The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-06-06
SELECTED TALES.
MARIA, THE oRPHAN-oR THE
FORCE OF PRINCIPLE.

FORCE OF PRINCIPLE.
A funeral procession passed slowly up
fremont street, and entered the venerable
burial place attached TO the Stone Chapel. I
There were deposited the remains of Mrs.
Lawrence, and with them the pecuniary
dependence of two orphan daughters.
Mrs. Lawrence, until a year previous 10
her death, had lived in the greatest opu-
lence but, unfortunately, her husband be-
came surety for friend t0 large amount,
which he was obliged To redeem. This,
added to many other losses, left him with
comparative small pttance for himself aud
family. This blow was too great for him.
What give up his fine residence, his splen-
did furniture and carriage, mud come down
to the vulgar method &C livingl No. he
could not. he would not--and the grief
occasioned by this change in his fortunes
soon caused his death.
His wife bore her trials with Christian like
fortitude. With the small life annuity
which she possessed, she found an agreea-
home in the family of IA distant relative.
She devoted her time to the improvement
of her eldest daughter, Elizabeth, and in
watching The unfolding beauties of her lit
tie rose bud, ,--as she fondly termed Maria.
The struggle Of noble soul, contendlng
against aflliciion, is often 100 great for its
frail tenement. With Mrs. Lawrence, the
cord which had been too tightly strung,
snapped suddenly asundcr, its ETHEREAL
tones still thrilling the hearts of its credi-
tors.
The family with whom Mrs. Lawrence
resided kindly offered to take charge Of
Elizabeth (now nine years Of ase) and
besiow OH her good education. But
Mnria-who would supply the place Of n
mother to herf No one seemed inclined
to take care ofa child two years old.
How ephemeral the friends Of the present
day. They Hutier around the glare aud
splendor of wealth, aud bask in its sunshine;
hut, exiinguish its blazonry, and where are
they Like the insect they personn,e, they
fly 10 some illumination, nnd are seen no
more.
| Accordingly none offered to supply the
place of mother to Marin, until Mr.. aud
Mrs. Harris, who had been befriended by
Mrs. Lawrence in her days of prosperity,
and were distantiy related. They resided
about fifty miles from Boston.
mans darer,' snid Mrs. Harris, but per-
haps when she gets bigger, some Of her
b. s,on relations will make a lady Of her.
Maria was happy in her new home. A
ride ia the Wagon was us agreeable as n
carriage. Aunt Hannah's turnover and
little cake on bnking day pleased her ms
well ms the rich confectionery her mamma
used TO give her.--The check linen frock in
summer, the fea and blue worsted 10 winter,
were quite us comfortable as the satin aud
inerno to which she had been accustomed
and though she said Stick Stick Aunt
Hannah" when tho conrsc woolIcn stock
ings were put on her delicate little feet, she
forgo, il, in looking ut the boys as they
coasted down tho steep bill at The bnck
of Aunt Harris's house.
In childhood, the country seems pecu-
Iiury adapted to the unfolding capacities.
The youthful cxuberance Of spirits has
free scope. All nature, animal aud vegc-
table e,-bursting into life and activity, ap-
pears to coincide with the expanding mind
better ilInn in the confined limits Of the city.
Maria's growth was remarkably forward.
she pursued her studies nj the district
school, from books furnished by her sister
Elizabeth, who made long visit at Aunt
Hannnh's in the summer season, aud i'm
parted all the knowledge her sisters mind
could feceive.-Tbese visits proved of great
benefit to Marin,-who, though uoacqnaint-
ed with city life, was an elegant little girl
and readily distinguished from any child in
the village.
No change occurred in Maria's situation,
until the summer she completed her
eleventh year. During the recess of her
schools one fine afternoon in August. u
splendid summer vehicle pnsseJ the school |
house. The children, with one accord, |
dropped their most profound courtesies,
when joyful cry of Sister Elizabeth !"
caused the caffiage TO stop. 4 gentleman
aIighted, and enquIred for Miss Lawrence.
Maria raa hastily forward, and in few
minutes was seated by her sister.
After mutual interchange Of affection
between the sisters, Elizabeth introduced
to Maria, Mr.. Arthur EIlingvood as her
brothcr.--Maria's surprise at fret overcome
her natural politeness, but soon recovering
herself, she greeted him with her sweetest
smiles, and imprinted a kiss on his cheek,
which was warmly reciprocated.
20 sister why did you not come before
My roses all blooined and faded, with
out your having one; my strawberry bed
was loaded wiil, the finest fruit, but they oil
decayed would not touch them till you
came. Then picked and picked whorie-
berries ill was tired. I don't know how
many times have gathered fresh bushes TO
adorn your favorIte little chamber--but 'twas
all in vain. Aunt Hannah had letter
from Boston the other day, but would not
tell me the contents
The very counterpart Of yourself, sweet
Elizabeth said Arthur, artIcss and 'un-
sophisticated"
The conversation was interrupted by
Il Il AZ .~l a..