The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-05-06

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visited the city, and been addressed by classmae
with whom my terms of friendship were strict and
intimate. He had been accepted as her sutor, and
the dny of their union had already been appointed
| /" Fired with passion, i sought her acquaintance
7 m,, her often aud amidst the attractions Of So
cie,v not deficient in female loyeIness, found her
ever the sole ascendant star, God,-hOw i loved
her waited upon her footsteps, and bent to her
beck. as one that obeys the bidding of celestial
snirit. Her smile was the JOY of my hear her
voice the richest music 10 my ear. But wooed IN
vain. With a dclicacy, pure as it was engaging,
she repellcd all my advances, and could not but
see that my friend, Henry Rivers, the choice OF
her affection.
Rivers was indeed my friend. We had been
all in all TO each other. But must produce
effects, and cOldness soon spraDg up between
us. lie loved May Morton with perfect idolatry.
I was the foul nconoclast, who destroyed both the
worshipper and the image Wo is me |!
"My passion could not be concealed. The pent
up flame defed restraint. poured out my soul, in
kisses and protestations, on the white, reluctant
of melody, whose fatal sweetness haunts me still,
that nv suit was vain. Rivers was her betrothed-
her heart and hand were his own. heard no more.
Pride spread its burning color over my check.
ceased to supplcate / bowed and withdrew.
Weeks passed over me, without knowledge of ex-
stence. malignant fever brought me to the mar
gin of the grave and the delirium of passion and
sickness were continually upon me.
"Months elapsed before l recovered. When l
come forth again, it was only to hear Of the ap-
preaching marriage Of my rival. few days were
to witness its consummation. In all my sickness,
Rivers, forgetting my offence, my devoted at
teudant. lie was generous and noble. No office
was too arduous for his goodness; and through the
watches of many weary night, he kept his vigil
by my side Alas how he repaid
AS the time drew nigh for the celebration of his
nupals, my vigor increased. ate but little-yetI ]
seemed to subsis,, and thrive, on thought. vague
idea Of some desperate deed beset my soul. What
it destined to be, knew not /; but felt, only,
as if nerving myself for some dire resolve.
How little do we know of our own hearts /! Du-
ring all this period, could recognize in myself
any hatred to Rivers. / thought him the happiest
of men.--I would have given worlds to have filled
his place in the affections of May Morton and be-
cause she did, ] thought 1 too, loved him. Fatal
delusion
a. received an invitation to be present at their
nuptals. l went, but with feeling such new
er before experienced 1t was the elateness of a
desperate mind the elevation which prccedcs des-
pair
1t was lovely evening. The guests were met,
the feast was spread. / heard the voice of the
priest,-I the hands of the betrotbed united in
eternal fidelity The room swan to my vision
the smiles that met me were repaid by glances of
vacancy or of fire and the wine-cup passed my
lips untasted
"A dance ensued. The music brcathcd through
the scented apartments, like heavenly epithaami-
um. Graceful forms were moving IN fairy circles,
the viol uttered its harmonies,-a was bright
Sail delight.
"How it was, know not, that approached the
happy pair as they staod at the head of cotillion.
Pleasant time, this Mr.. Rivers said !, with bit
ter smile, and in u hollow voice. rery pleasant
don't you think soF
:" Indeed do,-the happiest Of my life. My
sweet May beside me, and my own 1t is like a
dream
"'very likely replied. What pity it is thai,
so sweet dream should not be enjoyed by some
body who deserved it,
"'What do you mean, Sirr said Rivers, the
generous meaning of his eye changing to a look of
stern inquiry.
81 mean, l responded, with the abruptness of
instant Elsehood which could not be contradctcd
from the grave, that you told young Everts of
class, that my Grafton at the Junior Exhibition was
written by you. He is dead now, and cannot say to
you, as do, that you both liar and coward.
| speak it aloud,-I am heard by all around me-
and leave you to demand of me that satisfaction,
current among all honorable men, which you will not
fail to receive
Rivers was thunder-struck. He gazed at me
with look of mingled pity and surprise. AT last
he said
Chorlcs,--now Iknow you. This is an angry,
envioustrick of yours,-0nd I see tie m0tire. But
II shall not avail you. You shall be met, ms yon de-
sre-but not tonight. Tonight, at least, he added,
addressing his terrified bride, with looks of unuer-
bic tenderness shall be devoted TO rapture aud to
love. Sir, you will hear from me in the morning.
What were my feelings Like Ithuriel in Eden,
stood, h'deous and single, in the midst of scene
OF loveliness From bitter envy and unrequited pas
sion had wantonly falsicd the truth, aud poison
ed the hnppness of lovely being, by embroilng in
mortal combat the chosen companion of her bosom.
al know not how reached home. slept as on
fire and thorns. In the morning received a note
from Rivers, which accepted without delay.
:" That afternoon we met The grey walls of the
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