Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-05-16

not vltlated III those circles enormously
called the gaols Of pleasure and felicity.
Ovilla, gay as the songsiers which
lulled her to repose, had hitherto passed
her hours in the en- oyment Of that unin-
terrupted tranquility aud peaceful ehxi-
ty Of spirit, which are the usual concon-
ltants Of youth aud innocence. For some
time she had reciprocated the sweets Of
friendship with Orlando, youth who
appeared worthy Of her tendcrest afiec-
ton, when she was assalled by a student
of Union college, whose eye she had
accidentally caught as he was returning
from the Springs. So fair an assemblage
of human loneliness could not fail to riv-
ct his gaze. Asher syIphlke form seemed
with unaffected ease and elegance,
to float in the air before him, he invol-
unfairly alighted, and despatched his
servant, who had accompanied him, to
make every possible inquiry concerning
her. Upon his return he made such a
report as gave the collegan tie most
hattering hope Of succeeding in a villain
Gus enterprise, which he bad been plan
ming during his servants absence. Del
crane, our student, was tne SON of a gen
teman who resided in the southern part
of the state, and was heir to very am
pie fortune. As he was an only child,
, and great favourte, his finances were
almost without limitation. Add to this,
he had nearly completed his collegiate
course, and nature had given him a
graceful and manly exterior, which was
calculated to make an impression where
ever he thought proper. His passion for
the ladies' he had demonstrated on many
OCCASIONS, and his generosity equalled
the fervency of his flame Such for
midable hero, had the artess, the inno-
cent, the lovely Ovilla to oppose.
Delerane was obliged to be at Union
that night; but resolved to return the
next day, and put his scheme into exc
cution. His servant being entirely i'll
the secret of his plan of operations, was
to be principal agent in conducting
, them. Accordingly, at a small distance
from Ovilla's dwelling. he aighted from
his horse, and threw himself into dry
ditch. His man ran to the house and
acquainted the farmer with the supposed
accident; declaring that Delerane, being
thrown from his horse, lay in great ago
ny by the side of the road; from the Vi
olence Of his fall, he concluded some Of
his limbs were fractured, and he earnestly
begged some assistance. The good old
man Immediately repaired to the spot,
and with the aid of the servant, brought
him to the cottage. So far his plan had
succeeded. No sooner was Ovila made
acquainted with the supposed accident
than from her naturally humane and ten
der disposition, she prepared the gentle
man some wine-whey; and so unsuspec-
ting Of deceit, tha, she became his min
istering angel, and with trembling hand
presented the potion to his lips. Her
"eyes OF dewy light" rested upon the
stranger, in which were expressed the
tenderest sympathies for his misfortune.
He caught their glance, nor were his
inexpensive Of his feelings. If Dele
rane was before enraptured with her
personal charms, he was now completely
fascinated with the artless strain of elo-
qucnce that fell from her lips. The
brilliant magnficence, affected prettiness,
reiterated ALTERATION, and all the choicest
flowers of rhetoric he had ever heard al
the bar, or in the senate, were surpassed
by her sweetly plaintive strain; it was.the
pure efiusion of nature and good sense
dictated by generous sensibility for his
supposed misfortune.
Transported with so many co-opera
ting circumstances for the advancement
of his scheme, Delerane had almost
thrown off the mask before his project
was ripe for success. In paroxysm OF
perspective bliss, he was on the point ol
springing from the couch on which he
recIined, and seizing instantane eously on
the beauteous Ovilla; but moments
reflection convinced him of his error,
and brought him to reason, which taught
him that it was necessary to carry OH
the farce some time longer, to meet even
with his own applause.
He accordingly continued in his sup
posed bruised condition for some days,
and was attended by neighbouring
physician, whom he was obliged to fee
pretty heavily to wink at the imposition.
After week had expired, his chirurgical
attendant pronounced him out ofdanger,
but recommended his patient, in the
hearing of Ovilla, not to attempt remov-
ing for some days, lest any motion
should occasion relapse. This advice
was strictly obeyed; and with the greater
pleasure, as Ovilla earnestly entreated
Delerane not TO think of departing until
he was perfectly recovered.