Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1837-11-09
THE STRAWBERRY GIRL.
A TALE OF TRUTH.

A few years since, business OF a mercan-
tile nature called me to Boston, the metropolis
Of New England. There is an air Of quiet
neatness and unostentatious elegance, which
have never seen in any other place Of such
extensive wealth and prosperous trade
New York may, without Condemnation, be
proud of her hundred spires-thc thousand
flags in her harbor-the immensity of her
commerce-the revenue she pays to the
treasury of the nation, and the just title of
the "London of America y yet, although not
prejudiced in favor OF what are termed "Bos.
ton notions," should prefer a residence in
that city, to any have ever visited. Elegant
retIremenl--ffiendly hospitality. .unassuIning
bcnevolence-- and literary taste and refine
ment--exist in their most fascinating forms,
and the state of society is evidently conside-
rably in advance of any other place on the
continent. In regulating my affairs, it be .
came necessary to call frequently at the
house of Mr.. Nj, a person who COM
bined all the qualities that constitute the
gentleman. frequently dined with him, aud
his wife, one Of the most charming and lovely
women have ever seen, and three fresh
blooming and beautiful children, the culture
Of whose budding, promising powers formed
their chief and most delightful recreation.-
exist only in the most cultivated minds-a
frankness which can only be the result of
confidence, and harmony and sympathy in
our sentiments, which endeared them to me-
and do not recollect an acquaintance in any
family that appeared to enjoy such unalloyed
happiness. On one Of those visits observed
on the table plate of most delicious straw
berries, which were the first had that season
and H. 4. Al.
These berries,' said Mr. M, 'are my
peculiar favorites,' as he significantly put his
finger to the centre of his forehead where,
on its broad and smooth surface, had often
noticed small, red protuberance, not widely
differing in appearance from the fine frui,
before us.
"Your predilection,' answered I, is sufii
ciently accounted for +; but it must have beer
fortunate bit indeed, which placed it on the
spot where it is so plainly discernible.'
1T was not altogether accident he replied
u have often heard my mother relate the cir
cumstances. I was their oldest child but
short time before was born, my father ant
mother walked into field where was al
abundance of strawberries, and while IN,
mother seated herself on messy bank, il
the shade Of a wide spreading ash, my eathe
had selected number of stems of the fines
fruit, and throwing himself by her side, tossed
them into her lap. They were just what sht
wished, and while eating them, large ant
beautiful one attracted her notice.
See what a delicious strawberry have
found said she, holding it up by the stem t,
my father.
That, my dear, is mine,' he replied, play
fully snatcbng it from her, and putting it il
his own mouth. A slight flush passed owe
her countenance, as she endeavorcd in vai
to recover il.
4 will mark my child with that straw berry
said she laughing as she spoke, and placing
the tip Of her white finger on her forehead
the berry wns fixed, but il was the most for
tunate moment to my existence, for to tha
strawberry owe all my happiness
look which denoted a deep feeling o
mutual satisfaction, Of happiness which coult
not (DQIstaken, passed between Mr.. M
and ife, and the deep blush which ac
compSNed II, excited my curiosity TO ob,air
an explanation of the hint thrown out Ac
cordingly, when, after dinner, we were seate,
in the counting room made known my wish
es without reserve.
Il shall willingly crafty you,' he replied
'for love TO recall the incidents to my ina oi
nation. You have seen MIS-; you ad
mire her-I adore her; for she is the sam,
fond, confding, sffectionate creature as whei
first became acquainted with her /; and
was to the happiness receive from her so
ciety and friendship that alluded She i
indeed q treasure and an accident singula
enough threw her into my possession. wa
seventeen years of age, possessed, as ! sup
posed, of every thing that could make per
son happy health, wealth and friends wer,
mine, and I lived csressed aud admired. Al
though in the most daily habit Of meeting
with some Of the first young ladies' Of the city
had seen them come and 90 without uD,