The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-09-06
SELECTED TALES.
THE GUNsMITH OF ORLEANS, OR
THE DEAD WOMAN's SECRET.
by MRS. ELIZA SHERIDAN

| BY MRS ELIZA SHERIDAN
In an humble street in Paris, occupying
the third floor of respectable house, liveo
the heroine of the present tale, Cephiss anc
Richard Maria.
They were orphans, brother and sister
Richord was by some years the elder
Cephise having just attained her nineteenth
year. Their mother, on her dying bed, be-
queathed the sister to the brother's care,
with an eartnestness, that long left its i'm
preston on the heart of Richard, and that
he faithfully adhered to his mothers appeal
of protection for her daughter, will be seen
in the events which follow.
After his mothers death, his father hsv-
Ing died while he was yet an infant, Rich
ard found situation for his sister, with a
respectable milliner and dress maker, with
whom she remained until she had learned
the business in all its branches. Richard
then took the apartments where himself aud
Cephlsc now resided she attending to her
little household arrangements, and doing
needle work for the store of Madam Dumas, 8,
while he was engaged as n jodrneyman gun
smith, by master whom he had served for
eight years, and who ,hought highly Of him
both as man aud a workman. Indeed,
the two orphans possessed among their
friends and neighbors high characters for
virtue, honesty, and industry.
Cephise sat at work in the principle room
Of their little domciI, everything around
her bespeaking neatness and order. A
small work table stood ut her side, on which
lay all the implements requisite for her oc-
cupation. The manufacture of some Dress
es were to be completed by the following
day.
There was a restless anxiety 10 the bur-
ried manner of drawing forth her needle to
the detrlment of her thread, which broke ut
every stitch or two. The clock struck the
hour of three, aud as the last stroke reyer-
beraled through the apartment, she threw
down her work, rose hastily from her seat,
and listened, as if to catch the sound of
step. "Some one ascends the stairs! 1t
is Edward, perhaps A pause of second
and the footsteps passed on to the floor a.
bove. With the same air of unquietncss,
she resumed her work, soliloquising as she
from time to time raised her eyes from her
employment to wipe away n tear.
Two whole days and have not seen
him ! two days what an age 'Tis the
first time he has ever staid away so long
he will not come to-day he knows tits
near the hour my brother comes to dinner.
long to see him to talk over our love, and
the prospect Of our marriage, and to learn
when he will inform my dear Richard Of his
intentions. His employment surely could
not have detained him so long, he has been
away all night, too, for have watched bis
window opposite, and saw no light shine
from it as usual. What can have happen
ed p? If he had not so strongly prohibited
my avowing my love 10 Richard, would
entreat my brother to seek him out. o VI
why should this secrecy exis. this conceal
ment of our affection surely he would not
oppose the bestowal of my hand where ]
had already given my heart ! will tell Ed
ward when next we meet, Of my firm deter
in having no longor any conceal
meDt from one who has been is SO kind
to me.
Appearing better satisfied with herself
after forming the above resolution, she re-
sumed her almost forgotten work which she
bad suffered to be untouched upon her lap,
when knock at the door started her at once
more fron'her occupation.
A hurried come TO- and the door open
ed, not to give admittance to the person
Cephise half anticipated seeing, but to Mad
am Dumas.
'Ah,' said Madam Dumas, at work, eh,
Cepbise | always find you with your
needle in your hand. Your brother at his
employment too, Isuppose Well, how do
you do, my dearl'
Quite well, thank you, madam; I'm not
ate with my work am think this dress
was promised by Tomorrow
1t was replied madam. You ere new
sr behind your time my good girl. "Tis
not to hasten your completion of this dress
which brought me here am more snx-
ous about the two wedding dresses
They are ready cut, and will be finish
ed at the appointed time said Cephise.
Those dresses continued madam,
must change their destination. / have a
hurried order from a family Of distinction,
Tor wedding suit. Will you then, my
good Cephese, for the credit Of my estab-
ishment, sacrifice one nights rest to COM
,lets this ordsrl'
Willingly, madam. Have you the
Measure 2
Exactly like those you have begun, only
! little shorter, as the lady has we'll turn
d ancle.'
] shall be particular, madam
The bride is from OrIesns-ber mother
baroness, and immensely rich,' said the
oquacious madam.
From Orleans, did you say 2 and Cep-
'ise thought for an instant { I once knew,
'ut Its some time since, a rich baroness
vho resided in iha' part Of the country, she
lad daughter then about twelve years Of
se. All, l shall never forget them.
Wonder iftbis Is the same baroness do you
inos ,he name madam
y yes said madam, taking a card from