Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-05-23

=
Iy, and had no companion except an
aged female, on whom she bestowed the
most afectionste care. Holen's curiosi-
ty and interest were awakened. Ger
trude rushed 10 her membrance this
female, 80 solitary, SO melancholy
| might be she! she contrived a pretext for
calling at her dwelling, and beheld in
decd Gertrude.-But how changed! her
eye was still bright, but its lustre spoke
not Of joy:-the dimpled, and varying
! fascination of her countenance, was
changed to the wan and fixed expression
Of intense thought; it still wore the ex-
preston of keen sensibility, but it was
the sensibility of acute pain. And Ger
trude's lovely face looked as il it had new
er been lighted blythe smile of rapture
or the ardent glance Of hope. And no
wonder! Gertrude had imposed on her
self task beyond her strength; her he
roism had aided her inmaking the sacri-
fee of her own happiness, in order TO Sc
cure that of the man she loved, while
she deemed it to be necessary to the Dig
nifty Of her own character; but when she
believed that sacrifice complete, while
she supposed that long ere then, he had
become the husband OF her supposed RI
val, she found that the effort, however
necessary she had believed it to be, was
more than she could bear with fortitude.
Yet, faithful 10 her determination, she
had never sought any intelligence con-
cerning them, and the secluded life she
led, her distance and enlargement from
all her former associates, had prevented
her gaining any knowledge of any thing
that had transpired. Gertrude believed
that she must wear out her days in life
consuming sorrow, and her only hope
y as, that her trials might be Of short du-
ration. On the first recognition Of Hell
en-, her faculties were nearly suspended
An explanation followed, and Gertrude
learned, with inexpressible anguish, that
instead Of securing the happiness of her
lover, she had, in all probability, wreck
ed his peace forever. ..
Helen's mind was fertile in resources, !,
the OWL she had ienos antly caused, she
determined TO remedy. A plan which
she pursued, aided by her husband, sue
ceeded in tracing the wandering misera-
bic Herbert, and in three years after
their last eventful interview, Charles
Herbert stood on the threshold Of his
constant Gertrude, trembling alternately
with hope and fear. But Gertrude placed
her trembling hands in his with speech
less transport, gave him one glance OF
forgiving, unaltered, unutterabfe tender
ness; and Herbert felt that those three
years of suffering penitence were amply
repaid by the pure, una!loyed happiness
Of that blessed moment. And Gertrude,
happy in his tried and faithful love, could
only wonder at the medi'ated sacrifice.
To Helen, now happy and idolized
wife, they both felt they owed their pres
ent happiness, and their grateful hearts
repaid the debt b. an attachment as last
ing as it was fervent. Gertrude could
smile at the romantic heraism fher early
years, and Herbert had now learned that
the sensitive delicacy Of the female heart
Is not to be lightly trifled with. Expert.
ence had taught them wisdom, and their
mutua. confidence secured their happi-
ness.