The Litchfield County post. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1826-1829, 1827-02-09

thinks of me otherwise than as the wife OF
his brother. Really, Albert this is not very
kind.
Albert. Forgive me, Emily. If could at
this moment lay my heart open before you,
and you could see how it swells with agony
almost to bursting, | know YOU would forvive
me. But justice forhids nae at this time to
think offeelngs. Can you, Emily, can you
raise your eyes to mine, and unfalteringly
tell me that You have never thought of Ed
ward but as brOther-that your heart never
has once whispered the wish, that it was to
him you were going to plight your faith for
ever. You cannot--the. native righteousness
of your mind disdains asabterfuge. Let me
| at least thank you for not trifing with an
honest heart. In that look read my fate.
am indeed the unhappy wretch feared was
Exit.
Emily. Stay, Albert, in pity-hear me
but one word. Heis game; and what ann I !?
vile and guilty thingathat has ruined the
peace of heart that booked to her for its
happiness. The fatal secret is revealed-the
secret which, dared not confess, even to my
self: | have given my heart unsolicited, and
to one, it may be, that thinks not of me. /
have done this, and repaid with ingratitude the
honest affection of a man who merited my
fondest love. Where shall | conceal my
shame-or how again bear to look on either
brother? Oh, my father, had you not so SOL
EMMY urged my marriage with Albert-had
| not known your stern and unbending ma
ture,I should have ventured to open my heart
to you, and this might have been spared me.
But now the scene appears all dark and
cherries and en- whichever side turn my
eyes, behold nothing but misery and shame,
Erit.]
SCENE III. The Shrubbery. EDWARD.
The conflict is over; the struggle was se-
we're. hut virtue has triumphed. Yes, will
show them that principle and honour are not
mere shadows, and that however deeply the
heart may feel,it can bend itself to the dictates
of Justice. | even seem to feel less acutely
since have shaken off the reproaches of my
conscience. Albert He comes most OPP
pOrtunely.
80 Enter ALBERT.
can now look you in the face again, broth
er---wish me good journey--I have decided
on accompanying Arnheim to Germany, and
must be f'to-day.
Albert. You must not leave us now, Ed
ward.
Ed,card. And is it you that say so AL
bert, may be weak, but | am not william.
have staid here too long already.
Albert. Emily will persuade you to stay
STILL
Ed,card. Emily! Would to Heaven had
never seen her should have been saved
many bitter paDg; but am still master of
myself. I shall set out directly, and without
another look at that angel face which,
Albert, you must present my adieus to EN-
lily.
Albert. I must decline the Office. Besides,
. H. hnx, 4.N Aocsr
EmilyS presence she will be here this in
slant, and, as said, will persuade you not to
go.
Ed,card. How coolly he speaks But have
| not deserved it! Aside. Albert. even
Emily could not persuade me to thing
should despise. But / have not vanquished
my feelings without struggle, and the sight
of her would unman me again. You must tell
her am gone, and invent some plausible rea-
son for my departure. Let not her happiness
with you be embttered by the knowledge
that there exists one who would have died to
purchase her love, but could not remain and
seeit given to another.
Albert. She is here.
Enter EMILY.
Emily, my love, thank you for your ready
acquiescence with my wishes. Takes her
hand.1 Edward, come forward. You love
each other. Be happy together. Joins their
hands]
Emily. Albert!
Ed,oard. What does this mean?
Albert. Briefly this. We have been rival
pursuers of rich prize, Edward, and you are
the victor. Emily loves you. Do not blush
Emily, for my brother idolizes you, and is
worthy of your affection. The preparations
for marriage are arranged; it shall take
place. But you and |, Edward, will exchange
situatons-you shall be the bridegroom, and
receive that from my hand which you were
to have given me.
Ed,oard. This, Albert, is like yourself. But
now hear me, though my confusion at SO I'M
looked for an occurrence, will scarce suffer nae
to collect my thoughts. Though the thought
of being loved by Emily makes this the sweet
est moment of my life, too can be magnan-
imous, and should detest myself if | could ac-
cept happiness that know will cost you SO
dear. AT such price | will not even accept
gift like this.
Emiiu. Nor would l. It may not seem
proper that should speak; my secret is dis
covered, and why should blush at confess
sing il +? But have already too much abused
your generosity, Albert; | will at least do SO
no farther.
Albert. I expected this; and have taken
measures to render it useless. You know
was the other day offered by friend, who
49, IL