Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-04-18

WOMAN'S LOVE.
A Prize Essay.

splendid ball was given. The invitations
had been issued by the beautiful Mrs. Z.
whose house was admirably calculated
to show OFT, not only the taste and style
of its mistress, but the elegant dress Of
the company. The rooms were large
aud lofty, and adorned by mirrors
Many fair lady had already assembled
OH the appointed evening, but the one
for whom all this preparation was made,
was still wanting. IL was the BRIDE
Nothing could equal the impatience OF
the company; the greatest curiosity pre-
vailed, for the lady was not merely bride,
but she was foreigner, and as she came
from India, it was supposed that she was
| the daughter of some rich nabob. The
husband who was to introduce her to the
world of fashion, had for many years
been its polar star. The news OF his in
tended return from the East Indies, and
the prize he was to bring with him, had
reached America before his arrival
The intelligence Of their being on the
spot was rapidly circulated; their lodg-
ings were beseiged by cards and notes
Of invitation, but to all enquiries, the la
dy had plead fatigue, and though it was
three weeks since their arrival, no one
had gained access to her rspresence.-
Conjecture and report were, however,
busy. Colonel Morton was not young
man, but this was no reason why his la
dy should not be young. 1t was conf
IDENTIFY expected that she would be
blooming in youth, loaded with Jewels,
and suaddied in India shawls. Just as
the company had arrived, at that crisis
when " hope delayed makes the heart
sick,' Colonel Morton was announced.
Mrs. G. stepped forward with one Of her
most engaging smiles, to welcome the
fair bride, but the bridegroom was alone!
1t were useless to dwell on the disap-
pointment of the company; the husband
had brought the apology; it was made
up Of indispostion and fatigue.
Though Mrs. Morton was still unable
or unwilling to return the visits of her
friends, the colonel seemed willing to
represent her on all occasions. He was
at evening and dinner parties, hired an
elegant house, entertained the gentlemen
of his acquaintance, aud said less and
less of his lady. BY degre cs reports were
circulated to her disadvantage; it was
confidently said she as only "the chere
annie of the colonel"
Cities which contain crowded popu-
lation, are the places of oncealment.-
The nine days wonder soon passed away,
no discoveries were made, ladies ceased
to leave their cards, or risk enquiries,
and colonel Morton was again tacitly
entered on the bachelors list. There
was one person, however, that did not
quietly submit to truce of inquiry, and
this was Miss Iryington-a thin attenu-
ated lady, who was nourished by hourly
rumours, and to whom the infirmities and
weaknesses of others, we're daily bread.
1t frequently happens that the sins Of
youth are visited upon ripper years Colo
onel Morton had in former times, carried
on hration with the lady in question
it had become more serious than he
had intended, and when he finally "ceas-
cd off," it was evident that she thought
herself ill treated. To her, the present
mystery was insupportable; she had left
cards, sent kind inquiries--but as yet
nothing was gained; the usual fruitful
medium Of her information was unavail-
ing neither milliners nor mantua-makers,
had gained access to the house, and the
servants were all imported with the lady.
The case to common perseverance, would
have been desperate, but Miss Irvington's
was uncommon, and after many plans, she
determined to make direct sally upon
the enemy. 1t was not difficult to fix
on time when the master Of the house
was absent, as he followed his bachelor
round o! dissipation with the same zest
that he had manifested before his depart
ure for the East Indies.
AT about four O. clock in the afternoon
which is always an unsuspicious hour fol
company, Miss Irvington rung at the
colonel's door. A servant came. 81
wish," said she, Z" to sac the lady of the
house on particular business" The ser.
want hesitated, but, with an air Of author,
ity, she passed him ascended the wind
ing staircase, and opened door at tn,
head oft. A lady dressed in India mus
I'm sat with her back to the door; sh,
turned and rose, but what was M ,ss Ir
vington's astonishmont when she exhib
tied a copper coloured complexion, ant
that species Of hair and features which
correspond to it. Hastily saying tha
she had mistaken the house, she rushed
down stairs, and fled from friend to friend
telling them "the mystery was all out,
that the pretended Mrs. Morton was 9
woman of colour, and she had seen hel