The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-06-19
RHoDE-IsLAND REPUBLICAN.
SELECTED TALES.
TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION

nv - hO&~
The family Of MIR. Lorton were assem-
bled in the parlor of their mansion in C.
street. Grief WIS depicted in every coun-
tenance-every heart seemed to he too full
for utterance, and every eye was turned to-
wards the door, as if expecting some per-
sons entrance. A deep silence had peryu-
ded the assemblage for many minutes, which
was at length broken by the eldest daugh-
ter, Sarah. who, drawing deep sigh, said
unconseiously, Must he die = but she
spoke so loud that the rest overheard her,
and the father turning towards her,
with a look of meek resignation, replied,
that Gods will be done.-I have expend-
ed my last available cent to have consul
ta,Ion of physicians, and their fiat has gone
forth-He cannot be spared to us-Edward
must die
Mr. Lorton was gentleman in moderate
circumstances, with numerous but affec-
tionate family to support. Upon Edward,
who had at an early age evinced n strong
thirst after knowledge, Mr.. l.. had expeu-
ded every attention, and every advantage
was offered him that his limited means
would allow and Edward had gladdened
his parents hearts by his rapid progress in
every branch he undertook. Al the age of
eighteen, he graduated at - College,
here he bore off the first honor, and soon
after he entered as private tutor in the fam
lily of Mr.. W, in W Place. -
He had charge of Mr.. WIS boys, two youths
of eight and eleven years of age, aud this
situation he had held for many months,
,.,hnp t..k In,vn hy ha s; ;,L ,,,hicI,
now confined him, and which it was feared
was to end his brilliant career. Edward
sent to Mr.. w. an apology for his non-at-
tendance, and promised, as he hoped, To
resume his duties in few days. The few
days passed, aud as he did not come. Mr..
W., who was of a feeling heart, called tn
see him, and was shocked to perceive the
alteration which those few days had caused.
He was pale and wan, his features were
laggard, and handkerchief which lay be-
side him on the bed, spotted with blood,
showed too truly Edwards unhappy situa-
tion-he was evidently in decline. When
Mr.. w. carried the melancholy news to his
own family, every member of il deplored
his untimely fate, for all deemed his rccov-
cry impossible. There was one, however,
who said nothing but her cheek pnled,
and her frame trembled with emotion, as
she heard her father speak. Emma his
ouiy, his beloved daughter, felt it to her
hearts core she had seen the young VIC
tim doomed to such an untimeiy end ;-un-
consciously she had given, unsought, her
heart to his sterling, modest worth, and it
was not until the idea of his death crossed
her, that she knew the depth of her affection
for him. Edward too, coming, as he did
into frequent contact with Emma, could not
long remain insensible to her charms, aud
her noble mind and although by looks,
actions, or words, he had never given the
least reason to Emma to believe he loved
her, there was a feeling within her, that told
her all he felt.
On the occasion just mentioned, when
each member of the family hnd expressed
their regret at the melancholy tdings, she
iinlidly approached her father, and putting
her fair arms around his neck, asked in n
voice trembling with emotion, If she might
see Edward once before he did-he was so
kind, so good. Mr.. w. alone OWNED the
feelings that prompted this request, and es-
timating ne he did Edwards worth, lie felt
proud that his daughter with wealth, rank
and station at her command, had chosen
true merit as the price of her affections, and,
without any comment, he ncceded 10 her
request.
Turn we now to the day at which our
story commences. have said that Mr..
Lorton's fnmiIy were expecting the arrival
of some person. Mr.. w. and his dsug liter,
and Edwards old pupils, were coming to
take their last look Of one who had won all
their hearts. A rap at the door aroused
them from the silence into which all had
fallen, and Mr.. w. aud his children were
ushered in. After a few brief words, they
were shewn to Edwards chamber. He lay
upon the bed, a skeleton of his former self,
worn TO the bone and apparently beyond
the reach of skill. The family, as well rs
Mr.. WIS stood around, gazing upon him
with rnois,ened eyes. Emma silently APP
preached the sufferers couch and gazing
one moment q, the ghss,ly cou0tenance Of
him she loved, lore overcame all her feelings,
and, rushing forward, she seized his bony
hand, and exclaimed in accents ikat went
to his very bearf,-' Edward, my dear Ed
ward, live for your own Emma The suf
erer opened his eyes at the well beloved
voice, and indis,inc,ly utieriny, Dear
dearest Emma closed them again in q
swoon. Seeing the effects Of this rashness,
Sarah hurried her from the room, aui TAX
ing her to her own chamber, these two az
fectionsis heart. unburtbened their own sor-
rows. When they bad got li'tle calmrd.
Emma said. The Doctors say he cannot
live .