Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-09-13
mis- CELL ANY.
THE KISS.

| SesSlnp fniilu DdtuTalIy DIlllIdHt, anu
highly improved by education, and por-
son made perfect by nature. His dispo-
sition was mild and gentle, his manners
polished and winning, which, together
with heart overfowing with benevo-
lence, made him the idol of all who knew
him. But with all these happy endow-
ments, there was one trait in his charac-
ter which made him unhappy and dis
gustcd with hmsolf-he was bashiul in
tho extreme, and rather too modest for
the fashionable walks Of society. In
company he would avoid the converse
ton Of ladies' for fear of appearing too
forward aud ifhe did talk, his discourse
| was marked with solid understanding,
studied good nature and mastery elo-
quence-but if in another part of the
| room there was an accidental burst Of
| laughter, he would Immediately imagine
, himself the subject, and retire precipi-
lately from those who had given the most
attentive ear to his conversation. Poor
| Edward! he undervalued his brilliant ac
| quirements, and if any one hnted it 10
him, he thought himselfthe object of rid
| iculc.
About two years after Edwards debut
into society, he fell passionately in love
with Ellen Bloomfield, youog lady Of
peerless beauty and splendid fortune,
which qualities drew around her multi
tuds Of suffers, each anxious Of standing
| first IN her estimation. She was live
| ly and amdble girl, and treated all with
such an a.fabii,y, such winning polite
ness that they coui not but love her,
though they despai-eJ o. ever obtaining
her hand. The high requirements, the
| gentlcness Of temper, the handsome iU'm
and the high standing Of Edward, made
him formidable rival among Eiler's
train OF lovers; and since the match met
with the appreciation Of both families,
they busted themselves in bringing ii
about. EIen's partially for Edward
| could not be concealed from her friends;
the delight with which she listened to
him, her pensveness when he was absent,
and the fervour with she breathed his
name pleased her parents and made thom
still more solicItous, that the matters
should be brought to an understanding
between the parties. But who could
convince Edward that Ellen loved him?
1t was suggested, il was hinted, it was
affirmed; but in vain; he could not believe
it; Ellen, in his opiuion. was Of an order
Of beings Of too high birth for him.
One day when he was on visit TO the
family with other company, (for he would
never venture there alone) while the
young lady's father was descantng on
some valuable old manuscripts he had in
his library, and the company was absorb
ed in attention, the old gentleman pro-
posed going to look at them, and the
company one ty one left the room, un-
observed by the bashful lover, who was
so wrapped up IN converse with Ellen,
that he saw no being but her. His sur
prise can on y be imagined when be look
| ed around and saw himself alone with the
beloved object of his affections. He
half rose from his chair, pushed himself
from her; mu,tcred some incoherent ex-
pressions, and blushing to the eyes, beg
ged pardon hundred times. The live
Iy girl enjoyed his confusion and entreat-
cd him not to be alarmed, eXclaiming,
Il shall surely begin to think l am
viper if you shun NE thus. Father has
only gone into the other room; and-and
I'm sure you don't so dislike my company
| as 10 leave me alone
'Upon my word, Miss Elem STAN
mered the confused lover, Il never was
that is never could bel mean-I
wish the company had not left the room.
But do excuse me, Miss, -
Nay, nay, Mr.. Morton, if you wish to
leave me, go-I would not for the world
detain you!
Il have offended you, Miss Elem re-
joined he, somewhat ashamed Of himself
may | hope for your forgiveness
Certainly said she smiling, when
you have cause to ask it, See, here is |
little painting have executed expressly !
for you; it is watch paper-will you
keep il for my sakn"
With a trembling hand he took the
little keepsake, and looked at it for
some time as if in want of words to ex-
press his gratitude. AT length he ex-
claimed,
"Ah! Miss Ellen, this gift, small as
il is, shall ever be dear TO my heart.
may soon be far from you, and this
memorial will remind me of the many
blissful moments have passed in your
society. Excuse my boldness," con-
tinued he, drawing his chair little near
er; II have much to say, but cannot
find words. May | hope that this pain
ting drawing his chair nearer) was CIV !
en- with your" heart, he would have
said, but his was in his throat, and the
smiles and the bushes Of the lovely girl
so overcome him, that no could not speak