The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-01-31
SELECTED TALES.
JEALOUSY.

The family of Sir George ST. Elmer, o
--shire, stood high both in point of ranI
and wealth, but the star that shed its sol
lustre over their home, was their sweet an.
gentle Theresa. The darling of her moth
er, the pride of her noble-bearted brother
and the pearl of price to her fathet-th,
weary and the sick blessed her sweet pres
ence as she bent, as ministerins angel
over the couch of'pain and the old raised
their hands in prayer as she passed, that
the cloud and shadow might not darken
the heaven of her young life. Her cousin,
who, from having been deprived of her
parents when she was an infant, had bee,,
brought up by Lady St. Elmer as daugh.
ter, formed striking contrast to her, both
in person and character. Her heart was
affectionate and kind, but her manner was
cold and hauglty--her raven hair was
folded in rich tresses round brow lofty
and pale, and scornfaI was the smile tha,
played upon her lip but to those whom
she loved, she would yield with even child
like trusiingness.
twas Christmas eve, aud large party
was assembled in the drawing room of 1.
- castle. Leaning upon the arm of hel
brother Frederick, Theresa ST. Elmer ap-
proached group composed of her father,
her cousin. and Lord Comcy. to whom
Francesca St. Elmer was affianccd. His
couutenancc was fine and intellectual, and
his person COMMUNICABLE smiled as
they drew near, and said, laughingly-
So Miss st. Elmer, you have at last
sought us out-we are enjoying little
quiet conversation
But am queen of the reyels,' she re-
piled IN the same tone, and as you are my
subjects. | command you all to trip it on
the light fantastic toe
He heard the gay din from the palace
hall, but he was not in mood for the fes-
tlval,' repeated Frederick st. Elmer with a
theatrical air.
Lord Comcy pleaded not guilty, and TAX
ing the hand of Theresa, joined the merry
dancers in the ballroom Francesca's
cheek flushed crimson, and her eye fash
ed; rs unmindful of The presence of any
one she watched them take their places, a
bitter smile wreathed her lip, os she proud
ly turned away.
Frederick, you will not surely leave me to
dance with my father p and the laughing
youth seized her hand aud succeeded in
drawing her within the magic ring.
As soon as the dance was concluded,
Francesca escaped from tie ballroom, md
retiring TO small breakfast parlor, opened
the shutter of the window looking into the
garden, and gazed long upon The snow
crested trees and shrubs that cleaned ia the
pale moonlight. Tears fell fast from her
dark eyes as she murmured almost inaudi-
bly,.
He loves me not, | see-I see, that he
gives the preference, TO her-Geruld, has
been won by that sweetness Of manner that
l am to conscious Of not possessing and
the proud and gifted girl who had moved
with naughty gracefulness through the
dance, leant her head upon her hand and
burst into an agony Of tears. She wept
long and bitterly; but as the noise of
distant footstep fell on her ear, she started
up and wiped oil traces Of tears from her
face.
1t was Lord Comcy who had come to
seek her Francesca, why withdraw your
selffrom oil your friends = and taking her
hand he drew her gently towards him.
She tried to extricate her hand, saying that
she was not in spirits for such pauy.I
Gerald looked earnestly into her half
avered face Frnncesca,' at length he
calmly said, the cloud should not rest up
on your brow, or your cheek lose its smile
upon such an evening. Why this strange
mood when oil others are gsyl II grieves
me, love, to see this changed demeanor
and his arm encircled her slender waist,
whilst her head dropped for a moment on
bis shoulder. Suddenly raising herself
from her reclining posture, she tried to re-
lease herself from his embrace; but failing
TO do so, her heed sunk to its former resting
place, and she gave way to fresh burst oI
Iears. Amazed and perplexed he tried to
sooth her by every tender expression Of
fondness !. but without effect, and telling
him that she could not again enter the ball
room-she let him to won.lcr over her
strange wsywardnsss.
AZ the spring advanced, Trsneescs be-