Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-04-23
~ ofloyeliness on the side of the fair

Murray on the morning after his re-
turn from ball where he had been
permitted to touch for the first time
the hand OF his charmer to sit by her
side and though the confusion Of his
feelings did not permit him TO say
: soft things" he had nevertheless
looked things unltterable." He
was sitting with his head reclined upon
his desk ,and musing upon the scenes
Of yesterday so wrapped in contcn-
plation that he did not hear his faith
cr's step, nor notice his approach. till
the old gentleman laij his hand upon
his shoulder. James started Oh his
feet, the blood rushed 10 his face. and
he looked around with a half stupid.
half frightcd stare. A shade of deep
sorrow passed over the pale counte-
nance Of Mr.. Murray, and his voice
quivercd with emotion as he said
Il am expecting my friend Mr.. Al
den, of Ncw-York, every moment.
lie writes he shall dine with me to-
day. once hoped to have presented
to him my son-but | see you will not
be in condition to appear. He will
doubtless inquire for you, and what
excuse shall Imake for your absencew
James stroye to reply, but it was
some minntes before the swelling o.
his heart would permit him to speak.
At length he seemed to have taken his
resolution, and said with energy ]
know your suspicious, Sir, but for
once you wrong me. Though con-
fcss am intoxicated, it is not with
wine"-and then, with an eloquence
his father had never before heard him
display, he went on and told the
whole history of his love, and dcs-
cribcd the beauty of Lucy, conclud-
ing with an earnest asseveration, that
if he might be permitted to marry
her,h would never taste another drop
ofliquor again while he lived
Mr.. Murray gazed on James with
that kind Of eager and overwhelming
joy which we may imagine glowed on
the face of the father of the prodigal
when witnessing the return ofhis son.
But in IA few moments the expression
of his features changed, and deep
and troubled concern overspread them
as he said impressively- What you
ask, my son, neither my honor or con-
science will now permit me to ap-
prove. lplace interest out of the
question. The father of Lucy Marsh
is a good, honest, and industrious
man but he has met with crosses
and losses in the world, while have
been blessed and prosperous. We
came into life equally destitute, we
shall leave it on equal terms. Six
feet Of ground is all the richest man
will permanently occupy, and, at
death, the right of the poor to the pos
session of that freehold is never dis
puted. But, James, you describe
Lucy as possessing every virtue of
mind and heart that constitutes the cx-
cellence of the female character; and
| have before this heard her merits
praised. Her husband should be
equally worthy. Are you entitled to
that distinction %
The color deepened on James
check, but it was not all the hue Of
shame there was the kindling Of
proud and ardent resolve to deserve
the boon he sought (; and he urged his
determination to be all that his father
wished, SO earnestly and sincerely,
that Mr.. Murray could not help feel
ing an assurance his son would, a.
least, make strong effort to over
come his evil propensities. Still the
father knew, for he had been an oh.
serving man, how difficult it was 10
effect radical cure of the habit to
which James had yielded 3 that
though love might furnish arms, and
the most effectual ones that could be
welded for the combat,time only could
determine the victory. AT length, af-
ter much pondering, he said; James,
| have no doubt your intentions Of re-
form are sincere, but till am convinc-
ed of your perseverance in executing
them, | cannot consent you shall ad-
dress Lucy, or endeavor to gain her
affections. She must not be in volv-
ed in the ruin which will finally over
whelm you if persisting in intemper-
ance."
"What period of trial will satisfy
you ?" asked James.
GAS long for your recovery as for
your fall"
What four ware ~ ,xcl,;rnoJ