The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-07-10


taken
She continued to hold the package irreso-
lutely, but at length rose up. and was going
with il TO her own room. My resolution was
now taken. took hold Of her arm aud said,
this book came fiom llcnry-perbaps wu do
not know II, blu have too certain knowledge
OF the fact, for gave him this blue ribbon to
iasten bundle Of papers with, the eveping be-
tore he went away
20, then, ! see how it is, you are Jealous,
said she, blushng.
No, Eliza, not jealous, but am erieved to
see you under delrsion which may prove ia
tai to your happiness
DO you think there is any harm in your
husbands sending me bcokl'
None in the world But there is harm in
the mystery and concealment.'
She seemed extremely reluctant to opeh the
pacsage, but l was determined now TO see
whatever il contained. | had not at this time
vague and unsettled jealousy, which never
fails TO obscure the judgment, but ! had clear
and distinct perception OF duty marked out, aud
insisted on the package being opened in my
presence.
She slowly broke the seal and united the
ribbon, trembling with embarrassment. At
length she took out the book, looked at il care
lcssly, aud said
Memory. really do not perceive why you
should attach so much importance to my re-
ceiying little present from your husband
Eliza, said i, you are not ingcnious--in
that book is letter. and that letter contains
the reason OF this agitation and concealment.
] must read that letter before you quit the
ROOM
AS the letter is directed to me- said she, ]
suppose you have no objection 10 my reading
il first Y
Certainly not, il you will read il in my pres
ence,'
She opened il slowly, and at the first sem
tence, saw that she was very much agitated.
The color left her cheeks, aud having read a.
bout page she began To tear the letter in pie
ces. ! snatchcd il out Of her hand, rushed in
To my dressing room and locked the door. i
sat down without sense or molion-my crcu-
lator had ceased. and was like a marble stat
ue; ] thought should die.
| The idea that Eliza was now. in state OF
suffering aud suspense ss well as myself, at
length aroused me TO action. read the letter
deliberately through twice. saw through tho
whole, the sophstry Of man who was dazzIed
at the idea OF being beloved by such an exqui-
site being, and who was aiming TO convince her
that an attachment between Them might be
pure and perfectly innocent, and could in no
way affect his duty or conduct as a married
man. lie alluded TO his last interview in terms
which convinced me, that under the name Of
friendship, they had exchanged pledges of sf-
iecton, and he cndcavorcd to convince her that
they violated no duty by such course. His
language and sentiments were pure and roman
tic, such as would suit the fancy Of an unso-
phistcatcd female.
will not here repeal his arguments or his
expressions, but / inferred from these that Eli
IA still believed herself under the influence Of
a calm and holy friendship. Ii was painful du-
ty to enlighten her mind on this most momen2
tous occasion.
went to her room, and found her involved
in the deepest misery. She acknowledged
that she had deceived me, but said she was al
10 deceived. She begged my forgiveness, and
entreated that would guide and direct her.
ann in utter despair SAID she, and would
fly 10 you, to my friend whom ! have injured,
ior relief
My dear Eliza, there is but one course Of
rcctitudc, but one right way. If you have
really been yourself deceived, you are not 80
much TO be blamed as ptied We are both
placed in difficult circumstances, and we must
take counsel together
| took Iicnry's letter. read it through to her,
aud simply pointed out the consequences which
would result from its reasoning.
lie has deceived himself AZ well as y9u,'
said !. II you are sincerely desifous 10 act
on christian principles, you have but little to
do. do not wish to appear in Henry's eyes
as an irritoted and jealous wlje, and perhaps u
/ should demonstrate with him, he would as
crIbe il TO unreasonable suspicion. You shall
therefore answer his letter in the terms which
your awakened conscience and unbiased Judg-
nent shall dictate. If Henry acquiesces ~
your opinions and relinquishes all intercourse
with you, what has passed shall remain Sc
cret between us. ! shall love YOU better than
ever, aud Henry will be saved the pain OF know
ing that the wife whom he respects and whom
he will again love- is acquainted with his dere-
lIction."
/ This proposition was exactly suited to ELIAS
character. IL showed confidence in her in
tegnty and regard for her feelings, which at
tached her more than ever to me. After some
further conversation, ] left her to write her let
ter. ~.
/ She brought il in the evening for me to read.
IL met my appreciation entirely it contained
r.proof and counsel, well as expressions Of
regard. but showed so clearly that she was gov
crned by religious influences, as to leave no
room Tor an appeal from this decision. We
passed the evening TRANQUILITY but seriously to-
gelber; before parting Tor the night joined IN
a dcvout prayer, that our Heavenly Father
would protect us and enIighten our path Of
duty, aud teach all euing minds the way OF
truth.
Eliza and separated on that eventful night,
on terms Of perfect confidence and friendship.
She saw that she had erred. but such was the
integrity of her mind, that although she might
feel sorrow in resgning the friendship and af-
fecton OF such being as Heury, and feel deep
ly the loss Of his society, yet she resolved to
act up fully to the promise she had gwen mo
And here let me pause TO pay tribute TO
the power Of education. Principles Of truth
and piety and responsibility to God, had been
inculcated with every incident Of her life. and
although great attention was given to her inn
provcment in all respects, yet all was su6ser-
vent to moral and religious culture. u Elzs
/ foYoot for n "a b,le her dufy n was owing to the