The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-10-03

piiseo and embarrassed me. There was one
among the Witnesses for the
prosecution, whom | looked upon with
considerable Interest. She sat in paif
black apparel, with her comn,enance quite
concealed; could not refrain conjuring
np Troublesome hnces concerning her.
Opposite was my old college rival, Rob-
rrl Fleming, who congratulated me on so
favorable nm opportunity of distinction.
watched his cye-but it was very calm, and
bowed return of his good wishes.
Many others whom knew, were present,
md the occasion was more embarrassing
even than | had anticipated.
Alter the opening counsel had finished.
witnesses were summoned, aud NV duties
commenced. | made an effort at severity
III cross-examina,ion, ard really elected
SONS contradictions. Bv and by they
called the woman in mourning. She took
the stand with n humble dignity. Her
,orm was rather bent, and she drew asid.
her veil, II disclosed mild blue eve, while
her smile, occasionally awakened, tsns SO
calm, that sunbeam seemed resting on
her countenance. She was the mother
on whose behalf the action was broupbt.
""d she gave her testimony with a fnodesly
nnd sabdued tirmuess, which | cannot
forget. There was so much Of dependency
IN her situation; she was alone in the
world, and not very long for il either; and
when they turned TO me 10 rc-scrutinizg
what she had disposed, | was glad to shake
my head, and let II pass. My client frown-
ed remarked AT my so doing, and FIem-
tpIichpI blc npI a a.
that moment that nothing could recompense
me for failure.
Witnesses were examined the various
counsel finished their arguments; aaJ NV
urn came TO conclude the defence. | hat
loag line of corrobora,inp cir
,unistances every point had been M
ien,Iy considered andye foreign thoughts,
md " sensation of inodequacy, continually
'nnoyed me. ] recollecied The saving,
My son, be for my sake good man. and
What ] had To say, appeared cold aud ari-
iclal Sui, the magistrates attention, and
he half-respec,iul aud hnlf-sneering gaze
If Robert Fleming, urged me along.
Like most young advocates, | was un=
Isnnly explicu; touching on the various
points mlnuted on my ample brief, drawing
he intended inferences, and commencing
IN the opposing testimony. But my words
wanted the life which, though nll-important
10 touch of my wand could awaken. Once
o suspect we nre doing i'll, is positive bar
o doing otherwise. knew had not said
What ought, or said il ns ought, and !
at down provoked and dishcarlened.
recollect my clients EXPIRE ssion Of dis
ppointment. Although he had no right tu
nlicipnr n very splendid nrgumeut, some
mrs Of The defence led him to wonder at
he want of regularity aud power which
narked it MS whole. Neither he nor
'lcmng made any remark, while tho case
'as submitted to the jury, who, Without
,uch delay, returned verdict for the
lninliT Thus ended my first professional
fort.
60 They have given it TO the widows
hildren " said !, ms sat alone in my Office,
nc evening after the unfortunate trial. The
vents of the day were passing through my
lind quickly and painfully. I could not
vt fancy thnt my failure was somehow
with the resolution had formed,
n undertaking my profession. | had look
to that day MS the great steppmg-stone,
crhaps to political eminence, aud 1t had
iyen way beneath my feet.
Presently Robert Fleming entered.
lie was not n usual visitor, and | thought
lis calling a, that time peculiarly unfair.
We converscd earelessly awhile about or
linary topics. A little anxious lest 1 might
appear "A little down hearted, alluded,
u ar apparently accidental manner, to tine
business which had occupied the court.
" lie turned his deep black eye towards
me, aud for time made no reply. At
length he snid, you were remarkably un-
otunnte.' "Ob = replied, with forced
,nconcern, hardly hoped any thing else;
I was up hill work.
ancIed it would interrupt you he added,
ising To 20 away, and to tell the truth,
you to the executor. We
al heard of certain prudish promise,
nd longcd to see how frAly it would be
ept. But perceive you have got the bet
r Of it.
"'Oh, entirely : said ], parting from him
ith smile, while the tears came to my
res, nnd my head ached with vexation,
at Of all other men, he had sent the temp
ton, watched my weakness, aud seen it
ork my failure.
While I was brooding over the events
that unlucky day, and not long after my
sitor's departure, servant put into my
'nds a note from Judge Lynde. The
agis,rate was peculiarly coudescending,
ID begged l would meet few friends at
$ house on the ensuing evening, in n strain
happy compliment, Of which, more than
" other man, he was master. The clouds
emed breaking away.
/" l said that Lynde was a wary and con-
wing man but his nrt was perfect, for il
as invisible. He was little past fifty,
$ hair gray, and spare upon his forehead,
I'd his smile one Of the most open in the
orld.. Yet a: times his brow would con-
act, and q shade cross his coun,epspce: