The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-08-09


the richest apparel was taken from costly
wardrobes, and spread before her; cabinets
were unlocked; jewels were Withdrawn
from their cases, and put into her hands,
or disposed here and there about her per-
son, that she might view then, in spacious
mirrors the history Of this set and that
set-the choicest in the collection-was
told to her; she saw, she heard, but she
noted not-the impression Of her senses van
ished the moment the causes were with
drawn-once only was that interest, which
makes impression permanent, excited
when she looked at the portrait of her moth
er She stood before it mute reverence
lillng ITS eye to the object i, vencrates and
would look upon; she crossed her arms
upon her breast--she dropped her eyes.
half bowed, aud raised them TO the portrait
again; Il tear started and trickled. 1t was
plain that the portrait was awakening other
ileas besides thnt ofthe original-she slowly
turned her face towards the Senior, who
stood behind her-a want and wistfulness
were depicted in that face.
You'll be kind to me-" she snid, and
bursting into tears hid her face in the SEN
Or's breast.
Dinner was announced: she eagerly took |
the Senor's hand when he offered it to con- |
duct her to the room where it was laid. !
She almost went before him, b ut she had
scarcely entered the door and looked round
when she faliered as though she was about
to dnop. No one sat down to table but the |
Senor and her. One cover was laid before
her, she tasted its contents, and no more.
Another and another followed with the same
result. Appetite was gone-nothing could
provoks 1t. The dessert was as little hon
ored as the dinner. Wine was poured out
for her; she touched the lip of the cup, but
It's contents went away untasted.
"Almeira " !" said the Senor, as 500. ns
they were left alone, " are you unhappy at
having found your father!"
"No :" calculated the ingenious girl lift |
ing her eyes and looking full in the ScDor's
face.
"Yet you are unhappy at something"
added the Senor inquiringIy: the girl was
silent.
"Your new state of fortune. Almera,"
resumed the Scnor, must give rise to new
habis-new pursuts-Dew connexions f:
the Senor was going on, but observing that
the color was rapidly leaving the cheek Of
his auditor, he paused; and, differently
from what he had intended, at length went
on "your happiness, Almcira, shall be the I
first care, as II Is the first wish OF your faith
cr." {
The girls eyes frightened up--the color I
returned to her cheek she started from her u
seat, throwing her arms round the neck of
the Senior, whose countenance, instead Of
being irradiated like that of his child, low
cred with an expression Of deep perplexity
and trouble. H.
Take your scat ngain, Almeira," said
the Senor. The girl returned to her seat
Happiness, my child" said tho Senor,
I" is the result Of doing, not merely what we
wish. but what we know TO be wise and right.
You must have no conccalments from your
father. Tell me, did you not expect to-day
10 meet with some one whom you have mis-
sed 7" :,
A face and neck Of scarlet formed tho re-
ply of the maid, as she sat with downcnst
eyes and hardly appeared to breathe.
81 know you did, Almeira, i" resumed the h
Senior, his coun,enancc darkening; but r,
he has LEFT this house, W
A slight convulsive inspiration was all that 10
was uttered by the maid, but where there b.
vns crimson before, thcro was now the hue IN
Of ashes. bl
ale has left Burgos," continued the SEN ca
or. en-
She gasped. tie
ale must never return TO it," firmly nd til
led he. ST
The girl lay senseless on the floor. an
1Co,cL,d,d IN our ncrf Il,