The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-05-17


drawing her to her side" You know, my
child, bow highly we esteem Clarence fIar- !
dy, and With What perfect confidence in his !
highamindedncss and integrity we bestowed
such treasure upon him. believe me,
my dear, that you will es,range the noble
heart that is now wholly your own, you
persist in thus acting against nll his opin-
Ions mud feelings. Some little Difference
should be paid to his wishes, which are new
er unreasonable, and therefore advise you
10 tell him of this invitation before you con-
clude to accept it and, leaving her
daughter to ponder upon her words, she left
the room.
MIR. aud Mrs. Deleval had one daughter,
Francesca, and two younger children.
Francesca's pride aud haughtiness of char.
acter gave great uneasiness to her parents,
although her very faults were overlooked by
those who knew her, for her heart was
generous and affectionate, aud she was gif-
ted with much talent and beauty. Clarence
Hardy was some years older, and she was
much attached to him. He was reserved
ia manner. but his feelings were noble, and
his disposition amiable. He was the adviser
of francesca, and, until latterly, she had
been governed by his wishes. And for the
change in her demeanor he could not ac-
count, bnt attributed it to her acquaintance
with the Miss Morons, who were gay,
dashing, fashionable girls.
Clarence Hardy sat gazing upon the face
of Francesca, as sunk in reverie, she leaned
her head upon her hand. After few mo-
ments of silence she started up, and, meet
ing his earnest gaze, blushed deeply.
What have you been thinking of, Fran
ccsca 7" he asked, with n smile.
"Ofa request was going to make" she
replied, though am not sure that you
will agree to it,"
Then it cannot I've one that ] ought To
grant, if you thus fear to ask it, for ! am
not very unreasonable, dear Francesca.
But come, don't keep Inc in suspense" he
added, taking her hand, with smile play
ing on his lip, for he guessed well, from her
manner, that it was something that he should
not approve Of, aud he was amused by her
unwilingness to speak.
why, have received an invitation TO
Mary Morton's party, and mamma would
not let me send my answer until had con-
suited you. But have made up my mind
to go"
A shade of displensure and modification
crossed his fine face. "lt were useless then
to consult me, Francesca. My opinion cnn
be of no consequence to you whilst you
think and act for yourself"
snow you are angry. Clarence. nm
sure cannot see why should always sub
nit. And if you 60 with me, j; will be
Just as well as to spend dull evening at
home"
lie took her hand, with look Of deep
and earnest Affection" Have / ever been
unreasonable, dear Francesca, or advised
you but for your own happiness But tue
Miss Mortons consider dangerous acquain-
tances for any young lady. You know that
seldom express my opinion, but j think
that the manner in which they live, free from
the controlling influence Of moral and re-
ligous principle, and repaying friendship
with the slander that turks beneath n lionied
tongue, is a sufficient reason for wishing
YOU to avoid their society. ! will not visit
them, and you will oblige me by declining
the invitation--though 1t may CO." you
dull evening n. home"
Francesca's eye flashed. "Give up my
friends merely because they do not suit your
taste You strangely mistake my charac-
ter, If you deem me so mean spirited, Clar-
ence. You can do as you please; but |
shall 90 Tomorrow evening" And she tried
to release her hand, bu, be firmly detained
it,. =
Since this is your resolve, francesca,
and his voice trembled as he spoke, " hrar
me say, that we part now forever l have
borne your many caprlces, and have tried
10 overlook your faults. i loved you with
deep and true affection-but consider
good temper an essential requisite to render
the fre-side happy. And you do not pos
sc,s the Jewel Of meek spirit. IL the
worlds trials should come, and humble that
r naughty beart, you may then sigh for the
love Of him who would willingly have
shielded you from even the passing breeze |;
-1aud now farewell" And with one sad,
lingering gaze upon ber pale face, he re-
! leased her hand.
e 81 thank you for restoring me my liber-
ty," she bitterly replied. "Tm a sweet
: gift /; and now, farewell for ever;" and she
: left the room, with proud step.
1 Francesca's smile bcamed bright in the
drawing room Of Miss Morton, and she led
|. the dance, and brea;bed the thrilling lay rs
, though her heart knew not a touch Of bit
terness. And in her home, her step was
: still as proud, and her eye As clear, as II
. the shadow rested not upon her spirit-tut
! the mothers eye was not deceived. She
, saw the struggle in Francesca's heart and
. as she gradually became cold and reserved
even towards her, she felt that her Child
3 was changed indeed. The name OF Clar-
I ence was as forgotten sound in thei'
I dwelling, and they heard that he had gone
abroad.
{ Days Of trial came, and in less than 81,