Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-02-23


approa ched the stranger. and addressing hin.
remarked, that as the ladies' in the Box we,.
under his protection, and one ofthem haI
been uncerimoniously addressed by him, l.,
should take the libsry to ask him, Why he thu'
presumed to address lady, will, whom he haG
not the honor of the most remote acquan-
iSnco.
The stranger 5lushcd, and said that lie was
far from intending any oaencs, and that if any
apology were demanded, for what might be
considered an act Of rudcness on his part, he
should most checrfully yield one, but in sx-
tenuaion Of his supposed aegression-. he had
only to say, that being naturally near sighted,
he had been deceived by his vision, and bad
mistaken the lady for one OF his most inii-
mate acquaintance. lie begged pardon TO-
an offence unintentionally committed, and ss
snred the ladies', through the medium of thci'
protector, that he did not intend to insult them.
and would be among the last 10 offer an in
dignity TO any lady, no matter what werc her
rank or condition For my own part, responded
Ha'oran. feel perfectly satisfied. and trust
! that shall make your apology acceptable to
the ladies, and satisfy them, that your Intentions
were proper. and that you addressed Msa VII
lars through mistake,
As Haloran pronounced the name of viIlsrs
the stranger invountarly started back, as il
alarmed, or suddenly shocked ty some unex-
pcc'cd piece ofin'ellieence, bm Immediately
recovering himself, he remarked that the cur
tain was about 10 rise, that The Theatre was
crowded, and made an hundred other COM
mon place observations, which whilst thoy
were intended to hide his confusion, only tend
ed to make it the more visable, and palpabs
Wiling that the stranger should he relieved
of the vexatious embarrassment which but too
evidently possessed him. Haoran descended
to the seat where the ladies sat, and left the
gentleman to gaze upon the objects that sur
rounded him. and 20 overcome the difficulties
with which he evidently struggled.
! When IIaloran, had communicated to Rosa
lind, the Strangers apology, and related the
singularty Of his manners, her curiosity was
excited to IFS utmost extent, and like Lots
wife, she could not avoid turning her head, to
catch momentary glimpse Of the stranger,
and if possible, to obtain minute description
Of his dress and porson.
Fortunately, for her purposes, as she cast z
look behind her, the stranger, was intentlv
watching the performances on the stage; and
thus, fair opportunity was afforded her, for
the accomplishment Of that, for which she 50
anyously painted. The stranger was appar-.
emily Of the age of twenty-five; his complex
/ ion naturally light, was iinged with red, and
he had the appearance Of gentleman in the
full enjoyment Of health, whilst his graceful,
and commanding person, added 10 render him
yet more fascinating 10 every beholdcr. He
was evidently a stranger in the city; had
probably Just arrived ds he vet wore a part Of
his travelling costume, and seemed 10 have
renI'zed some Of tho vexations and discomfit-
urcs Of long journey over a rough road in
stage coach His eyes, we're of a hnzle calour.
inc'ining 10 blue but as they were obseured by a
pair Of gold mounted spoctac'es, a proportion
Of their natural vivacity and fire were lost
though they yet sparkled, and spoke a Ian
cuage, and a kind of Ioguerv, which volumes
could not express. Rosalind gazcd upon him
with adniration and whilst she fingered on
the manly charms Of the stranger, she ba' for
got that there existed such being as O'Con-.
nor. and sighing, whispered 10 Miss Hardy,
Gas live Maria, moro perfect man revcr
existed; dukedom for bis acquain,ance!"
Miss Hardy, did no.. howc,er, pay any at
teniion TO Rosalipd, but sat watching tho pro-
cesdings of'he evenings performance, until
the close OF the HurtL act when she veniurcd
TO make some casual observations in relation
TO the play, and It's tendency; in which she was
careful to speak Of the peryersion Of taste, and
of tho lccn,iousness of fOiway's production and
afo ctcd TO he as sage, end as critical in those
matters, US old DENIES. Doctor Johnson, Ar
buthnot, Kamcs. or Sidney. Rosalind was not
disposed 10 disturb Ter; indeed she re;oiccd
that she was thus occupied for SIZE allowed her
further chances TO ihrow her mischevious
ganccs at the strangr, who having aheady
discovered that she was not displeased with
his person, approached still nearer the seat, "a
II encouraged by her acts Of scm;-imprudence.
The play had now reached its elms,, and
already was the scailold prepared for tho cx-
ocu'ion of Pierre. aud all eyes were turned to-
wards tho stage, 10 winners lie last scene be-
tween the gallant soldier and the mistaken.