Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1834-09-11
From the American Monthly Magazine, for July
Tlsc Merchants Daughter.

From the American Monthly Magazine, for July
Tlsc Merchants Daughter.
4 AT the time this tale commences, Mr..
Alstyne was d Merchant in New-Y ork,
who by a long course Of industrious trad
ing, had amassed a handsome competen-
cy. There was something in his air and
manner, which distinguished him in wall
stree, et,-speak of man about fifty years
Of age, stout, not corpuent; quick in step,
fluent in speech, with a lively black eye,
and dark hair slightly sivered on the
temples,-that was Mr. Alstyne. There
was a neatness and uniformity too in his
dress,-he might have been known by
his blue coat, black pantaloons, and lin
ell cambric nap"in, (meet him where
you would, it was nine times out of ten
in his hand, all 80 new-li<e, they SEEM
ed to have been worn for the first time.
Experience had tempered disposition
naturally saneuine, and judgment had
mastered indiscretions to which he was
prone in youth; by those who knew him
best, he was regarded as n shrewd, eau
tious, and sensible man. Though his
means we're ample, his expenditures
were moderate; every thing around him
was neat and plain, and intended only
! for use. Free from the fashion mania,
which, at that time, attacked certain
people like an epidemic, he preferred
comfort and ease ut his own freside, and
i the company of few friends, to the
empty display, and unsubstantial show,
which win the smile of moncyed pleJeians.
lie married, when young, lady Of con-
genial feelings seldom did i couple as
simulate better, or strive more to preserve
each others confidence and love. They
, had had several children, yet lIeaver
took all it gave, years before, except one
daughter. She was their joy, their com
fort, and their pride.
Il Charlotte Alstyne was now in her sew.
! enteenth year. She was reared with
tender care, and educated not to shine
: in ballroom, or flirt at ''yout," but tc
. make frugal housewife, and an agree.
able companion 20 the man Of her choice
; when fate would have her wed. Ii was
n pleasure to look on Charlotte Alstyne
j, She was a maid As innocent and gay
AS ever brushed the dew-drop from the flowers,
Or smiled in gadness at the jocund Spring.
h One evening, Mr.. Alstyne was seated
:; at the tea-table with his wife and daugh.
ter; at the accustomed hour they took
their places, but had not commenced
d their meal of socIality, for one-a con
y stant guest-had not appeared. To be-
e guile the time, he read newspaper
4 aloud, his wife was making piece o
clothing for a poor neighbor, and hi
daughter amused herself with embroide
N ry.
l. "Why don't George come, dear faith
err" inquired Charlotte.
," 81 cannot tell, my child; perhaps h'
,e is busy in the store"
81 am SO sorry he is not here, for
have learned a new song, that wish e
sing for him; it is a sweet, plaintive air
father"
- "This is the only evening in a month,
Of said Mr.. Alstyne, "that he has not bee
"a punctual; and yet it is the only one i
nj that time have wished particularly t
c. see him."
., At this instant, the bell rang, and in
~ NJ few moments, George Gilmore entere
Of the parlor; Charlotte bounded forwar
to meet him. Had stranger seen tn
an pleasure which danced in her eye, as h
a took her hand, and had he heard tn
o' half rcproachlul tone in which she aske
81 i. the cause Of his delay, he might hav
n guessed how warmly these young heart
sr, beat in unison. And had he seen tn
welcome which the parents. gave, Ii
H. would have known that whatever ieelln
did exist, it was sanctioned by them =
George Gilmore apologised for his de
-, lay-Charlotte spoke of her song--h
presented TO her a new novel; MIR:
lu- Alstyne put aside her work and rung lt
C. ted-while Mir. Alstyne laid down til
;,h paper, and asked the news.
y- George Gilmore was the son of an ol
nd friend of the family, whose parents die
ok few years before, leaving him barrel
u, means sufficient, to complete his educi
W. ton. He was now about twenty-on
nd years Of age-tall, manly, and graceful
ng TO generous disposition he added M
BILE heart: aud by every one he was prl;
ed for his correctness Of conduct, Tor b
Iprobity and honor A few years beioi
this period, he entered a store in Pear
street, as a clerk, and lived in the hop,
d. of commencing business, with smi
10 capital, when time and experience shou
." enable him to manage its details wi
prudence and skill.