Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-12-06
From tho Saturday Evening "ost.l
HENRY ROSALVAN.
On his ioNy bmw

Henry Rosalvan was richly endowed by ma
ture. His was a face of intellectual beauty,
and his tall and manly figure was graceful in
the extreme. He was formed TO please for
none could look on his benevoiently bright
cOuntenances and his sweet and happy sm'ie.
without admiration. II is almost needless to
add, that with these personal advantages,
joined TO a handsome fortune, Henry Rosolvan
could hardly fail Of being a general ~favorite.
He never appeared in the polished circles Of
fashion, but he was received with gli:tering
smiles and anxious hearts : but, strange 10 say.
their attractions failed Of the desired effect,
and Henry constantly left the blaze Of bright
ness and beauty, without one emotion but in
voluntary wonder at their f~rivoli,y, and envy,
and studied display.of charms.
He had returned home one evening, after
having attended some ladies' TO view a fine set
Of paintings, more irritated than ever with
their vain caprices, when his meditations were
interrupted by the entrance Of his friend Ed
ward Courteney.
Still in a Thoughtful mood cried Courte.
ney, advancing, and p~layfuIly taking bis arm I;
= come, divest yourself Of that sombre look
l cannot imagine what those charming crea-
lures, the ladies, can see in you to admire
always pensive but l suppose it 10 that which
interests them.'
Il have no cause to boast of the Partially
of my fair friends was the embarrassed an
swer of the conscious Rosalvan.
"A truce with your ill-timed humility ex-
claimed Courteney, VIXEN you we'll know
that the elegant Miss Percy, and her friend.
Miss Melville, are breaking their hearts for
you
And hare thoy hearts p asked Henry with
a bright smile.
Nonsense 7 cried Courteney /; : what does
a beautiful woman want with a heart ! When |
look at their bewitching eyes, and listen TO
their persuasive voices, il is Of little conse-
qnence to me whether they have any mind at
all. But come. It's growing late Mrs. Or
mond will chide our delay, and | know Miss
Percy will expect you to sing the first due,
with her.
Rosalvan instinctively drew back at the
mention Of Miss Percy /; but Courteney laugh
ingly drew him forward, and, hurrying along,
they soon reached the elegant mansion Of Mrs.
Ormond. On their entrance they found 1.-The
company pleasantly arranged around the room,
some talking apart, while n few were amusing
themselves with music. At the upper end Of
the apartment. sat Kiss Percy in naughty si-
lence. All endeavors 10 amuse or draw her
into conversation proving Intellectual, they had
all gradually left her. except Miss Melville,
who, from time to time, whispered remarks
against some one present.
what can possibly detain Mr. Rosalvan 70
long ? cried Miss Percy to her companion.
{ ! can form no idea,' returned Miss Mel
Vile, { | know he is ever p~unctual in his en-
g%agements.'
THAT moment the object Of their solicit
tude entered the room, accompanied by Mr..
Courteney. Miss Percy suddenly became all
animation and pleasure, and beckoned his ap-
proach, which was obeyed, though reluctantly.
Il began to fear you would not come,' SAID
she, with the PROTEST air Of ~softness magma
bic.
Il cannot Aatter myself that my absence
would have caused any uneasiness,' he replied
bowling coldIy.
Il can assure you, Miss Percy said Mr..
Courieney, you would have no cause to COM
plain, did you but know how extremely impa-
tient he was.'
Miss Percy blushed with pleasure, while
Henry's evident embarrassment only increased
her delight. Mrs. Ormond soon joined them,
and pointedly, though with infinite good hu-
NOR, hoped Miss Percy would now favor the
company with a song
Miss Percy was all smiles and graceful con-
des cension, and gaily desired Mr.. Courtepey
to select some popular piece. Her voice was
- ehe ~ SS'sh Illtuu's-
Mr.. Courteney was rapturous in his plaudits
when she ceased singing, and expressed his
desire that she and Rosalvan would join in a
duet.
Miss Percy will, ! hope, excuse me- said
Rosalvan, l really have no voice tonight
HIS visible confusion was observed by Miss
Percy, but attribatIng it 10 the desired cause,
she gave him one of her most engaging smiles
and forebore to urge him further. Miss Mel
vile next sung, and the rich brilllancy Of her
style was much extollcd.
BLESS me = suddenly exclaimed Mrs. Or
mond, what keeps Miss Mowbray so silent /!
Come, Adelaide, will you not assist our melo-
dy"
Pardon me, dear Madam replied tho
sweet aud tiinld voice of Adelaide.
Hiss Mowbray is always difficult 10 per-
suade.' exclaimed Miss Percy haughtiiy.
Il have never found her so,' said Mrs. Or
mcnd.
She perhaps reserves her attra ctions for
her most particular friends was the sarcastic
observation of Miss Melville, laying an odd
emphasis ON the word friends.
Mr.. Rosalvan involuntarily turned to look ut
the ~biushing object Of these Ill-na,ured re-
maiks, and regarded her with painful feeling.
But his pity soon yielded TO admiration aud
surprise, when he saw sho was young, beaut.-
ful and Interesting. Her figure and features
had thai mixed character OF soflness aud no
bienoss. which 9 painters seek 10 give their
youthful SAINTS" aud ner dazzling dark eyes.
tlmIdly cast down, were full oi beauty and ex-
preston. SlS was IN deep mourning, aud the
exquisite simplicity OF her dress only cnhanced
the beaaty Of her syipi-like figure.
Rosaivan gazed long aud silently on her
flushed counlonance, but was recalled ~ hun
self by h'ss Percy Impatentiy exclaim'ng,
: Mr.. Rosalvan, is il surprise or admiration
tina, has riveited your attentions
He started, ahIie his face was crimsoned to
the very brow but inst an'ly recovering bim-
self, replied. : Both, Miss Percy but, coniin-
ued he, turning TO Mrs. Ormond, = hope, dear