Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1837-09-21
My Rival.

My Rival.
Mary s. and myself were carly playmates--
We went to the same school-we studied the same
lessons-a youthful sympathy soon sprang up be-
tween us. Her large black eyes would fill with tears
each time felt the rod, and when by dnt of careful
study remained Cup head" her sparkling eye and
smiling face would show the interest she took in her
wild play-fellow. | arn not sure she then looked
handsomer than other girls of my acquaintance, bu;
there was something about her which made roe will
ling 10 fight, or die, or take whipping school in
her defence, (Which latter alternative | considered
much the worst OF the three.) When she spoke, i
fancled twas something IN her voice; but when her
eye met mine, pIl twas in her eye. The first
clusters of wild grapes-the first hat fall Of nuts al
ways poured into Marys apron. remember when
left home for the Academy. We walked from school
for the last time together. Not a word had passed
between us when we arrived at her fathers GATE
She said
"You won't forget me, will you Henry ~
There was something in her voice that went right
to my heart. Iput my arm around her neck, and
kissed her blushing cheek.
No. never Mary"
l could say no more. Something seemed TO swell
up in my throat hurried away; as l turned an an
gle in the road, 1 cast n hasty glimpse back. She
stood with her hand on the hall opened gate looking
after me. rubbed the sleeve of my jacket over my
eyes and tried to whistle. The sound seemed to die
IN my throat ror faucibus hGst and trudged on in
silence.
Years passed On. entered college, graduated, and
came to the city, 10 practice my profession. l had
wife, determined remove with his daughter to this
city, where change Of scene might divert his mind
from his recen afflicon. took an early opportunity
TO call upon them. She whom left young though
lovely girl, had npencd into still more lovely woman
hood. Her face seemed more fair, her cheek more
blooming her form more developed, and her motions
more graceful. Her dark brown hair which once
floated carecssly on her snowy shoulders, was now
dressed Ia CIRQUE, with the greatest nicely; only
showing her fine proportions 10 greater advantage
Her cye-but that was unallered-'twas as Bright as
black, rs beautiful as when last bid her adeu
had not anticipated tho change forgetting that pair
Of whskcrs now hourlshed on my own cheeks, where
Mary last bchcld the down OF boyhood. We were
both embarrassed. Miss s." "Mr. A.
was all we could utter. As stammered out some
trivial remarks concerning The weather, raised my
eyes: they met hers hearty laugh ensued. s. How
FOOLISH was simultaneously spoken, and the friend
slip Of childhood was renewed in an instant
NY visits from that period often repeated my
mornings devoted assidnously 10 my profession my
evenings wers spent IN the society of Mary and heI
fnther.
One bamy night in jane, after an hour pleasantly
spent in recalling the scenes of our childhood and 'a
the loved spots which our infancy knew" Mr.. S.
casually remarked-"I don't know, Harry, wha
Mary would do in this large city, wthou, you and hc
lively Morning sssssd," (somethnR that ended in d.
though, il friend but noisy cart jus, passing
prevented me from hearing
eyes" said Mary" admire his spnghtly wit anc
his bon rnots."
81 like hrs letters from Washington" said the ia
Their.
I" His delightful descriptions OF the parties" adde's
| the daughter.
"His accounts Of the money market" said Mr.
Hes 80 fond Of the ladies'" reisned Mary.
| II became too much for mel stammerea out al
excuse, seized nv hat and rushed out Of The door
The truth elarrd upon me at ence-I had ~
| val, and powerful one l tired to calm myscl
enough 10 think who he might be, but in vain
Why had | never encountered hint An ides
struck me he had always eluded me BY coming
the morning which time invariably devoted 10 bus
mess. II was evident that both father and dasqhte
were pleased with him. He wsss wit, and known IA
| the fashionable world or he could no, describe IN,
parties. Perhaps he was politician, for he had cor
| respondents IN Washington; or he might be n Wal
street broker, for he was well acquainted with thu
money market. Al one time, pictured him to my.
selfas slender young man. with well cultivated cat
locks, such You will see in Broadway, and hook
ed cane; az others fsncied he had red face and
| was inclined ~ be 0cshy. My brain was filled with
images conflicting passions tortured my breast
passed a restless nlght-a mere miserable day
In the afternoon called determined 10 sees op-
portunity TO confront myself with my unknown but
dreaded rival. Mary's manner was AZ open hearted,
I a. confdng as ever felt that my suspicious were
unjust. Al the tea table 10 cary out my purpose,
proposed ride with Mics S., the next forenoon.
| IL was acceded TO, with apparent pleasure.
"Don't come before ten" interrupted the father
with smile" or you viii find Mary 1te a tafe with
her morDng---.
Here my agitation was great, / dropped the
cupI was passing and lost the termination Of ,he sen
1 tencc. .
|" How ualacky p" thought T." bu, ,omorow vii
urravd the WHOLE viii come early and in'ercep
him. Accord ngly, st quarter before ten, reints
\ up in front Mr.. Sc manson. A. wac usne'
ed ints the drawing room, Mary wss putting away
newspaper which she appeared 20 have been ieaa
| inr. =,
"Al plsn,' thought n" TO loll my susp'c'ora.'