The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-04-11

secretly pilied her for the aching void which
she knew must exist at her heart, and felt
happier in her humble lot.
Time passed along, and Ursula had
reached her 29th year, without RECEIVING
another offer. Sybll often rallied her on
the Subject, but she still persisted in her
sentiments us firm as ever, and seemed per-
feclly con,ended and happy. 1t was not
long after this, however, thut she was IN
trodrced to the acquaintance OF respecta-
BILE clergyman, who was in moral worth
aud all the high excellencies of the mind ,
just such an one us she he'd always fancied
she could love: his person and manners
were agreeable, and his income gave him
an " elegant suiiiciency;" he owned a
beautiful country seat in the township where
the church of his charge was situated, and
he had spared no pains to make it rural
and delightful retirement. Ursula retired
with him into the bosom of this lovely re-
treat, and felt that she could cheeriully
turn her back upon all The world beside, TO
devote herself 10 her husband and his pre-
cious flock. She loved him tenderly, and
knew no unhappiness but in his absence or
aflliction; and he, fully returning the pure
and generous affection of her heart,--seem
ed constantly seeking out means TO in-
crease her happiness.
Never, perhaps, was marriage more hon
orcd, than by these votaries ut her sacred
shrine.
Very different is the picture we must
draw Of Sybil and her companion. After
few months they became mutually disgust
ed with each other, and found too late,
that pure and dsinterested affection is nn
indispensable ingredient 10 happiness in
the marriage state,--and secretly sighed
for release from each others soc ciety but
they were too proud to acknowledge ii 10
the world, and dread!ng an exposure of
their real feelings, they studied opportunl-
ties of showing each other marks of re-
spect and affection but this deception
could not always continue, and even be-
fore Ursula's marriage, 1t began to be
whispered ,hat Billy Bennington had
become dissatisfied with certain things
transacted in the family of his brothers. son,
and intended not only to recognize him no
longer rs his heir, but also TO withdraw all
present support from him. Sybil, who's,
jealousy had long fed or her husband.
pre- attachment to her cousin, which had
been the cause of much bitterness between
them, at length found ample cause for 9TH
er and heavier trials. Now came the test
of the worth of true affection, for had she
felt what a wife ought to feel towards a
husband, she would not have driven to
distraction at the thought Of going into
poverty with him,--but they would have
mutually studied means TO retrieve their
ruined expectations.
1t was some time before the final blow
was struck but at last it waS struck, md
poor Sybil returned TO her fathers house
disgraced and broken-heartcd. Her hus-
band accusing her as the cause Of oil his
misfortune, wandered away in the hatred
and bitterness of his heart, and was never
heard of after.
Ursula, whose life passed on like
smooth and gentle riyulet, endeavored to
sooth the desponding spirits Of her unior-
tunate cousin, but all in vain. She never
once referred to the conversations which
they had so frequently had, years before,
OH the subject of marriage; but she only
sought to diver, her thoughts from broodng
over her misery, and TO impress her mind
with the belief that she might yet be happy.
She sometimes persuaded her to pass few
days with them in their beautiful retreat,
but she always returned home moro wretch
ed than she went for on these occasions
she could not forbear mourning aircsh over
what she had lost, for she firmly believed
had she been as prudent in her marriage
as her cousin, she might have been as hap
py.
She seldom conversed much, but she
sometimes warned young females never TO
trife with the principles of honor and NOR
tality and their future happiness, by accept
ing an alliance which their hearts did not
sanction; and she would always add, do
not fear it will be your last cfer."