Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-06-20


to forbear; yet knew no time was to be
lost, and that it was the only method,
and probably, the only opportunity to
effect the mutual desire Of hearts long
united by the closest bonds OF affection
and here, said ne, before proceed, l
will anticipate your ref ctions; you would
have been ready to say, Forbear-rash,
inconsiderate youth! commit not al act
to destroy the peace of a father, and en-
bitter your own happiness. ss.--Call not
that rash which was maturef by the ut
most deliberation. Did l net, by every
method, endcavour to remove the neces-
sty Of an act so repugnant to my feel
ings, and to secure the consent Of the
laiheri Aye, had used every ,argu-
ment, and placed before him every OBJ
lection that 1 supposed he might make !;
plead all the fond desires and wishes of
his daughter, and those of my own, |
asked not his money, but his daughter
told him how much it would add to
our mutual happiness to gain his favor;
placed before him circumstances that
might have excited him when young,
but TO all my entreaties | received no
friendly reply, or reasonable objection,
but that he had intended her tor another,
one whom she could never love.
My hear. was stung to madness at the
cruelty OF this unieeling parent; it was
then that proposed to Emily tina,
which was not only refuge and hope,
although revolving to my own feelings
and source Of grief to hers yet TO
be separated would involve US both in
misery. Her reply, when she gave her
consent to this cruel plan Of uniting our
destines, touched more deeply my feel
Ings, and strengthened, if possible, my
attachment aud resolutions. But to pro-
coed; like the midnight thief | gently
closed the door, and hurried The object
of affections from the steps to the car
rage, then in waiting some little distance
from the house, and Emily left for
ever the parental roof
AS the carriage moved from the town,
INV hear. almost sickened to witness the
distress Of one whom tendery loved.
As if the spark OF life had flown, she
reclined upon my arm motioness; all
the faculties of nature seemed suspend
ed, + attempted to console her, but
found l could not give utterance to my
feelings; as if aroused from her lethar-
gy, she seized me by the arm, then
family remarked, Oh Henri, | have
left all-yes, all for you, but I know you
love me, and Heaven will protect W.
What scene what feelings for lovers
to possess when about to appear at the
altar Of Hymen, at a time, and upon an
occasion which should have caused our
hearts to throb with delight. Instead
of being surrounded by the congratula-
tions Of friends, we we're alone, at mid
night, the tears Of the bride and the
fears Of the groom were left instead of
the rejoicing offriends and the merri-
ment of the feast. st.tJ
As the darkness began to dissipate
and the dawn of day approach, we found
ourselves near the village OF IL. we
alighted and requested breakfast, but
our minds were too much excited to
partake Of it.-Atter having rested an
hour, Emily seemed more composed,
and we started for the house OF the Vii
lage Priest, to enter into the most SOL
emn engagement that can be ratified on
earth, and under circumstances little
calculated 10 enliven its interest. As l
had arranged matters before with the
clergyman, we were in short time pro-
nounced man and wife. We returned
Immediately to the city to apartments
had prepared. l despatched note to
the father of Emily, stating our mar
riage, and asking his forgiveness in the
most afectionate manner; iii reply to
which, in abusive terms, he forbid us
forever his house. Although not great
ly disappointed at this rebuff, we had
hoped that his severity would abate,
knowing we were married. My be-
loved Emily threw her arms around my
neck, she hoped Heaven would forgive
the cruelty Of her father. Years rolled
on, and we had no cause to regret our
elopement.
1t was on a cold winters night, while
we were sitting at the fire, listening to
the bowling of the wind, and the pratt
Ting Of our little boy, when a loud
knock was heard; servant requested
we would go Immediately to the house
OF my tather-in-law, as he was dying
We fastened to the bedside and beheld
the man, the parent, who whilst living
had withheld the friendly attentions and
feelings due to son, and forbade the pre-
sence of a kind and affeclionate daugh-
ter, who would have considered it a du-
ty, mutually to add to his comfort, end
ease the infimities of age; now that
death was about to seize his frame, in