Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-08-16
MISCELLANY.
THE GOOD WOMAN.

and its crops rewarded their industry
They were independent and respected
by their neighbors; they loved each 9TH
or in a 'narriageable sort Of way, and
few couples had altogether more the ap-
pearance of comfort about them.
Larry was hard working, and, occa-
sionaily, a hard drinking, Dutch built,
little man, with a fiddle head and round
stern, a steady going straight fofs ard
fellow, barring when he Carried too much
whskey, which, it must be confessed,
might occasionally prevent his walking
the chaIked line with perfect philomath-
ical accuracy. lie had most ruddy
countenance, rather inclined to an ex-
preston Of gravity, and particularly so
in the morning; but, taken altogether,
he was generally looked upon as a mar
vellously proper person, Notwithstanding
he had, every day in the year, sort of
unholy dew upon his face, even in the
coolest weather, which gave rise to a
supposliion, (amongst censorious persons
Of course, that Larry was apt TO indulge
in strong and frequent potations. How
ever, all men Of talents have their faults
indeed, who is without them? and as
Larry, setting aside his domestic virtues
and skill IN farming, was decidedly the
most distinguished breaker Of horses for
forty miles round, he must be in some
degree excused. considering the induce
,nents of the stirrup cup and the fox
hunting society in which he mixed, if he
had also been the greatest drunkard in
the county, bat in truth this was not the
case
Larry was man Of mixed habits, as
well in his mode of life and his drink, as
in his costume. His dress accorded well
with his character--a sort Of hali-and-
half between farmer and horse jockey.
He wore blue coat of coarse cloth,
with short skirts and stand up collar;
his waistcoat was red, and his lower hab-
ilmentS were made Of leather, which in
course Of time had shrunk so much that
they fitted like second skin, and long
use had absorbed their moisture to such
degree that they made sort of crack
ling noise as he walked along. A hat
covered with oil skin, cutting-whip,
all worn and jagged at the end; pair Of
second hand ,of 10 speak more correctly,
second footed, greasy top boots, that
seemed never TO have iinb,beda refreshing
dsaught of Warren's backing Of match
less ustre! and one spur with rowel
completed The every day dress Of Larry
Dodd.
Thus equipped was Larry returning
from Casael, mounted on rough~coated
and wcil-cyed nag, though, notwithsand.
ing these and few other trlling blem-
tshes, well built animal; having just
! purchased The said nag, with fancy that
he could make his own money again of
his bargain, and, may be, turn an odd pen.
| ny more by it at the ensuing Kidorrey
fair Well pleased with himself, he trot-
ted fair aud easy along the road in the
| delicious and lingering twilight Of love-
| ly June evening; thinking of nothing at
all only whi-tling, and wondering would
horses always be SO low. III they 90
at this rate sale he to himself, for half
nothing, and that paid in butter buyers
notes, who would be the fool to walk =
This very thought, indeed, was passing
in his mind, when his attention was arous-
ed by woman pacing quickly by the
side of his horse, and hurrying OIL, as if
endeavorng TO reach her destination be-
fore the night closed in. Her figure,
considering the long strides she took,
appeared TO be under the common size
rather of the dumpy order; but further,
as to whether the dansel was young or
old, fair or brown, pretty or ugly, Larry
could form no precise notion, from her
wearing large cloak, (the usual garb oil
the female Irish peasant,) the head OF
which was turned up, and completely
concealed every feature.
Envelopcd III thus mass Of dark and
coGcealing drapery, the strange woman
without much exertion contrived to keep
up with Larry Dodd's steed for some
time, when IN, master very civi!y Offered
her lili behind him, as far as he was
going her way. Civility begets civility,
they say; however, he received no an
swer; and thinking that the lady's 81.
lence proceeded only from bashfulness
like man OF true galIantry, not word
more said La'ry, Until he pulled up by
the side Of gap, and then says he Ma.
colleen beg," just imp up behind me
without word more, though never q
one have you spoke, and I'll take you
safe and sound through the lonesome 'bi
of road that is before u.s.
She jumped at the offer, sure enough
and up with her on the back of the hoi sc
as light as feather. In an instant there
she was seated up behind Larry, with
her hand and arm bucklcd round his
waist, holding on.
Il hope you're comfortable there, my