Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-01-26

ho tfff'h's
The village bells rung a merry peal,
the morn appeared bright rs the hopes
of youth, and not a face but shone with
joyous ~gladncss. Every one seemed full
Of business, some wore seen going to
! and fro, others wero observed returning
| from the fields laden with the choicest
flowers, while many u bashfnl maiden,
full Of JOY and hope sat gaily weaving q
simple wreath of jessamInc.
The village inhabitants were now at
tractcd By the rapid approach of trav-
cling carriage and four. 1t stopped at
tho principal inn, and a stranger OF i'm
posing appearance allghted. 1t was
easily seen that he was u person 81 CON
~scqucncc-the naughty, yet graceful
dignity Of his whole ~domcanour, spoke
III once his rank, and even the courteous
uybani!y Of his manner seemed to say,
it is only cordcsccndslon.
Addressing himselfto his host, lie en-
quired the reason OF the hustle in the
Village
why, your honour answered the
Landlord, whose name was Merton, 'h
is Miss Elias birthday, and they are
going to have Il grand ball
'And who is Miss Ella" asked the
! stranger.
'And have you not heard Of Miss Ella
! Cleayeland: she is the pride Of our Vii
l~age-bcloycd by the young, and adored
by the old, she is never seen, but admlra-
ton and blessings follow her footsteps
'Shc mus, certainty be n prodigy Of
wonder,' sarcaslical!y observed the
stranger, but suppose, that joined to
this perfection OF mind she is old, and
uslincss personifcd.'
Miss Ella Cicavcland old and ugly!
nay, now you do but ban;erm me; why the
sun never slIone upon a loyclier creature,
and as to age, this day she numbers but
seventeen summers
aye, l had forgotten that to day, the
village celebrates her birtb-aud SO this
peerless Ella is young, lovely and anna
blc--is it so, good Landlord'
Il 81 cntreat you 10 SEQ and Judge
for YOURSELF replied Mr.. Merton; come
this evening to the Mansion, and if you
do not say Miss Ella is lovely rs IN an
| gel, then never call me Landlord again
a fair offer, pom honour,' cried the
! stranger, whom we shall call Mr. Bever-
Iy--'and / accept the chaIlenge-but
will Il stranger be welcome at the Man
sion-will l be considered an intruder!'
'Ah! no, indeed, I'll warrant o will
be made welcome, the father Of Ella
Clcaveland is famed for kind hospitality
'Well, with your %permissson,' said Mr.
Beverly, l will now retire to change my
dress, for | must put Oh all my graccs to
do honour to this charming Ella
That evening, the lights blazed in the
mansion of MIR. CIeaveland--the village
maidens, bright with rosy health and
cheerfulness, were ~throngins there
some attended by a gay and gallant youth,
while others breathcd a secret wish that
they would appear pleasing in the eye OF
! { him they loved best
Among the numerous visitants was our
friend, Mr.. Merton. and with him APP
pcared the elegant stranger, Mr.. Bevcr-
~, who advancing into the Hall, was pre-
scented to Mr.. Cleaye!and, and received
with mingled politoness and kindness
On entering the room, where the dancers
were assembled, Mr.. BevcrIy's attention
was rivcttod on a lovely girl on whom he
, could not look without instant emotion.
4, Her face and features were illumined
with sweet expression, and there was in
:: her c~ountenancc such sense and inno-
ccncc united that it was impossible to
behold without wishing to know her,
She was modcstly attired in a white mus
lin dress-a white satin ribband bound
her slender waist, and flowed to the
around, while a half blown rose was the
sole and simple ornament of her head.
Merton, my wise Landlord,' cried
Mr.. Beverly, Eyou have conqnered-that
lovely female must be Ella, aud l no
longer wonder a, what you have said
sAh! I knew your doubts would all end
when you had seen her, answered the
delighted Mr.. Merton, but come shall |
present you"
may, one moment watt replied Mr..
Beverly, { for see, she is going to dance
Ella, for il was indeed her, was now
led up to the top of the dance. Her
graceful form appeared all animation,
and the ~enraptured Mr.. Beverly followed
her light footsteps through all the mazes
oc the sprightly figure. When it had
concluded, he turned to seek his good
friend, the Landlord, whom he found in
close conversation with Mr.. Clcaveland.
Upon Mr.. Beverly expressing a wish
to be introduced to Miss CleaveIand, her
father led him towards her. Ella re-
ccivcd his compliments with blush, but