Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-09-05

"a
had studied the human mind deeply, but
studied only to DESTROY lie was appa,-
entity about twenty-eight years OF age, oi
Il good figure and pleasing appearance
lie bad been openly irregular in hls
younger days; but as his reason expand.
ed, he saw that though he would find few
20 censure him TO his face, yet they
would insensibly imbibe bad opinion OF
him, and treasure Il up as u safeguard
for the future virtue OF their children
should he ever come in their company
lie observed his error, and conseC eCuent-
~ altered his whole observation-disclosures
apparently, steady and joined an ortho-
dox church. His friends, observing this
concluded that he was, in reality, an al
tered man. But how short sighted and
how iraiI we mortals are; he was still as
deep N his iniquity as ever; his religion
was Only in appearance. lie was again
invited to the houses of his acquaintance ce
and friends, who had rather slighted hm
than otherwise, during his irregular prac-
tees; but who now thought he had re-
formed, and received him with as much
afiability as ever.
The father of Rose laughed at the
suspicious of his wife, and said that he
had no doubt that Mr.. Dennison was as
good man as ever lived, and that he
was certainly man f good informa-
ton; and adding various other argu-
me nts, h s wife wavered in her opinion,
and began to think better Of him. They
both however, agreed TO observe hun
very particularly, the next time he called.
Another week brought him with it.
Rose, who was distracted between duty
and love, appeared detected and sorrow
full. Dennison remarked it, and spoke
Of it to her; her changing cheek and
unsteady eye convinced him that some-
thing troubled her, and set his wits to
work TO discover what it was. He iii
upon the very thing, viz. that her parents
suspected his designs upon her, and in
tended to forbid a continuation of his
visits. lie sal for some minutes lost in
thought, during which his eye flashed
feartully beneath his knitted brows, and
his lips writhed as if he was under the
influence of some deep passion. And
he was; he was angry with himself for
da.lying along in the manner he had
done, for such length Of time; still he
did not mean to lose his victim; there
fore he resolved to make bold push at
once, and looking up, addressed Mr.
Mclroy thus: You are sensible, sir,
hope, that l have long entertained feel
inss of the greatest regard for your
daughter, and wish to conduce to her
happiness in every way in my power
You may think that have conducted
strangely, and doubtless will say that
have done wrong in not mentioning il to
you.-but, sir, il you will consider that
this is my first appearance in the paths of
love, and that diflidence had conside-
rablo share in restraining me, | know
you will excuse me. I am like Mark
Anthony, a plain, blunt man., but little
versed in the tender looks, winning
smiles, and heart fetched sighs with
which many attract the attention of the
fair. l have offered my hand to your
daughter in marriage, and now come to
ask your consent. | can give you rete-
renccs, 50 that you can ascertain the
goodness Of my moral character, and
property; but would beg Of you not to
mention your reasons for inquiring, as,
if you should, |, who have been a deter
mined bachelor, should never hear the
last Of it, AS he proceeded ia this
speech, the cnuntenances of Rose and
her mother gradually lost their gravity,
and became wreathed with smiles The
father, after considering few moments,
answered him in his easy, contented
way, as follows: Il will make enquiries
some time when am out, no haste, you
know, which having done, my wife and
will ponder upon the subject, and make
you acquainted with the result When,'
answered Dennison, eagerly, 'whon
shall get my answer? do not delay, sir,
but speed in this business, and relieve
me from the tortures Of suspense. And,
fly swiftly, oh! ye hours, till shall press
the form of my adored Rose to my breast,
and know that she is mine indeed. Now
dear Rose, one kiss Of affection, and
will leave you for season. SIR, hope
you will not be idle in this affair, but will
get the necessary information by week
from this day, so that you can inform
me the next time l CALL "Well, well;
1 will attend to it, replied he. Dennison
then took his hat, and bidding the family
good night, departed, huggiag himself
upon the probable success ofhis scheme.
In the meantime Mr.. Melroy made
enquiries; the answers were such as sa-
tisfed him of the good standing of Mr..
Dennison, and he, therefore, ordered his
daughter to receive him as her lover
The happy Rose had now no wish un.
gra'ilied, but that Of being the bride Of