The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-06-21
SELECTED TALES.
ELMWOOD HALL:
A prize TAIE.
A PRIZE TALE:
Written for the Philadelphia Chronicle,
Nv Miss Eupupv

Bx Miss EMBURY.
In the little village of Sydenham, one OF
the most beautiful spots in all England,
stands on old fashioned mansion house, not
more remarkable for its antiquity, than
for the air Of gloom which distinguishes it
from the many cheerful looking residences
which are scattered around it. The doctor
informed me that one of the most valuable
collections in England was to be found in
its walls. The doctor offered to carry me
to the house, remarking at the time that a
succession of melancholy events had chang
ed all within into the deepest gloom the
greater part of the house being shut up, and
the two sisters, the only remaining members
of the family have not seen any strangers for
many years.
Accordingly we went on the following
morning, and were met at the door of Elm
wood Hall by the housekeeper, u quiet ma
tronly body ofsixty years of age. She lead
us through many apartments, wainscottcd
with walnut tree wood, perfectly black with
age, and finished in the fashion of bye
gone age. One suite of rooms however
was furnished in more modern style. alt
is just 30 years." said she, 4" since this part
of the house was fltted up for my young
lady's wedding ~ The next apartment ex-
cited still more melancholy emotions. 1t
was a bed-chamber, fitted up in simple
and beautiful style. turned TO the house,
keeper, and jestingly made some inquiry
about the last occupant of this apartment.
+" 1t was never occupied, sir," said she, it
was fitted up for Miss IsabeI's bridal cham
Der, but she never entered it, poor thing !"
Tears came into her eyes as she spoke, and
she hurried us on to the picture gallery
Here found many of the richest gems of
art, and feasted my eyes on some of the
master pieces of antiquity. The doctor took
this opportunity to show me some pictures
which hung in one corner closely veiled.
They were the portraits of a fine looking ell
derly gentlemaa in uniform, a very hand
some young man in the dress Of a civilian,
and group representing two sisters. This
was an exquisite picture. A female of SUR
passing beauty, was represented seated on
couch apparently before window; while
another, the sweet expression of whose
countenance made amends for want of reg
ular beauty, appeared to be standing on the
verandah, outside, and leaning forward in
the act of placing a white rose in her sisters
luxurant braid of hair. (Which was Isa-
bell' asked "The youngest and lowell
est" said the doctor, the other portraits
are her father and lover"
Half ashamed of my protracted visit |
now turned to go, when the old woman sug-
gested that we might as well take the short
est way out, and spare her rheumatic limb.
We accordingly proceeded across the wide
hall towards the main entrance, when our
steps were arrested by the appearance of
lady issuing from an opposite door. She
was a tall, euiaciated woman, about fifty
years of age, with bright but. restless
eye, and having her long hair banded upon
her forehead, and braided in the same
scul pture like style that | had noticed in
the lovely portrait But the most remarka-
BILE thing noticed, was the color of her
hair 1t was of silvery wbitene.s, yet dis
played and dressed with as much care as if
it had been of sunny brightness. She made
a graceful courtesy as we passed, but took
no further notice of us, and we left the
house. eagerly reminded the Doctor of
lis promised tale, but he found it necessary
to prepare himself first, by the discussion of
a good dinner, and rs a reward for my ex-
emplary patience, related over our wine the
following story.
Captain WaIlingford was the youngest
son of a noble family, who had provided
for him by obtaining him commission in
the army; and who unhesitatingly cast him
off when an imprudent marriage with a
portionless girl threw him upon his own
resources for the support Of family. But
his fathers injustice was Unexpectedly re-
paired by the kindness Of bachelor uncle,
who, having made his fortune by trade, and
being consequently despised by his noble
relatives adopted the neglected son Of his
brother, and at his death bequesthed to INN
his large estates. Captain Wallingford's
wife was a refined and elegant woman, who
loved her husband, and anxiously studied
his happiness. The old fashioned mansion
where they had resided with their good un-
Gle, was dear to them from association, and
when at his death they were left free to
choose their own abode, they decided upon
remaining at EImwood hall, the home Of
their earliest happiness.
A few modern alterations were made,
those wings with the long French easements
were added, and there the happy family