Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-05-14
HENRY MELMOTH,


Mclmoth was the only child Of in
duDgent parents, who died during his
minority, leaving him the heir to
property worth about ten thousand
dollars. He studied law with an en-
incnt attorney, was admitted with cred
it, and ranked as one Of the most
promising young members at the
Philadelphia bar. He was ambitious
of distinction, applied himself to his
profession with assiduity-becamc an
active member Of several legal socie-
tics-a speech making politician
and in short done every thing calcula-
ted to elevate him on the ladder OF
fame. His cxcrtions were unccasing,
and his industry indefatigable. His
success was equivalently great. Be-
fore he had been two years a prac-
titoncr, he obtained an Office Of cred
it and responsibility, yielding him a
salary Of fifteen hundred dollars per
annnm. About this time he began
to think seriously Of obtaining part
ncr for life. For this purpose he fire.
qucnted female society and mingled
in parties Of pleasure. His disposi-
ton was quick and his feelings were
violent. lie was little acquainted
with the thousand little deccits of the
"gcntle sex" in matters of affection,
and soon became captivatcd with a
young lady named Devalle. Miss D..
was beautiful girl, of French fam
lily, and the inhcritor Of many of the
fruits OF disposition inherent to French
women. She was fond of flattcry,
and gallantry, giddy in her disposition,
irritable and violent in her passions.
Mclmoth became strongly attached
to her after a short acquaintance, de-
clared his preposession, had it recip-
rocatcd-otIercd his hand and heart
and was married. A few months
after marriage he discovered that his
wife had been unrequitcdIy in love
before, and that she had married him
merely as a matter Of friendship and
convenience. She wanted hus-
lsnd-felt she could never love the
second time, and made her selection
according to her judgement and with
r.t 80, az. difference to her feelings.
Mclmoth was miserable from the mo-
mcnt Of his having made this discov-
cry. His wife appeared perfectly
satisfied with her situation-indulged
in all the gay excesses Of society, re.
ccivcd the compliments Of the men
with smiles, their fattery with pleas
ure.-If her husband was present it
was well, if he was not it was also
well. He, poor man felt confident in
her honour, but the familarities which,
from her disposition she was inclined
to consider lightly of, were to him
eau scs of bitter disquietudc and regret.
Did he converse with her upon the
subject, she would mortify his pride
by attributing his uneasiness to jeal-
ousy. His pcrsuasions finally became
reproaches, and her contradictions
rctaliations. His love for her gradu-
ally grew cold, and her regard for
him if she ever possessed any, was
changed to hatred.-IIis business
was neglected in consequence Of his
unquiet mind, and the absence of fe-
licity from his domestic communings.
His credit as man became impcached
in the Grst place by the frivolous and
familiar character Of his wife, and in
the last by the neglect of his profess
sion, and the incorporate character
of his habits. His patrimony was
soon squandcred in dissipation, and
his health enfeeblcd by rcvclry. In
short, his reputation in the course of
five years, underwent complete rev.
olution, and the ambitious prospect
which glimmcred in the prospective Of
his youthful career faded away from
the moment Of his unfortunate mar
riagc. His wife was finally abduccd
from her husbands roof by the prom
ises of villain, and deserted in the
midst Of misfortune and penury, in a
neighbouring city. Thus eventua-
ted one marriage, in the consumma-
ton Of which there was not mutual
affection.