The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-05-15


TO dinner.
Again were Mr.. Ainsford's attentions in
requisiiion. Alice had never mounted a
horse, and her tmidity was TO be overcome,
her horse TO be led-in fine, saw my low
er's attentions engrossed by another still
no feeling Of displeasure crossed my mind,
but | did not enjoy the ride, aud retired that
night, less happy than had been for many
months. Days and weeks passed on in
this way; the happiness which I had so se-
Gently enjoyed, seemed passing away, l
scarcely knew why. The time tormy we'd
ding wns drawing nigh, for which prtpara-
tions were making.
Alice, who for some time had seemed to
me changed, as the day for my nvptials
drew near, became sad and thoughtful, and
at times, even melancholy. MIR. Ainsford,
too, from being ever gay nnd joyous, had
be.ome grave and distracted; often sitting
tor hours without speaking, unless address
ed. Still was blind ! could not SEQ that,
which once seen, would render me msera-
BILE for ever. ! felt that mystery hung o.
yer us, which once solved, would destroy
my happiness; and had not the courage
to seek to solve il. Too soon--too soon
all was explained
One morning, not feeling well, did no,
descend to breakfast, and passed the grea-
ter part of the forenoon III my chamber. IL
was near the dinner hour when my aunt
entered my room in u hurried manner, and
seemingly much excited; she took my
hand, aud almost dragged me to her apart
ment, where motloning me TO keep quiet,
she led me to a window which overlooked
the garden, and immediately beneath it,
under large tree, and almost bid by its
branches, 1 had caused little summer
house to be built. had remained ut the
open window but momeut when | heard
MIR. Ainsford's voice, at first low aud almost
unintelligble, but gradually 1t became lou
der, I'LL every word came To my ear with n
maddenipg dlslinc,ness:
"Oh my Alice" he said, "why did we
ever meet or rather, why did VIC not meet
before this engagement was formed, from
which honor iorbids me to swervc. And
yet, dearest, there is n blessing in possess
ing your love,--,housh you may never b'
uurs 10 ne than now. More haw coul
you be more are you not my hearts treas
ore, my beloved one
I" Hush do not utter such words," re
: Piled my friend "Wby talk thus, whei
your actions belle your words If you lov
ed me as you suy, the engagement yot
speak of would not long reiaain barrieI
between US. Think you If 1t had been my
misfortune, to have formed an engagement
with another before knew you, woulc
have hesilatcd to dissolve ii,--when ny
heart no longer sanctioned I'll As for thu
honor Of which you speak, can BEE non,
in a mans marrying a woman, when hi
has not ouly ceased 10 love her, but loves
: another. think 1t would be far more hon
orable to deal cnndIdly vi Ia her; tell heI
you no longer love her, if such is indeed
the case, which. TO tell the truth, nm .
little inclined to doubt"
Z" No, Alice, you do not doubt ii! You
mirror must assure you that the conIras
between the beautiful facc which II reflects
aud that of your friends, is too striking no
to prove prejudlciai to her. But indeed
Alice, il were to break my engagement
with your friend, have not the mean
to support wife. You know how YER
limited my resources are.
"Ob that need be no obstacle, 10
Maria, has repeatedly promised that uhe
| married, she would settle half of her for
tune upon pe, for tho privilege OF livin
With me, SO if that is your only objection
yoa may settle the matter Immediately"
f" Generous, noble hearted woman
Such were the qualities which won my re
gard and esteem and must ever retain them
Yes, Alice, your beauty and gentle grace
! ful manners, claim my love, but con nev
er cease to respect and esteem the disin,er
ested Maria
"Oh very well, respect her MS much a
you will she is Just the person to be re
spected grave, moral, sententions an
deformed. You may give her credit for o
the virtues under the sun, if you like, sx
cep, humility, which I msint"ln she doe
not possess"
/. 81 have ever considered Miss Saunder
son "a truly humble christian. ln what re
spect does she lack humility :"
In supposing it possible that any ma
could love. What but her vanity, thin
you prevents her seeing that her beiroshe
husbands attentions arc bestowed oiino'
entirely upon her dear Alice =
"Alice, do not like to hear yon tai
thus Of one, who has been So true iflen
to you. hope you have not an migrate
fol henri"
I coulI hear no more, sank sensels'
upon chair, aud was conveyed to my ow
chamber.-Nons ever kneU, or could Know
my anguish, my utter hopelessress--for
few days gave myself up To despair;
cared not To- live. I had been deceive
where most trusted; my confidence re
paved BY fnlsehooJ--my friend-my Alie'
whom had considered pure aud nrtles
. ~ an infant. had proved false, heariIes
aud ansratefal. I brooded over my disaI
; poin,meut in solitude aud silence.
soggb, no, for ',wp"iIy or pity. wou'
4 l...f mil,