicit intercourse. with the young bride. Such le-
ports were not slow in finding circulation they
speedily came TO The knowlede. of M'Evoy and
his vile, and their feelings on tine occasion 1t may
be easily supposed were deeply, though very differ
emily affected. Jenny became melancholy; her