The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-11-27
SELECTED TALES.
From the Mobile Literary Gazette.
MADORA WALLACE.
PRIZE TALE.
BIT MISS SARAH AUGUSTA fLETCHER.
TCbncluded.l

| II was about six weeks after the departure Of
/ Cullen. that Medora and Ellen were one even
ing pursuing the same path where they were
first discovered by our readers. They seated
themselves upon the bank OF the river. The
trees, which at that time had been covered by
leaves OF various hues. were now leafess and
the chill winds of November whistled among the
deserted boughs; but this they needed not.
Medora's pensiye face was even more sad than
before. and by far more pale. She appeared as
II she had recovered from severe III Of sick ness
Even over the face of the light-heaued Ellen,
there seemed TO be cast portion Of her friends
melancholy. Now that this dreaded meeting
is over dear Medora,' said Ellen, looking up
enquiringly into Medoras face, has not your
dislike for your cousin diminished am sure
Mr.. MeDorald is not so rery disagreeable.
'He has, said Medora, intelligence, wit. vi
vaciy, and an elegant person, but with all these
Ellen. strange as it may appear, he is to me
any thing but ogreesbe. Might |. like Others
be left to discover for myself his good qualities
| might perhaps appreciate them, but these be-
ing the constant theme OF my father while am
with him, can you wonder that these traits.
which in Others cannot fail to please, now but
disgust me! You must have Observed said
Ellen, that your fathers praise annoys Mr..
Mcdonald, as well as yourself, so for my sake
or out of pity for your cousin, do not repel him
by that frgid look, which you have but ldtely
learned 10 assume. | fear he will give your
American friends credit for this. and may wish
that our influence had never been exerted over
you He could never think yoa had taught
me any thing disag said Medora, parting
the ringlets from Ellen's Greciau brow, he
only regrets that the lovely Ellen is not his cous-
in instead of the repulsye and disasreeable
Medora.' Ellen laughed heartily at Medora's
speech, but could not conceal the blush il had
called to her face. Their conversation was here
interrupted by the approach Of Mrs. Lowell, Mr..
Wallace, and Mr.. Nc Donald. Mr.. Wallace
was man Of about fifty by his dignity and
sternness Of expression, he awed all who sp-
! preached him, AID cast gloom even over the
happiestf face. Mr.. Mcdonald was tall and grace
iu, and by the suavity of his manners. charmed
all in whose society he might be thrown.
Upon returning 10 the house, rnpsic ~as pro-
posed, and Donald, after leading Ellen to the
piano, brought the guitar to Medora. and beg
ged she would accompany her. Ellen played
with much sweetness. Indeed. Medora thou cht
she had acquitted herself with honor. As she
rose from the instrument. all Joined in entrsatng
Medora TO take the place Ellen had vacated,
With trembling hand and throbbing heart
she suffered her cousin to lead her to the seat
In the presence Of her father she would hard
" have dared TO refuse but she was confident
that she could not, in her present state Of ex-
element go through any piece. She com
menced several but failed in all. Never had
she performed so poorly; her father fiowned as
she rose from the piano, and Ellen, who too
well knew the cause Of her failure, playfully e1-
claimed, 'Medora is indeed generous, she has
played worse than she was ever known TO be-
fore, that the poor Ellen might not for once be
made to blush at her own performance. Come
she continued, taking the hand of her friend and
leading her 10 the harp. will not be out1one in
generosity this turning TO those presently is
Medora's fayoriie instrument. and never is her
performance better appreciated than when con-
trasted with my unsuccessful attempts upon the
guitar, which must be my only excuse for Offer
ing my services Accompanied by her friend.
Medora forgot her embarrassment and acquitted
herself even 10 the satisfaction of her stern faith
er. Tho evening passed off more pleasantly
than at first expected. and even Medors was
for time cheenully happy.
1t was on this day that an excursion had
been planned to Hoyoke. Medora pleaded
many excuses for not accompanying them
but through the enireaties OF Ellen, she finally
resolved to be one Of the party. Although she
formed many plans to free herself from the So
cieiy of Cullen. she did not succeed he was
constantly by her side. She perhaps feared
that he might discover more Of the state Of her
heart than she wished what she dared not,
would not own even to herself, that he wds be-
LoUed. An effort must be made. il depended
upon herself and that effort was made. She
was successful; the eayest and apparently the
hsppiest OF the party. Cullen regarded her with
establishment; but Ellen, who best knew her.
saw that her spirits were thus sustained by an
unusual effort. She suspected the cause, and
like her guardian angel, ever near in the time
Of trouble. did all in her power to relieve her
friend.
The mountain had been visited. fbc party
was returning, and Medora had rsorc than
once congratulated herself on her successful
effort, when descending, Mr.. FItzroys horse
took fright. and running. precipitsted him sew
eral feet on the mountain. Medora, in 4 mo-
ment. had sprung from her nurse. and was by
his side before the rest Of the party. alarmed
by her screams. had come TO the spot. Cul-
leo soon revived, and looking up. smiled as he
beheld Medora, pale With anxiety aud terror,
watching for returning consciousness. Seem
ing unconscious Of the presence Of any one,
she raised her eyes to heaven. and clsspiog her
hands. exclaimed, Thank God. he lives . then
utterly exhausted by the effort she had made
during the ride. connected with The shock she
had just received. followed by JOY at the revival
Of Cullen. she sunk fsinting INTO the arms Of
Ellen. IL was now that Cullen watched with
anxiety the revival OF Medora. aud he wa, IN
deed happy; he had seen that look Of despair
with which hedora had gszed upon him,
when he first opened bis eyes, her JOY upon his
recovery. the exclamation, her fainiing. al con-
frmed him IN the belief that she Vas not in
different to him. Upon recovering. Medora
ound herself IN an embarrassing situation.
She feared that she had sbewn too much feel
ng. and Immediately pleaded az her excuse the
fatigue OF tse ride. Ellen took upon herself
being one Of the party, against her own will. |