Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1837-11-22

which would have enabled her, in the
hour of trial, to resist its Influences
Yet, with many cares constantly pres.
sing upon him, engaged in a profession
which obliged him to pass much of his
time from home, the mothers influence
was more powerfully felt, and the little
Amelia was not slow to learn the les
son that she was beautiful, and the sole
heiress OF her fathers wealth. With
an affectionate heart and fine powers
of mind, she was, under the whitening
influence of 1attery and indulgence,
daily becoming selfish and impefious
her will had SO long been law with her
mothers servants, that the idea of sac.
rlficing IT, neveronce entered her mind.
How little do we realize the fatal in
f~iuences of such a course, until some
startling proofs force themselves upon
us.
Years passed away, the beautiful but
wiltul child was just entering upon the
world OF fashion, of which she was so
likeley to become an idol, when the ia
theirs death left her the mistress of a
fortune, which by no means lessened
the powers of her own personal attrac-
tons. Surrounded by admirers, drink
ing the intoxicating draught of adula-
ton from all, Amelia became the reign.
ing belle in the large town of B.
Accustomed to seek her own selfish
qualification, she trifled on, now repul-
sing, now encouraging her numerous
admirers, and, while trifling with all,
seriously interested with none. Their
attentions were grateful because they
fiattered her vanity-as to her heart,
that was still untouched, and she could
hear and say brilliant nothings, receive
their homage day after day, and turn
from them without one feeling Of mar
ked interest. At a large evening par.
ty, where, as usual, surrounded, the
centre of attraction, she was talking
and laughing, her attention was ares
ted by a gentleman, who, leaning pen
sively against a marble bust, at a short
distance from her, seemed wholly alb
stracted from, and Indifferent to, the
scene around him.
Who is he % asked she of a gen.
tleman who stood near her.
"Be a little more definite" replied
he, smiling at her air of interest, "and
will endeavor to answer your ques-
ton"
"Oh," said she, eli Pensoroso, |
should call him. mean the stranger
who is leaning against the bust yonder
he is just speaking to Mrs. W."
"That, oh, that is Mr.. Ludlow, a
| bright Il in the literary constellation,
the lawyer who has distinguished him.
| self so much by his successful plea in
a late important case. You have sure
ly heard of his eloquence-all the pa
pers of the day have rung with his
name-he passes "a few weeks in B.,
on professional duty"
Amelia remembered having heard
Mr.. Ludlow'sname mentioned in terms
of high encomium. But when her COM
panion inquired if he should introduce
him, "no, certainly not" said she 81
never seek the acquaintance of any
gentleman" Her name having ev.
identity proved that she was not averse
to making this an exception to her &C.
neral rule-the gallant gentleman went
in pursuit of Mr.. Ludlow, whom he
found engaged in conversation with Sc
veralgentlemen, and by no means anx.
ious for the proposed introduction to a
lady whose coquetry was as notorious
as her beauty. Thegentleman returned
alone, and Amelia bit her lip with pique
at the indifference of the stranger
"But he shall feel it )" thought she,
"yes, he shall sue for my acquaintance
he shall bow at my shrine, and ere
six months have passed will see if his
heart be made of too hinty materialsto
feel my power"
Evening after evening, and often IN
her morning walks, did she pass the
| stranger, who still manifested the same
| indifference. Accident, however, at
| length introduced them. Amelia was
| one of a party who were returning from
an eXCurSiOu On n~OTScDdCh' iiSi hoieS
took fright at some object in the road,
| and a serious accident, if not death,
| seemed inevitable. At this moment
Mr.. Ludlow, who happened TO be near,
| seized the reins and saved her from
impending danger.
1t has been remarked, andth expert
| cree Of every one may determine with
how much truth, that those whom We
have obliged, have always a claim up
on our affection. The next morning
ciyility demands a call Of inquiry
Miss Meredith had not recovered from
the alarm of the preceding day-she
was paler and more languid than usual
but the deep blush that suffused her
nhn rncniund the nnnniries Of