Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-02-27

that he wished was, to see in the young
man moro Of the gaiety natural in his
time Of life, but he was constantly seri-
Gus, and even sad, Notwithstanding that
his temper was so sweet, and his man
ners 50 mild and amiable, that he was
a favourite with the whole family.
Two years passed away, and, at the
end Of that time, George had become,
what, Mr.. Stendhal emphatically called
his right hand he relieved the good
banker from great part Of the fatigue
which he had till then taken upon HIM
self; and while he had never relaxed, in
the slightest degree, his attention 10
business, he found time to render him
self as agreeable and useful to the fe-
male part of the family, as to the master
Of it. He was Leocadie's language
master. to the great satisfaction Of Mrs.
Stendhal, who had no longer any reason
to reproach the dear girl with that disin-
clination to study which had been her on
ly fault. But what perhaps drew the
hearts Of both mother and daughter still
more strongly towards him was, his un-
wearied attention to the good grand
mother, who was alike beloved and ven-
Grated by all the family.
All at once Stendhal perceived that
his wife appeared unusually serious and
distracted. 1t was evident that she
had something on her mind; but what
could that something be, which she con-
cealed from a husband with whom, till
then, she had no reserves. After puz-
zling his brains for little time IN vain
oonjectures, the banker took what we
considered to be the only right way in
these cases-hs determined to como to
the point at once.
Till now,' said he I'VE have been hap
Py: it 10 evident that you have ceased to
be SO: tell me the cause Of your uneasi-
ness-and if it is in my power TO Danish
it, regard the thing as done.
Thea it is done, cried Mrs. Stend~
hal, embracing him. MY uneasiness
arose from discovering that Lsocadie is
in love-
Tn love!-and with whomr
with George.
$50 much the better-if he loves her,
Tf, Mr.. Stendhall'-
If, Madame Stendhal-I say il
'And say there is no if in the case:
the poor fellow is too honorable to say
a word-but | see clearly that he is dy-
ing for her,
'Ah! my dear, mothers eyes are not
always to be trusted on these occasions:
but will speak to him myself
And, without any preface, he said to
I.s young man the following day,
George, it is time for you to be looking
about for wife: what do you think of
my daughteri'
George had no need to reply: his
countenanc told Mr.. Slendhal plainly
that his wife was in the right.
well, WELL, cried he, in a tone Of
pleasure, you love her, heyi'
Ieis true, sir; but Heaven is my wit.
ness, have never dared to breathe a
syllable
'Ah, you we're very right not to speak
to her; but why did you not tell me your
mind! You know that despise the pride
Of birth, and that don't care for money.
All desire is, that my son-in-law should
be man Of probity, and descended from
an honest family
1t is impossible to describe the mingled
expression of grief and shame which ap-
peared in the countcnance Of George
when he heard these words. He was
silent for a moment: at last no said in
voice of great emotion, you are right;
l never thought, never hoped it could
be otherwise. Hitherto have conceal
ed from you who am; but tom orrow
you shall know ALL, Leave me now,
beseech you
Shocked at his evident distress, Stend-
hal pressed his hand kindly, begged of
him to compose himself, and left him
The good banker knew not what to
think Of this scene; but yet he was per-
suaded that no blame was attached to
George.
The next morning he learned, with
grief and surprise, that the young man
had Quilted the house. The following
letter, which he left behind him, will ex-
plain the cause ofthis step.
'How little did you think yesterday,
my dear benefactor, that even in the
moment when you meant to render me
the happiest of men, you struck dagger
to my heart! Yes-I know-I feel that
the hand of your angelic daughter never
can be bestowed but upon the descend
ant of an honest man. I must then fly
from her forever.
Twill not leave you without telling
YOU all Know then. that am the son