The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1832-08-28

saw what ho was about--and scarcely
had ne touched the arm of the fair crsa-
ture when collared him. Ihad caught
a Tartar! He was accom- plished in an
art, in which had never felt any ambit-
ion 10 excel. let him 60, thinking
had q gentleman to deal with, and
scarcely was he at liberty, when I was
stretched, in a state ofinsensibility, upon
the street.
When ] came to myself, tho first thing
ofwhich was sensible was the pressure
Of hand upon my temples. ] looked
up. II was her's--she was chafing them.
The sight of her recalled at once the
full possession Of my faculties. ] look
ed around, and saw we were alone.
sprung from couch upon which had
been stretched, and throwing myself at
the fair creatures feet, poured forth the
passion Of my soul in a strain of vehe-
ment eloquence, of which before that
moment had never been the master.
She listened to me without lifting her
eyes, till was silent. Then slowly
raising them. she fixed them upon me
with an expression that pierced me to
the soul, and gave me indescribable an-
guish. "The designs Of Providence are
inscrutable," said she with another deep
drawn sigh. II know not to what it has
destined me Forget me, Sir Forget
me Would to heaven-!"
81 can wait no longer!" said her
friend, looking into the parlour.
She started upon her feet-for she had
been sitting-and hastily moved a step
or two towards the door. 1 as hastily
followed her, catching her by the hand
to detain her-"Would to Heaven what?"
] exclaimed.
"That had never seen you" was
her reply; and by a sudden effort she
withdrew the hand which I was holding.
"Follow me not !" added she. eat
tempt not to detain me !" Her hand
was upon the lock of the door. She
paused-looked at me till her eyes SEEM
ed to strain again--raised her right hand
to her lips. waited not to allow her
to complete the action which anticipat-
ed sprang towards her--she vanished,
closing the door after her /; in the act of
re-opening which, heard the hall-door
shut; followed, and tried to open it.
In my trepidstion ! could not find the
way. 1t was presently opened from
without, and the servant entered, follow
ed by person whom I concluded to be
her master. and who opposed my egress.
An explanation ensued. 1t was a med
ical gentleman, whom the servant had
gone to fetch. She had been alone in
the house, Immediately opposite where
had been knocked down--had witness
ed the transaction--and readily suffered
me to be brought in, attended by the
lovely being in whose cause I had suffer-
ed. l hastily recompensed each, and
sailed forth, but all trace of the dear
unknown one was lost. 1t totally escap-
ed my recollection at the time, that, by
applying at the glove-shop. could have
got olsc to her.
Irose the next morning in state of
bodily, as well as mental fever, and wan
dered through the streets as chance d.
rected me. In turning corner, came
right against somebody.
"Hallo !" cried Armstrong. care you
walking in your sleep? Rouse you, my
merry man Heavens I" he exclaimed,
when ] looked at him, "what the mis-
chief is the matter with you I" un-
burthened my heart to him, as we walk
ed together. As we were passing St.
Thomas's, friend of his issued from
the church, and apparently in a state of
considerable excitation.-"What's the
matter with you Z" exclaimed Armstrong
"A murder is doing in that church ~
ga murder!"
"Yes; they are sacrificing a young
heart to Plutus. I know the parties.
The story is told in three words. II is
the daughter of an English gentleman of
reduced circumstances. She has taken
the fancy of a young man Of fortune,
who has just returned from his travels.
Her heart was disengaged, and her par
ents prevailed upon her to accept him.
She rues the consent which has been
wrung from her. They have brought
her to the church. For this half hour
have they heen trying to prevail upon
her to allow the ceremony to proceed.
never saw such a scene How they
can stand it, know not but. for my
part, it was too much for mo- and was
obliged to come away"
The truth flashed across mo. Ibroke
from Armstrong, and rushed into the
church. 1t was she l met them bear
ing her fainting from the altar, support-
ed by tho man whose scowl had en-
countered in the Exhibition room. The
knot had been tied As they passed by
me, stood like an idiot spoke not
moved not-they went out Of the church
all power of reflection or action SEEM
ed to have deserted me. / mechanical