The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-02-17
THE GAMBLER.


George Stanley in his youth had been one of the
most promising young men of whom society could
boast. He was equally admirable in his person
his disposition and the qualities of his highly
cultivated mind. Every one looked forward with
confidence to his future emincnce and no great
misfortune entered the Imagination of any one con-
cerning him, than that death might snatch him from
the of glory, disease render him incapable
of prosecuting his duties. But there are miseries
worse than death; and it is as impossible to foreteI
with certainty, the character destiny of any, from
the mirth and genius Of boyhood, as to know from,
the serenity the morning sky, whether before night
its blue bosom will be stained with Clouds or shaken
with tempests He marrrid lovely girl, who lived
only in the hope of making him happy. few
years glided away prosperously Two boys en-
gagged his warmest affection and most jealous care
and promised to be his own comfort as well as or
na,nen.s of society. In the midst of his success he
introduced into circle of friends, whose light
and agreeable conversation caught his tastc and in
spred him with the wish to enjoy their familiar
friendship.
The very best are liable to be led away from rioht
and reason by the force of example. Stanley fire.
quented the houses of his new friends. His house
soon strange and irksome place TO him; and
it seemed that, while he lavished all his mirth and
health upon strangers, he remembered his own sad
neglected house only when sickness and dsappoint-
ment had untitled him for every other place. His
wife the fondest idol Of his love. and the chill
dren, around whom he had often said that all the
chords of bis affections entwipcd, now passed
by him with cold and unnotced faces, enduring
without enjoying his transtory merriment, or terri
fled at the scowls which distorted his brow. He
had become gambler. He entered upon the prac.
lice without considering whittier it would lead him.
One afternoon, Mrs. Stanley sat by her window,
which overlooked the street. A dark heavy thun-
der cloud, which had long brooded in the west,
slowly spread over the sky, deepening and blacken
ing it overshadowed the city. The pensive wife
continued gazing out opon the scene. Her hus-
band had been away for nearly two days and her
youngest, and perhaps on account of its helpless
ness her dearest child was lying on the bed, in the
crisis of painful and dangerous sckncss.-He had
just fallen into still and deep sumber, and the
mother to gaze his pale but beautiful face,
with the feelings which none but mother can know.
The tears rose into her eyes, she bent down her
head upon his tranquil bosom and wept
She was startled by the samming of a door be-
low. hasty step stalked along the hall and in a
moment her husband stood before her.
He was agi,ated, and his lips stained with wine.
His dress was disordered. His haggard face bore
the sign Of strong emotion well prolonged rev.
ery, and his eye flashed with fierce and unrestrain-
ed passions.
His wifi. raised her head as he entered, and the
sight of her grief increased his fury.
a. Pray madam," he exclaimed, "arc you in the
conspiracy too? when return to my home, where
a man should meet cheerfulness and consolation,
why must be welcomed with tearsl Where are
the servants Z"
al have sent William for the Doctor for George
is sick, and weep for him.
Where's the money / left with you !"
81 have laid it in the draw
81 Get it for me 1 want it,"
"George, dear George" cried Mrs. Stanley, lay
ing her trembling hand on his shoulder, you are
not going out again tonight Our child is sick,
and"
Well you told me he was sick before, and
cannot make him well by staying here mewed up
in this chamber. Give me the money and let CO."
You will not, you cannot leave me now he
may die before morning; and if you go away now,
Ikaow very well shall not you again for hours
"Well, let him die, if it is his fate as for me
must fulfil my engagement-if you all die"
4 crash of thunder pealed thro' the sky, as f the
voice of heaven spoke against his brutality but
suafchiy away the purse, he rushed out fthe house
with the same impetuosity which had marked his
entrance
During the night, the chd's disorder increased.
He Continued ia great pain till about three in the
morning, when, lifting up his anguid eyes to his
mother, he put out bis little pale lips kiss ber and
died.
Starley was a. the gambling table. He had lost
and lost and drowned the consciousness Of bis guilt
ia repeated drspgbn, till, with recng brain and o