The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-06-24
SELECTED TALES.
THE TWO BANkRUPTS
HAPPINESS IN AFFECTION DEPENDANT uNwumaN
BY }. T. $ SULLIVAN, rsa

lime rolled on. MusgraNe was Stlll at
, ten,ive,-nore from the eclst he gaiaed in the
e gay world as the reputed "cardliero sGrdnte'
= Of Madame Murray, than for any affection he
bore her.
Let us glance at MoBtasue Cresson's home,
, and see what changes have taken place there.
; Montague had been led by this constant dissi-
patton from his former habits Of industry. lie
was daily IN his counting loom, but left the
management Of his affairs chiefly in the hands
OF a confidential clerk. " Business let! 10 9th
erS is nerer done" is prorerb that proved true
in this instance. Clubs out OF town, tretting z
matches, and card parties dinner parties and
balls, pow occupied the time Of Montague. He
was often out long after midnight, and frequent
ly was brought TO his door intoxicated. Alfred
was still his friend He end.avored 10 his lcis.
pre moments to sonsole his wife, aud conceal
as much as possible. the growing failures Of her
husband. Montague eonfded in Alfred, and
begged him often TO keep his wife company, for
fear she should be lonely and troubled by his
absence. Alfred was true, and did all 10 his
power to comfort her, and dspeIl the dark for
bodngs that crossed her mind, when rejecting
on the change in Montague. As they sat one
evening alone, long after midnight, awaiting the
return Of Cressou, the deserted wife looked into
the eyes OF Alfred, and with \ tear said, " The
woman who calls you her own, may deem her
self happy. You have been more OF husband
to me than Montague. What should have
done withoutyou in my selitute ! oh, Alfred!
man knows not the tender fabric of wsmsn's
heart. or he would never carve his name upon
it to throw il aside, and leave it to consume il.
self in despair"
Mary, depend upon it Moptague loves you,
He seeks no other woman's society. lie is
fascinated for a time with the excitement Of his
present life, but he will return with as ardent,
an affection. with as pure heart. as ever he
possessed, when tho novelty has worn away"
"leu are kind, Alfred 10 tell me SO. ] be-
gin almost to despair" The tears rolled down
her cheeks, Alfred seized her hand, and looking
into her face, she smiled upon him through
her tears. The temptation was irresistible, he
kissed her, seized his hat and left the house.
He reached his apartment. Sleep he oourted
! ia vain. He began to reflect upon the preci-
pice oh the brink of which he was standing.
lie thought OF his friend, the confidence he
had placed in him. aud the fearful return be
had been tempted TO make for the hospitality
and kindosss of Montague. Never :" said he
TO himself. " shall it be said Of Alfred Inghsm,
that hs deceived injured friend, or betray-
ed the sacred peace and sancity Of domestic
happiness :" lie rose the next morning re-
solved upos his course. lie met Mary, whose
eyes spoke too plainly Of a sIeepless night
She greeted him kindly. Alfred" said she
" It's better VIC should never meet, than have
again temptation thrown in our way. / love
you sincerely, | feel deserted and lonesome.
my heart eIiuss 10 you for your kindness, but
have another and higher duty TO perform,
an oath TO keep that is registered 10 Heaven,
do not, if you are my friend, tempt me to
sweTe ~
No, Mary" said Alfred, " will never a.
gain wrong nay friend even in thought His
roof shall be sacred above US"
The conduct of Mrs. Murray excited much
attention. aud scandals tongue whispered Of
things that were not TO have rnstths knowledge
Of society. The glance,, the little attentions,
the slight liberties taken and exchanged between
Musgrave aud herself, had not escaped the
keen eye Of calumny. Society was alive with
the rumor. What kept Mrs. Cresson so much
at home, was frequently asked, aud answered
with some nsInuslion that she was not alone
that Young Inghsm consOled her in her soli
tuds. and such like sossips which could not
fail to reach the ears Of Musgrave and Inghsn.
The former r.joiced over this reputation Of a
rake, the latter srieVsd for his friend. lie
hasieneJ to MontagMe's house, and for won
der, found them dining tete a tete. He en-
tered quietly, and after shaking hands With
both, hsviog refused seat. stated to Montague,
in presence OF mis- wife. the rsmors Of sscieiy.
4" Shall cease 10 frequent your house, or shall
I come Is ever! ] grisve that scandal should
have reached so noble aud worthy soul, as
that Of your ~ife's; bu, so 1t is"
Pin your glass, Alfred" said Montague,
" and I'll Msy's also. No- we'll drink to the
eternal silence Of scandal, and may svery SLAM
derous tongue wither 10 the mouth Of its owner
Come here a. much and often ~ you ples,e.--
You are my fhsad. know it, believe it. feel it.
( Mary hss told me SO. II she suffer IL is my
fault, not yours. The blame be laid at my
door, and God knows, there are many charges
that might be brought. 10 which should plead
guilty. am sn altered msp. Alfred. My
busine,. is much involved by my neglect. 'sd
,o-morow 20 TO work" Alfred left them re-
I ioeed al the last words Of his friend. for be
read Mays happiness 10 the future Alas .