The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-05-22

lent night. Francis was about to sniite
the bowling dog, when he saw that he
lay dead at his feet. He hurried with his
precious casket from the chamber, which
he never entered again.
!: !: a:
| Years have passed away, and the
once gay and handsome Fra ncis Saville
is gray and decrepid old man, with "a
constitution broken down by excess
But the shrewd man has been careful in
his calculations, he knew how selfish
early indulgence and worldly knowledge
had made himself. and he had resolved
that SO his children should not be cor
rupted he had two, boy and girl, who
had been brought up in the strictest ig-
norance and seclusion, and IN the sever
est practices Of the Catholic faith. He
well knew that fear is stronger bond
than love, and his children trembled in
the presence oftheir father, whom their
mothers latest words had yet enjoined
them to cherish. Still the feeling of du-
tiful affection is strong in the youthful
heart, though Mr.. Sayille resolved not
to tempt it. by one hint of his precious
secret.
81 cannot forbear to look in the glass
exclaimed Mr.. Savielle, as he turned a.
way from his own image in large mir
ror opposite, "why should bear about
this weight of years, and deformity p
My plan is all matured, and never will
its execution be certain as now. Wal
ter must soon loose his present insecure
and devout simplicity, and on them only
can rely. Yes this very night will
fling off the slough of years, and awake
to youth, warm, glad, and buoyant
youth"
Mr.. Saville now rang the bell for bis
attendants TO assist him to bed.
When comfortably settled, his chill
dren came as usual TO wish him good
night, and kneel for his blessing he re-
ceived them with the most touching ten
derness. 81 feel'' said I've, "unusually
ill to night. would fain, Edith, speak
with your brother alone"
Edith kissed her fathers hand and
withdrew.
"You were at confession to day when
sent for you,' continued the invalid,
addressing the youth, who Ieant anxious
ly by his pillar. "Ah, my beloved child
what blessed thing 1t is to be early
trained to the paths of fsalvation. Alas
at your age was neglected and igno-
rant, but for that many things which
press heavily on my conscience had, /
trust, never been, 1t was not till after
my marriage with that beloved saint,
your mother, that my conscience was n
wakened. l made a pilgrimage to
Rome, and received from the hands of
our holy father the Pope, precious oil,
distilled from the wood of the cross,
which rubbed over my body as soon as
the breath Of life be departed, will puri-
fy my mortal remains from sin, and the
faith in which die, will save my soul
from purgatory. May rely upon the
dutiful obedience of1ny child to the last
wishes of his parent
"Oh, my father" sobbed the youth.
"Extinguish the lights, for its not fit
ting that humanity should watch the
mysteries Of faith, and, by your own
hope of salvation, annoint the body the
moment life is fled. 1t is contained in
this casket," pointing to the little ebony
box, "and you undo the spring. Leave
me now my child, have need OF rest
and meditation"
The youth obeyed when he was about
to close the door, he heard the voice Of
Mr.. Saville "Rember Walter, my bless
ing or my curse will follow you through
life, according as you obey my last
words. My blessing or my curse"
The moment he left the room, Mr..
Saville unfastened the casket, and from
another drawer took bottle of laudan-
um no poured the contents into tho
negus on his table, and drank tho
drnught.-The midnight was scarce
passed when the nurse, surprised at the
unwonied quiet Of her usually querulous
aud impetuous patient, approached aud