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

through usury, was the only pleasure known
10 the heart of the mser. But he had a
daughter whose virtues could well atone
for the misanthrophy of the father. Ame-
liza Davenport had the misfortune to lose
her mother when only twelve years of age /;
-four years prior to the date of our story
but she had never forgotten the lessons
of love and charity, which had been incul-
Gated by Que who was an ornament to her
sex. Amelia. independently of her father,
could indulge the charitable wishes of her
heart, by the help of small legacy which
had been bequeathed to her by her grand
mother. This she devoted entirely to works
Of charity; no tale of misery but found a
plying e,,ho in her heart; her hand was
ever ready to relieve the distressed, her
tongue to console them. Possessed of that
sylph-like beauty SO peculiarly American,
she seemed like some ministering angel, in
the chambers of the sick or the afflicted.
As yet, Amelia and the two cousins had
never met; although they had often heard
each others praises, from those to whom
they had beeu joint benefactors. At length,
in visiting one of their proteges, who had
long been confined by distressing illness,
they met; the introduction was productive
of much pleasure on both sides, and when
they parted it was with a wish, warmly ex-
pressed by the cousins, that as they were
neighbors they should often meet and was
replied to by Amelia with an invitation TO
call on her father, who, though confined to
the house, would still be happy to receive
their visits. The next morning, according
ly, they called on Mr.. Davenport, and, after
a visit of an hour, left him, much better
pleased with him than report had led them
to expect. But, perhaps, the smiles Of the
daughter influenced them in their judgment
of the father; certain it is, that from that
time Amelia seldom walked or rode, with
out being accompanied by one or both of
the friends. A few months of happiness
rolled on in this manner, without though,
Of the future crossing their minds
In the mean time the thirteen United
States bad declared their Independence, and
men were mastering from every part of the
Union to sustain it. 1t was the wish OF
Augustus and Thomas to enrol themselves
among the first Of their country's gallant
defenders, hut as yet they could not obtain
the consent of Mr.. Dalton; the feelings OF
tn, father and uncle predominating over the
patriotism of the citizen. Events, however,
occurred, which made il matter of safety
for him 10 consent to what had before seem :
ed fraught with so much danger Rhode
Island was now in the possession of the
British forces 'and the repeated aggres-
sions Of the soldiers, had so reused the spir-
it of the cousins, that more than once had
they been dangerously situated from theil
decided opposition to their country's eue-
mics. Mr.. Dalton's consent had at last been
gained, Through fear that they should per-
ish in some brawl with the insolent soldiers,
for them to join the army of their country
under the immortal WAsHINGToN.
The night previous to their departure
each bad strolled out to muse amid scenes
which they might never more revisit and
revert to her, who had lately been connect
ed with their every enjoyment; and now,
when about to part from her, perhaps forey-
er, each felt that he loved-that life would
be worthless unless blessed with the love oi
Amelia. Mertonn, ever impetuous in his
actions, on making the discovery resolved
that Amelia should know his love for her
and Immediately his steps were turned to-
wards the house Of Mr.. Davenport. Un-
consciously the steps of Augustus were
turned in the same direction each had ts-
ken different paths and they me, 10 the or
chard, just below the house. Augustus !
Thomas was their several exclamation,
as they confronted each other" Whittier
bound 7" said Augustus. 81 was going
replied Thomas, "to call on Mr.. Daven-
port and Amelia, to bid them farewell for,
perhaps, after tonight, we may not meet
again: and now, when about to part from
her, find that Amelia is dearer to me than
life itself; tina, without the hope Of some
day winning her should wish that my first
battle field might prove my last At any
rate, ] cannot live IN suspense, and ] have
resolved to know before leave, on what
have to depend. But, good heavens ! Au-
gusius, are YOU UNIV n T. said he, as he
turned towards him > 4 observed him lean
ing, pale and bresthI.ss, against tree. cit
is nothing" replied Augustus, Ill feel a
little faintness. but twill soon pass away"