The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-04-17

manu- me glass ot water; really, the room
is so warm-jnst reach your band"
Certainly, madam; my hand is entire
ly at your service" Paul va. in such a
hulier that he was not aware what he was
utiering I'LL the words were past recall
Bless me what have | said !" thought
he to himself But it was too late.
"Oh, Mr.. Plant !" said she, blushing
up to the ears, "you are too generous. I
mean you are almost too precipitate. Now
were it any other man, I should suspect
him of trfling. But such a man us Mr..
Plant"
Coufound the jaden quoih Paul to
himself, " how shall &c, out Of the serapel
| hope she isn't going TO faint. Mrs Viii
ful-madam-yoa know ! say a thousand
things of this sort. | can't help it, you
know"
"Tbars just rs always supposed, Mr..
Plant: man of your sincerity aud frank
ness, can't help utiering his true sen,i.
menis. All like m honest man of all
things oh, Mr.. Plant, you nre an honest
man."
Now this is TOO bad thought Paul, in
great tribulntion. What shall I say ~
IN y dear madam, I certainly wish to be
honest. Compliments, you know, are com
piin,cnts; hut when a man means nothing
you know"
Certainly, Mr.. Plant, you are quite
right. When man means notking, he
should say nothing. knew these were
your sentiments. Wasn't right"
"Oh yes, by all means; quite right"
returned Paul in deeper embarrassment than
ever. lie found himself fairly caught; the
widows eyes sparkied, and she languished
three times at him. ~ wont speak snoth-
er word" said he to himself" it only
makes the matter worse" lie snatched n
cup Of whipped cream and pretended to en-,
| n.
The widow saw his embarrassment, aud
whether she suspected his determination TO
resist all further attempts to entnnglo him
or not, we do not exactly know bu: she
resolved not to let him escape. A silence Of
some moments followed, till Paul finding
i he could not decently hold his tongue any
longer, cast about for somethin. innocent
to say. After some hesitation upon a vnri-
ETY. Of topics, he Judged it safe to admire
the carp.t-from the carpet, n natural
transition was made to the pictures, and
from the pictures to the window curtains
the window curtains led 10 the arm chair,
the aru- chair to the sofa, and the sofa to a
r pair Of little babies IN alabaster on chimney
piece.
Charming Delightful !" exclaimed
Paul-not exactly knowing whether he
meant to be understood Of the arm chair,
Il Il
"A'nt they 7" said the widow.
What hare I said agsin7" quoth Paul
to himself, beginning to tremble with np-
pr.hension. "The furniture is in very
good taste, Mrs. Wilful-vory elegant
very fine.
IAN vanity, Dir. Plant" said the Wild
ow, affecting very solemn look" these
things are all vanity"
"Oh yes-you are quite right-all vani-
y," replied Paul, taking a spoonful of
whipped cream, and finding he had got
nothing in his mouth.
"Ab Mr. PLANT !" ,aid the widow, Ian
gushngly.
Yes, exactly So" returned Paul.
Exactly now Mr.. Plant, pardon me.
] didn't perceive the drift Of your observs-
ton"
Beg pardon, I ma'sm-was only say
ing-as you remarked, that every thing was
remarkably fine in this house Of yours, and
that all is vanity-or rather | should say,
that one thing is neecful."
"Ah, Mr. Plant, / understand you-you
mean the furtinure is complete except one
arlicle."
"Exactly so. Yes-,hat is-if you think
anything is wanting" replied Paul IN con-
siderable perturbation, aud glad to escape
the appearance Of finding fault, by any sort
Of acquiesence.
The widow clspped her handkerchief to
her face, and exhibited or pretended To eI-
hibit, sigb, emotion. my dear Mr.. PHI
ant" said she in tender voice, =" II is i'm
possible no, to understand you. You mean
a hvs-husbsnd =
a husband y exclaimed Paul, startled
by the audacious boldness Of the suggest
ION.
81 knew you menst So" returned the
widow, sinking into her chair. "Oh my
dear sir, feel quite ovrr-embarrassed. -
Paul's iniellects were in such q cloudy state
at this momen, that he thought she wss a.
bout 10 faint. He caught her hand, and
was just gsins to call for har'horn, when
she opened her eyes with an appearance Of
great languor.
"Oh, Mr. PLAN, the sincerity Of this a.
vownl-ysu are sincere, Mr. Plant"
"CertainIy-yes," exclaimed Paul, for
he covld say neibing else he was lost
man. The widow kept fas, hold Of bis
hasd. Paul struggled to say sorneihing-he
felt how desperately he was situaied.-
Mrs. Wilful," said he in great agitation,
4" I do not wish you 10 be deceived--ihe
fact, i', must speak plainly"
my dear Mr. Plant, | never thought
you q deceiver. do not believe you ever
ill A.. , J.co;,., Nh there nre some