The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1832-06-12

felt happiness, with the anticipation of
still fuller joy, / wondered at my own
foolish fears, that a passion, such as
theirs, could ever be prolific in aught else
but happiness.
The memorable 18th Of July arrived (;
on that day the plague first made its ap-
pearance in the town Of Gibraltar.
passed that evening at the cottage, and
Notwithstanding the fearful forebodings
that were abroad, we contrived to be
gay for youth is slow to believe in the
prediction of evil; and although my
knowledge of the facts might have en-
abled me to throw chill over the an
ticipations Of my friends, forebore--for
sufficient unto the day is the evil there
Of"
Next morning, doubt could no longer
rest upon the minds of the medical Off
GERS, that the plague was amongst us
and the same day, about noon, orders
were issued from headquarters, that the
regiments stationed in Gibraltar should
be in readiness in three hours, to eyacu-
ate the place, and form an encampment
upon the neutral ground; and the staff
with the exception of the governor hav-
ing resolved to accompany the military,
the order of course comprehended me.
Courtenay was with me when the order
was communicated; and as l expected,
he Immediately proposed to 80 to the
cottage.
"This is, indeed, blow," said he, as
we crossed the Alameda.
"From which," said l, 81 trust we
shall all recover; there is every reason
to hope; Caroline lives in one of the
healthiest spots in Gibraltar and it is
thought that on the neutral ground, the
military, and therefore you, will be safe"
"Ah!" said he, "you have never known
what it is to love absence is of itself u
sufficient evil"
Caroline met us at the entrance ofthe
garden; and in place Of leading the way
as usual into the cottage, she conducted
us to the summer-house. She already
knew of the order that had been issued ;
"I trust, Edward" said she, ~ may live
to see it recalled"
"May live !" said Courtenay; "Caro-
line, do not speak doubtingIy to me-"
"How else should speak, dear Ed
ward Z" returned she, "are not our lives,
yours and mine, and all our lives in the
hands of God and how can l say better,
than that trust in him 7"
But the tone in which Caroline spoke,
and the strange, though strangely-sweet
smile with which she turned 10 Courte-
nay, raised some indistinct suspicion in
his mind and suddenly taking both her
hands, aud looking in her face, "Caro-
line," he said, 'you never deceived me
something is amiss, tell me, for Gods
sake tell me-" and before she could re-
ply, he had relinquished her hands and
rushed towards the house.
"He will know all, he will know ALL 81
said she, ''twas for his sake would have
concealed from him"
"What is it that you conceal, Caro-
line? May / follow? Is it an evil that
l can prevent or alleviate 7"
"You cannot cure THE PLAGUE" said
she.
This was, indeed, "A thunderbolt ; this
was the evil she would have concealed.
Courtenay returned for with woman's
apprehension, and the instinct that told
her she could conceal nothing from her
betrothed, she had locked the doors.
But concealment any longer was impos-
sible, The symptoms Of disease had
manifested themselves in a servant ofthe
family.
Whcn the disclosure had been made,
we remained for many moments silent
Courtenay hid his face in his hands but
his agitation was extreme.
"CaroIine," said he, at length, in a
composed earnest manner "there is one
remedy for this evil, the evil-the dan
ger, mean, that threatens you; you
have consented, within one little month,
to be my wife; anticipate the time, ac-
company me now to the altar; your ia.
ther, know, will consent, and in three
hours VIC may both be safe from pesti'
lence."
edward, my dear Edward" said
Caroline, 81 will be ingenious, even a,
the risk of being thought bold. Itis true
that have conSented to be your wife,
and not only do not recall that consent,
but even avow that wish il had been
already ratified at the altar but would
be unworthy of you if / could timidly,
mcanly prefer the chance Of my own
safety, to that Of thousands. No, Ed
ward, my heart pleads for what you de-
sire, because it is misery to be separated
from you but dare not sport with the
lives of others ! dare not risk the re-
NOISE that would pursue me, ifI carried
into your camp the seeds Of disease that
perhaps now lurk in myself"
Courtenay argued with her implored