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


cy OF those trials had at length given me pow
er 10 control my emotions after the first shock,
and when Eliza returned TO me. was Sc
rene and tranquil as usual. She was now an
object of great admiration and attention, sur
rolnded by our most distinguished gentlemen,
who listened with delighted attention TO her
graceful and intelligent remarks. Henry seem
ed studying her character, from the manner in
which she received the homage now paid her
With the selfshness of mans heart he wished
she should look cold on others, and listen with
pleasure only TO him. His pride would not al
low him TO love, unless il we're TO conquer
but at single look of encouragement he was
at her side, and began seriously TO be alarm
ed lest his allegiance TO me should be forgotten
in his admiration Of my friend. Thus l was
kept in state of agitation and dread, as saw
her power over him. But she was unconscious
of the impression she had made, and was sup
ported by the hope that her sensibility would
soon awaken in favor of one OF the numerous
candidates for her regard.
| 1t is fortunate for the happiness Of married
/ life, that there are interests and sympa,hies
which bind husband and wife together, beyond
/ the reach of external circumstances Who
could believe that he who was often quietly
seated by the fire in my dressing room, alter
nately caressing my lovely children aud their
mother, could be the same being who, perhaps
few hours before, would almost have sacrihc-
ed their happiness and affection, to obtain the
transient admiration of some iavorite young
girl! When fatigued with the world, the ease
aud comfort OF his own ireslde was luxury TO
him. He took my hand in his one evening,
and said, tenderly-
aye ou look pale, my dearest Laura. wish
| had spent the afternoon with you, rather than
those silly girls
The tears started TO my eyes, and was on
the point of telling him how much he made me
suffer. lIo kissed away my tears. and said that
no man living had so delightful and lovely
wife, and that it should be the study of his
whole life, TO make me happy. Our lilue girl
! passed her fingers through his curs and felt
his cheeks, and looking up in his face. said
Don't you love mamma now, dear papa,
better than you do cousin Eliza =
This simple little question, awakened all the
1 senslbillty OF his character, and he seemed at
once, to comprehend why | looked pale, aud
why the tears came into my eyes. lie redou-
bed his assidui,y and caresses: he said was
more dear 10 him than in our days Of early
love and that if he rihed with others, it was
through mere vanity and love Of admlfation.--
This was moment Of happiness TO us all;
and thus the bonds of affection were renewed,
which had been in danger ofbeing broken.
Some weeks passed away in all the aterna-
tions of amusement and wcarness, happiness
and discomfort. lie was proud Of my beauty
and accomplishments, and there we're times
when his attentions TO me were almost exclu-
sye and loyer-like. At Others they were shar-
ed by Eliza, and frequently she engrossed him
wholly. | believe at this time, was the only
object Of bis lore, though TO Others he appear
ed to live but in her presence. She was often
censured while the apparently neglected wife
was plted.
|, Eliza was more admired than any lady who
had appeared at Washington for long period,
and she might have formed a most delightful
connexion, which would have satisfied even the
ambition OF her mother, and have secured her
own happiness; but believe that at this time,
my husband began to have an undue influence
+ over her. My little Henry had been quite sick
was confined almost exclusive to the nursery {;
and in my anxiety for him, | forgot every other
interest. From this cause, my husband aud
Eliza were thrown much into each others so
f ciety. They read together-they wrote poetry
for each other-they were both fond Of music,
and they were very sentimental. She lost her
interest in the amusetnens Of society, and by
degrees, her acquaintsnces, and even her ad-
mlrers ceased TO inquire after her.
One day when my little boy was nearly re-
covered, Henry proposed to take me 10 ride.
As had not enjoyed much of Elza's society
of late, and she seemed dispirited, i asked her
to accompany us. Ii was delightful morn
ing, and the pleasure Of getting out into the
fresh air, with the delight Of knowing that lit
tic Henry was relieved from danger, cxhilara-
ted my spirits, aud | was as gay az bird
/ Henry was all attention and tenderness toward
me, and we were both animated and happy.
Eliza seemed less amable and less happy
than usual, while | was like child just releas-
ed from captivity. The country in the early
spring, looked delightfully."-, and ] proposed TO
get out and take a ramble IN the fields. The
proposition was agreeable TO all, and we sailed
! forth. BY degrees Eliza recovered her gaety,
and we were happy, careless trio. Suddenly
We heard the crash OF a fence, and on the OPP
poste side Of the field, saw a tremendous bull
coming furiously towards us. For an instant.
! Henry hesitated which he should save, but in
the next, he had me in his arms and set me
over the fence lie was then IN hopes oi be-
ing IN time to save Eliza, but the coachmsn
seeing our peril, rushed to our assistance, ano
arrived just ia time TO place Eliza over the
fence by my side. Henry jumped over aud
Joined US, and / threw my arms round his neck'
and kissed hi,..~in an agony OF Joy and terror
Eliza had tainted on the ground. She, how
ever, soon recovered, and as she opened her
eyes, Henry gave her, as / thought, an I'M
pss.ioned kiss. But | ascribed It to tue agIta-
lion Of the moments; and would not allow Il to
embi,ter the JOY and gratitude felt ordelrsr-
ance from such peril. was satisfied that IN
moment OF danger, Henry had given me the
preference, when one equally helpless was ny
has side.
4 The coaehmsn procured her glass OF wa
ter, and as she took II. she said
II Thomas, am glad it you who saved
NV life, because can reward you. But II 1t
had been you, sir, reward had been out OF my
power and my obligation would have becn
perpetual
thought she spoke with tone Of resent
meut. and Henry looked distressed.
As we rode home | made effort TO reeoy-
or the cheerfulnes. of the party BY entering IN