Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-08-30

appreciate the value Of such society,"
Miriam Lee was different from all he
had ever known Of those in the circles
of his own rank, and to him the advan.
tages Of fortune were trivial in compari.
son with such qualities as adorned the
blind mans daughter. In her society
all his social feelings were kept alive
and he loved to sit IN the porch Of the
white cottage and listen to her sweet
voice, that gave u,tcrancc TO her rea
sentiments. A disposition constituted
like his, could not long remain uninter-
ested in such company; and Edward
Owen often found his footsteps directed
towards the white cottage unconscious
ly. II was the silent oyermastering of q
natural impulse, triumphing over the
Fictitious precepts Of his education.-
Miriam was too sagacious not to per-
ceive this preference, and too prudent
to offer it marked encouragement
Sometimes n momentary idea flashed
across her mind that he might love her;
but she instantly banished the impression
and upbraided herself for dreaming of
the existence of such thing toward one
so lowly. Had she examined her own
heart, she might have there discerned
the germ Of an attachment which only
waited the operation of some circum-
stance to call i, forth, as the spring sun
shine calls forth the blossom from the
plant. Their natures were too congen-
ial to associate without such conscquen-
ces; they loved each other unthinkingly,
and their frequent communion OF senti-
mcnt nourished all affection strong, deep
and indelble.
An event soon happened which open
ed to them snowledgo of their mutual
feelings. Edward Owen was now twen-
ty-onc, and excluded from any share in
his fathers estate by the primog enture
of an elder brother. Sir Godfrey adop-
ted tho plan mostly pursued by the no.
bility in the disposition Of their younger
branches on the maIo side, and purchas-
cd for his son commission in the army.
Ile had not consulted Edward on the
act and the first intimation which the
latter received, was accompanied with
request to prepare for immediate depart
ure. The intelligence was listened to
with every mark Of dissatisfaction which
any one IN his situation might be suppos.
ed to manifest; but too filial to oppose
what was meant for his benefit, he ac-
quiesced with silent modification. II
was on the afternoon of that same day,
that he bent his steps toward the white
cottage. The sound Of Miriam's voice
caught his ear-the words Of the song
sho was then singing, applied with pc
culiar fidelity to his own case-and his
heart echoed them with conscientious
conviction Of their truth.
"You sing truly, Miriam," he said, as
he entered tho porch. "There is no
place like home; and how doubly dear
do all its pleasure become, when we find
ourselves about to part from them"
"To me-" she answered, "home is
every thing. have no tie, no wish be-
yond it; and therefore am not likely
soon to leave it.
"You are more fortunate than myself,
them replied Edward; 'for my father
has just Informed me of his having pur-
chased for me station in the army, and
issued his commands for immediate
preparation. l cannot hope to remain
longer than three days at tho farthest;
and perhaps this is the last visit shall
be able to pay you. 1t is hard parting
from thosc--'
He would have continued, but he felt
a tear rising in his eye; he looked at
Miriam, and hers were already full; and,
overcame with emotion, he rose and
walked to the gate. Miriam followed
him; and involuntarily catching his arm,
they proceeded to small stream a short
distance from the cottage, and seated
themselves on its bank, scented with
wild flowers and shaded by ovelhanging
trees.
Hitherto they had considered each
other with feelings which they attribu-
ted to friendship; and now, for the first
time, knew them to be the offspring of
a closer interest. A little while, and
they must part - and this thought called
into bold relief their real circumstances.
Edward Owen forgot his high descent,
and Miriam Ice her lowly birth; the
one, ovcrpowcred by the emotions of
newly awakened love, sat an unconscious
auditor Of that revcalment which the
other, passive to tue impulse of
warm nature, poured forth SO eloquent
ly. That evening the hearts of both
wero laid open; the mystery Of their un-
defined dreams was developed, and the
iount so long buried in the recess of
their bosoms, once unclosed, gushed
forth in the lullness Of unrestr aimed ac-
fection. 1t was sunset when they sep
aratcd; and now that the vow was spok-
en- and their faith nlinhtnd hu tho nut.