Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-06-18

not. We may regret mistortune-we
should feel remorse only for guilt. |
Mrs. Drew should have felt remorse,
for she was guilty Of violating her
word-but she always excused herself
from all blame, saying, "Who would
have thought just going to half dozen
parties, and few balls, and once or
twice to the theatre, could have been
productive Of evil consequences?
At the theatre, Marianne attracted
the notice Of Captain Hall, young ma
val officer, who was on visit TO some
friends in Albany. He was astonished,
almost annihilatcd by the charms OF the
deaf girl, and determined to see her
again. He was gay and thougbtless,
but a generous, as well as warmhear-
ted man; and the pity he felt for the
misfortune Of the girl whom he was
pleased to style 'divinc,' augmented his
passion. Yet he never dreamed OF
marrying her--that was entirely ont oi
the question; but he wanted to talk a
bout her. and to engross if possible her
attention. He was not acquainted xith
Mrs. Drew, but as his relatives were
among the Honourables of the city, an
introduction to her was very easy. She
was quite as much hattered by the bow,
and compliment he made her on his FIRST
visit, as he was by the blush and smile
Marianne gave him. Thus they were
mutually pleased, and he continued to
call daily, and accompanying them In
their walks, and 10 their parties, always
contriving to take the hand Of Marianne
and who would suppose he could reiin-
quish it without pressure'-the .only
way in which he could express tender
compliment -
Marianne did not, at first, seem at all
pleased with lis attentions; and to Hat
ter her by the usual modes, was imPos-
sible. She could listen to no praises OF
her beauty, taste or mind-but she could
feel gratitude for kindnesses; and un-
fortunately ascribed to the kindness OF
Hall, the opportunities she now SO often
enjoyed of visiting places of amusement,
and she was thankful for his attentions;
and it was not long, before, when ne
pressed her hand, he felt the pressure
returned.
Mrs Drew could not but notice the
change in her niece. From being cheer
full, and tcstifying pleasure and interest
in all she saw, she began to droop, and
be melancholy, except in the presence
t of Hail. She watched Tor him when alb
, sent, she met him with unrestrained JOY
, and vet she would blush and be offended
, If rallied concerning him. 1t seemed
she had an idea that her love for hin
, must be as secret as it was sacred' Mrs
: Drew saw all this and yet she took nc
f measures to prevent Capt. Hall from as
: sociating daily with her neice.
: At tho expiration Of month, Mr.
1 Willis came for his daughter, but she re
fused to accompany him home, and TIT
b uneasincss she testified when he urge'
a her to 90, made him suspect somethln!
besides the attractions of her aunt
G house induced her 10 wish to tarry Il
Q Albany. After some inquiries, so point
ed and particular that Mrs Drew coul
h not evade them, the father discovere
Z, the cause of Marianne's tears and emo
ii ton. Mr.. Willis was plain farmer, b.
! man of good sense, and some acquar
ID tance with the world; and moreover, h
h had thorough knowledge of his daug'
N tcr's disposition. He knew If sh
Of could be convinced that there was n
,e truth in the hear. of the man she though
D. loved her, or at least, that he would pa
D. the same attentions to any other gir
Is whose beauty happened TO please h'r
le Marianne would renounce him at ono
IN Mr.. Willis, therefore, waited on Gap
ur Hall, and frankly told him the misch'
I'd his thoughtless galantry had caused, al
ed asked him, as man Of honor, to mai
S. the reparaton Of undeceiving Mariann
so "I admire your daughters beauty al
ry disposition" said the impassoned your
nd man; could she but speak, shou
ly prefer her to any woman on EARTH
d. "Yet, as she never will speak, "
at have no intention of marrying her." r
lid Piled Mr.. Willis, coolly; 81 am not
70, tending to upbraid you, sir, any mo
than myself and sister Drew. We ha
re all been 10 blame, ard now that dear
he nocent child, who is as free from gu
it as an infant, must suffer. 1t is 10 short
&C. the term Of her uneasiness, that | a
Of you to undecoive her. The pang
of knowing she has been deceived, she mi
he endure"
Use Capt Hall changed colour so ma
lat times, and in spite Of his efforts, betrs
nd ed so much agitation, that MIR. Wi
lit was convinced his daughter was not
ks only sufftr~-yet as he knew the you
tie soldier would never marry Mariannl
,cr indeed he would not have consented Il
ner he should, he deemed it his duty to ns
Oft that he should not be left in any dot