Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-12-08
AS soon as he was out Of sight issu-

eu ITom my retreat.
"For heavens sake, Cecilia" eaid 7,
"take care what you are doing ] have
overheard all your conversation; and, be-
licve me-, you are trifling with Mordaunt
in a manner which you will repent"
She burst into an imnodcrate fit of
laughter.
"Why, really, sir, thank YOU for
your advice, but have seen him in such
"A humor fifty times. lie will come to-
morrow and beg my pardon for his i'll hu-
NOR. ! will pout for little while and
then forgive him, and we shall be as
good friends as ever"
In vain | demonstrated with her. The
thoughtless girl had too often seen the
power of her charms to doubt it now, and
] left her with painful prescntlmcnt of
evil upon my mind.
The next day was Saturday, and Nor
daunt, who was deeply impressed with
the Importance of the task he had under
taken, shut himself up in his room, and
begged ! would not interrupt him.
"ShaI we go to MIR. Wilson's this
cvcning" said l.
"No," replied he hastily; Cccilia's
gaicty is too oppressive sometimes. ]
have reflected upon the duty which j
have to perform tomorrow, until am un-
fit even for your society. My feelings.
are certainly not in union with her light
and cheerful spirit"
In the evening | was admitted to his
apartment and found him despatchinc a
note to Cecilia, requesting the return of
his manuscript. i he messenger was de-
'laycd long time and finally returned
without it, saying, "NIiss Davenant was
engaged with company, but would send
the manuscript in the morning" Nor
daunt bit his lip, and the flash of anger
passed over his pale cheek as he dsmis-
ed the servant
Edward" said he, "I sometimes do
not know what to think Of Cecilia. She
is so incorrigibly volatile that frequent
! ly fancy we can never be happy togeth-
er. Last week | gave her the sermon
which l intend preaching tomorrow,
with request that she would read it, and
give me her opinion of it. Perhaps
asked too much from gay and giddy
girl; but she might at least have tried to
comply with my wishes. have in vain
endeavorcd to obtain possession of it
since, and | dare not trust myself in the
pulpit without it; for although | am per-
lectly familiar with every line, yet know
that my self-possession will fail me when
| am compelled to address large audi
encc."
saw that Mordaunt's feelings were
deeply wounded, and in vain cndeavor-
ed to soothe them. Though it was rather
late, went to Mr.. Wilson's house in the
hope of getting the manuscript, but Miss,
Davenant had retired to her apartment,
and returned unsuccessful.
The next morning, as soon as l tho'tI
Mordaunt would admit me, sought his
chamber. He was exceedingly pale, s.
l could easily discover that he was very
much excited. About an hour before
church service commenced, the manu-
script arrived. Mordaunt opened it, and
after reading the first few pages, said,
| 81 have not time to overlook it now
| believe | may trust my memory"
We went to the church together. An
Unusually large audience was assembled:
and seated in the front pew directly be-
low the pulpit, was the gaiIy attired and
beautiful Cecilia. Mordaunt read the
psalm in low sweet voice, which, like
the air, rather felt than heard, seemed to
pervade every part Of tho building. The
prayer which followed was one Of the
most affecting appeals to heaven that cv-
or issued from the lips Of mortal. When
it was finished he sat with his face bent
down between his hands as if to recover
strength for the more important task
which now awaited him. AT length he
rose. His voice was extremely tremu-'
lous as he repeated the text which he
had chosen, but in a few moments his
self-possession seemed to return, and his.
manner, so calm, so digni6cd, and so i'm
pressvc, gave new force TO the truths,
which his eloquence had adorned. The
attention ofthe audience was intently fix.
cd upon the preacher rs he proceeded to
explain the disputed points ofhis subject,
and he was gradually approaching that
part Of his discourse which is usually de-.
signated the practical application, when
he suddenly paused. A deep silence &
almost breathlcss attention denoted the
interest Of his hearers. Still the pause
was unbrokcn. looked at Mordaunt;
his face was crmsoned with emotion. =
lie appeared busily turning over the
leaves of his manuscript as if in search of
some connecting link which had been
found wanting. His search seemed vain
His brow grew almost black with sup
pressed agitation. A slight litter began
to be heard among the younger part of