The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-11-08

nave told her. lhat she was beloved I: onu
to her this was enoogh. She cared not for
words; she was conscious that she possessed
the affections of Augustus, and freely was
her own heart given in exchange. Thus
things went on for some months, during
which they had frequently heaed from
Thomas; his letters, though full Of alice
tionatc inquiries, were imbued with spir-
it of melancholy, for which they could not
account, as they were so different from the
usual lighthcarieduess OF his disposition.
Perhaps there was one who understood tho
cause but If he did, the knowledge WAS
confined TO his own breast-perhaps that
breas, was none the happier for the knowl-
edge. A short time longer elapsed when
they received one from him, hinting that the
war would soon be concluded, and. lie
doubted not, successfully; but still he SAID
nothing of his return. At length it was
coi,cluded-the struggle was ended, aud
we at last we.S acknowledged free and
independent people. But in the midst of
the rejoicing at this happy event, letter
was received from a mutual friend of Au-
gustus and Thomas, informing them that
since the last engagement Thomas hnd
been missing, nor could the most active ex-
ertions Of friendship fud any trace Of him /;
and the conclusion was, that lie had fallen.
But, as he had never been recognised n
mongst the slain, the party at MIR. Dalton's
could not believe, so strong is hope, that he
whom they all loved so much, and whose
return they so fondly expected, was, in
deed, lost TO them forever. But weeks aud
months passed away and still no tidings
aud the unfortunate Mcrtonn was mourned
ms one, who has indeed "passcd that bourn
from whence no traveller returns" But grief,
long without feeling the iessening hand Of
time. Thus il was with the friends of
Mertoun. Though they had not forgotten
him the grief Of the mourners was ctasten-
ed: aud he was gradually less missed in
that socety where he had been 50 mucisbe-
loved. Cbcerfulness, If not happiness. had
again began to illume their features, and as
the hope of ever again hearing from him
faded away, other thoughts took possession
Of their minds. Augustus had now nothing
to prevent him from disclosing his love to
Amelia, and soliciting for that place in her
affections SO necessary to his happiness
lie told his tale of love; u love which lie
felt would be lasting as life. Nor did he
moet with coy return. for mclia modest
ly though frankly confessed TINT she had no
heart to give, for he had long possessed it.
Augustus with n lovers impctoosily press
cd for an immediate union. As Mr.. Dn-
venporl'sslIeaIiIl was rapidly declining, hc
had an argument 10 use which seemed to
him weghiy cnough to sanction haste
which was, lhat "a Mr.. Davenport had no
connections Ia .his part Of the country, A.
natural protector. Weighiy or not, j, was
used with success, nnd with the blessings of
their parents they were united. Fortune now
appeared TO have GIIed Augustus cup Of
happiness to overlooking. Nothing seemed
lacking. Possessing u moderate indepsn-
dence, aud blessed with the only woman he
had ever loved, he could nsk no more Of
Fate than continuance Of his pre,cn, hap
pine-s. Five years passed on thus, with
oot alloy. Their union had been blessed
with two children, son and daughter, in
whom was centred the love Of their parents.
Noihing md occurred 10 mar their hoppi-
ness. One day when Mr. Dalton had been
TO Newport, he put letter, on bis return.
into the hands Of Augustus: who looking
at the postmnrk. exclaimed, +" from Charles
tonl-who cin this possibly he from ~
But probably, thinking the best way to
solve tie mystery, would be to look al tho
inside instead Of the out, lie broke the seal,
gnzsd At the signature, turned pale aud
dropped the letter, took it up again, aud
with much emotion read the following.
CmARLEsToN, s. G.
Wonder not my friend ut receiving this
from one whom you have so long thought
numbered with the dead bur listen TO my
reasons, and try to excuse me for the pain I
have caused you. Neither must you think
that I acted altogether from disinterested
motives. On the pcmorable night when
we had the happiness Of rescuing from yio-
Icnce, one whom we both so fondly loved, my
was taken Of resigning all
thoughts Of rivalry with yon; for 10 that
peril I could perceive tina. you and you on-
ly possessed The affections Of Amelia. I
could read it but too plainly in the action