The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-08-05
Perhaps 80. Clara said her father. with =
pleasant smile. and IL you think il best. you
had be,,et suessa them 10 hi's. AZ 10 Leap
year, you ladies have the privilege Of making
proposals you know"
CHATTER vi.

PioPosan you AHo"'
! eHAxTERvi.
Never as the reader psrcsives, could a love
affair be in more promising train than our hsro's.
! yet. never. perhaps, did he pass a more rest
less night than the one on which the converse
iion related in the last shapter took place. Hsr-
rassed by doubts and fears. not wholly unmn-
sled. !, is true, with what very poe,ical friend
Of ours styles the 'rsaele OF lfe'-Hore, Rod
ney passed the hours rather runcomfortably; one
moment resolving to hazard all at once, make the
trial, and be The accepted the rejected the neat
as firmly resolving to conquer his passion and
by avoiding, learn to forget the object Of it.
Indeed. our hero was in just that perplexing
state OF mind and heart, which indicates the crisis
Of a ove-fever.
We might here enter into a pathological dis.
QUESTION Of this desease, but as its nature is so
we'll known, and its disgnosties so strikingIy
manifest 10 the most common observer, il would
he a waste Of time. The upshot Of this night
Of tossing and ,umbling was a full determine
ton Of our physician that he would. within
twenty -four hours, prescribe himself dose
which would work speedy cure or prove as
speedily fatal
In the afternoon Of the succeeding day. I.
he was making his rounds among his humble
patients, one Of them. bed ridden old woman
who had often been a recipient Of the blessed
creatures. bounty, as she styled the unknown
lady. exhibited a counienance full Of meaning
as he entered her chamber; and before he had
fairly got into the room. she exclaimed
Well. Doctor, ] have found her out al last
Found her out = replied Rodney. not know
ng to whom she alluded. fosnd her out -
who, pray
Who. Doctor! Why who shonld IL be. bu,
the blessed crcature-the poor ~oman's friend J!
'Ah. how did that happen 7 said Rodney,
hardy able to restrain his curiosity.
why. tho blessed creature came TO see mo
this forenoon. aud wheR she went away dropp-
ed her handkerchief on the stairs, where my
ughter found II after Il was too lstc TO recal,
her,
'Bu, how could you learn who she was by
her hsndkerchcf!'
why. was not her name-the blessing Of
Heaven rest upon her and hers !-~rit,eo with
her own dear hand in one corner ofit!
MAY ] see III inquired Frsdsrick-' have
long had curiosity TO know who she is
Well did know that. Docior!' psplisd the
garrulous old woman-'I once asked her name.
but she turned 1t of with some inquiry about
MY health and wants-aad I thought il was not
polite to be over curious. you know.
But what made you think had any interest
in knowing her = said Rodney smiling.
Have you not said as much thousand
you have asked me II shs had been here l
saw through il all long ago. You should have
seen how swee,ly the blessed creature blushed
the other day. when ] told her she ~as too good
for this sinful world. and lhs, there was but one
man 10 il worthy TO be her husband. and that
was Doctor Rodney. All. Doctor. sbs con,in-
ued with wise shake Of the head old eyes
can read young hearts better than the printed
booksn
But whore is the hsndkcrehiefr' said Rod
ney, laughing heartily at tho old lsdy's pleas
sntry.
Here il is,' said she. taking il from the ad-
joining pillow, where she had psced it. here
il 10 az mic. and white her own lovely self
| Frederick took it.. aod hastily turning down
the corners Of its neat folds searched for the
owners name. As his glance fell upon it bis
eve suddenly frightened and a deep glow over
spread his facs--.just like the young ladys-
40 his patient remarked.
You nsy take it to her. Doctor, if you can
find ou, where she lives said she. but re.
member she iaughinxly added, i shall expee,
token when the happy day arrives.
.Cersinly nly-eerainly,' said Rodney scarcely
needing the remark, as he carefully disposed
OF the handkerchief and left the room.
At an early hour that evening our physic'a
aseendsd the steps Of %, Park Row, With
heart throbbing with strange emotions HIS
hand uenbed as he touched the bell, and he
felt half inclined TO best . retreat moment
alter, he was ushsred into the presence Of Clara.
A mutual embarrassment sresdsd their meet
ing. Clara's spnnging from the conversation
she had held with her fsiher. being fresh 70 her
mind. sod Fredenek's from a sense Of the ,no-
tive which induced his visit.
Mr. Danven was present whsn Rodney CO.
Tered. but soon took his leave. remsrking as
he went ont. with peculiar arehuess in his tone.
which eslled the warm blood to his dsughters
cheeks:
II shall leave you, Clara. to exercise that
particular privilege we spoke Of las, evening"
Father insists upon it," said Clara sfer be
had gone, smiling and endssvoring 10 recover
from the confusion SO lately manifested" that
as ,hi. is leap year, We ladies' are privileged to