Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-03-27


Mall 10 day." DWELL" said she, slightly blush
ing, II suppose i, must be mistake; but l
certainly thought it was you" This CONVEX
sa,ion inc reased my perplexity, and began to
imagine ina, some one had endeavoured TO as
sumo my dress and appearance, bu; :he total
wan, of all object in such scheme seemed 10
render il most improbable.
For some days nothing Of this kind occurred
until a, an evening party observed that some
person with whom had slight acquaintance
seemed studiously to avoid nae. Uneasy at the
circums, lance, called next day upon the gen
ileman at whose house we had met, and alter
mentioning TO him the GOODNESS which hau
struck me- entreated him 10 tell me whether nc
could explain it. He ,old me- that as had
spoken openly to him, he would deal cantisY
with me- That one Of the party | alluded 10,
had mentioned to him Fact which certainly
told very much against me, aud which, II true,
might in some degree Justify the change Oh
manner. 1t was said that few evenings before,
when the party Of whose conduct / had com.
planned had been al the Theatre, had entered
the next box, evidently much excited by wine,
and had conducted myself in a most annoying
manner. Immediately protested my inno.
cence, 10 the satisfaction ofmy friend, and OIL
fered TO prove that | was not al the Theatre on
the night in question. 1 requested that this
nigh, be communicated 10 the lartles con-
cerned, which my friend kindly promised
should be done.
l was fully persuaded that some mystery
Existed, which 1t nearly concerned my honor
and reputation TO unravel, however difficult
the task might be; and such was the complete
possession which the subject took Of my mind,
that for some days even my passion for Louisa
al oil
red for some time again 10 irritate my mind,
and was once more becoming tranquil, when
the persecution commenced afresh. On one
of those beautiful days which sometimes occur
in February, had walked to the Serprntine
in order TO see the skaters. had just arrived
al the river, when person with whom l was
acquainted, taking my hand, said, IL congra>
ula,e you on your escape" "E.cape!" an
swered, 81 have been in no danger" NAV"
said he" have just been told that a person
whom certainly imagined TO be you, had been
precipitacd through he ice, and could not be
recovered auenp,ed TO laugh at the sup.
posed mistake, but turned my steps homeward
with all my vague and perplexing doubts re.
newed.
During seepless and feversh right,
came To the resolution that would devote my
mind necessarily To- my professional pursuits,
and thus endeavor TO drive away the mysteri-
Gus apprehensions which tormented me. /
had suffered no real incon, enence by the unac>
countablc circumstances which had occurred
and had nothing to fear from the continua-
lion Of them bu: their effect upon my mind,
which it should now be my part 10 obviate by
strict aud incessant mental occupation. l
therefore sketched out an extensive plan Of
study; resolved in the Erst ins,-nr- to make
myself thoroughly acquainted with the old
writers of the law; and accordingly after break
fas, sat down to the carn"s, perusal OF Bracton.
Though me task was difficult, took delight
in it, and closed my book shortly before the
dinner hour, with feelings to which, since the
first occurrence Of my misfor,unes, ] had been
a stranger. was just preparing 10 walk
10 the Park. when my servant announced Mr..
B. This gentleman had long been my
"a hers most valued friend, aud despite Of ma
ny eccentrici ties, had acquired the love and
esteem Of all who knew him. Like another
Howard, il was his favoriie occupation 10
visit the sick and m2risoned; nor did he hest
tate TO carry his benevnlence farther, and to
seek even the SCIENCES Of folly and profligacy, in
the hope of saving those who were YET uncon-
Armed IN the paths Of vice. I welcomed him
with real ioy bu' I could not avoid observing
shade of sadness mingled with dispeasnre
upon his COunttndnCc. fttef iiIlS S"heTai
conversation, -"You will pardon me-" said he
mildly, "if l address The son Of my dea'es'
friend in the language OF reprehension.' "lou
canuo Say any thing" said |, "which Can call
for pardon; but VIII, do you speak Of repreh"n-
soa?" He looked CALMLY and steadily in my
face for several moments, and thcn sighed
deeply -"'i'is marvellous, surely, that those
open. candid looks should cover SO deceitfui
| n hearti" | was struck silent with sur>
prise, and he conlinned-"Those feaiuies
which last night {heheld distorted with every
violent passion, are now calm, but is the heart
al resi-" 'Iknow not what You hlnt at" was
oil tina, could family artculate. "Do you
mean then 10 deny that yon were present at
! that scene Of vi:'ainy-rhat did not, with
these eyes behold you at the gaming table, de-
spelling the Young and creiuous victims, aud
yourself in return the duoe OF more skillful
scounGrels." This fresh persecution seemed
10 rouse me 10 madness, and denied the inns
putation with an int,mperance altogether i',
eign TO my nature 1T is base and suble