The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-12-02

Sc ECTeD TALES,
The Uneducated Wife.

' Al the close OF gloooiy day in November
, Albert Fitzgerald, young man of very elegant
( and interesting appearance. found he had miss.
cd his way and WAS descending a lonely hill
that ended ia thick forest. He STONED be
tore he entered tile dreary road and cast an in,
qurlng aud eager gaze around; bu saw no al
Tentative except TO 20 on, or retrace his steps
and ascend the long, tedious hill.
This is abominable," said he as he pulled
the reins TO stop his tired beast =" should be
quite unN Hing TO make supper for some hun
cry wolf or bear, II would be a most nglorous
end to my journey, and mol at all consistent with
deeds Of noble daring; but perhaps there are
no such prowlers here, and at all events it'is a
straight PATH can try it mile or two, and if
see or bear any thing alarming can return !:
II will not be very soldier like, to be sure, TO
run from the enemy; but there is noue ia trum.
pet my fame in this wood-so come on my
tired dappls ~
The evening was fast closing, and he could
only ride slowly, and with great caution, as the
stumps OF the trees often stood many feet high
and much impeded his progres After he had
NSNu iiNinS ioi SolllC tlult, tlc snow commence
ed falling, and Fitzgerald began TO be seriously
alarmed, when suddenly. bright light shone
through the underwood at no great distauce.-
Tie ga'loped quickly on and saw to bis surprise
and delight very comfortable looking log
house with glazed windows, quite an uncom-
mon thing in the back country.
81 suppose" said he, " shall share with
some dozen liltle white heads, each striving by
dlr aud camor to make me as nnco nforrable
as possble-well ] shall a, least have Il shell
ter from the bears and the weather"
! SO saying, he threw the bride around a stump,
and, sprlnging over The fence, was just about
knocking at the door, when a voice OF great
melody and sweetness struck on his ear, sing
ing The evening hymn" He stopped: but
the music had ceased Ho approached with
out noise 10 the window, and what was his sur
prise, his emotion. at beholding, in a secluded
place like this, the most exquisireIy beautiful
creature he had ever seen. Her dress was
that Of rustic. and her slight person. though
thus unadorned, more fautless than the finest
models he had ever gazed on in the halls Of
fashion and elegance.
! Fitzgerald almost doubted his senses: for
nothing mortal had ever seemed to him half 50
lovely. Her little white hands aud dimpled fin.
gers were smoothing the gray hairs of a most
noble looking old man, who sat before bright
fire. His face was pale and careworn. His
large expressive eyes were turned on his youth
ful companion with a tenderness that seemed to
affect her much, for she kissed his wrnked
checks again aud again and seemed trying, by
a thousand winning ways, to divert him from his
sorrows. He was dressed like farmer but
round Ills chair was thrown a large military
cloak, apparently 10 screen him from tho weaIh-
er, Que corner Of viii, b covered his foot that
rested on a bench before him. The room was
clean and comfortable, though it contained moth
J ing but some chairs, a table, and shelf with
books. A rush mat was spread under the old
mau's seat, and few cooking utensils placed
! 10 The corner Of large, stone fire place.
Fitzgerald stood ryeted to the spot, scarcely
darng to breathe lest he should bgesa he charm
( that seemed to detan the objects in his sight !;
but the snow was falling fast, and the horse be-
gao TO grow resIiye lie slept gently back and
knocked at the door
/ Come in, said the old man, and Fitzgerald
entered
VIII you give me shelter for the night. sir
said lac, bcwiig have lost my way. and my
/ horse IS worn ont with this days travelT
With pleasure, sir, was the reply. we can
afford you a shelter; but we have 10 shed fpr
your tired beast
Well then, he must take his chance ncder
the iores, trees; am so happy not To be oblig-
ed to share the same fate, thai fear shall not
feel The sympathy for him ought"
lsidore take tho gentlemsn's coat, shake Of
the snow, and throw it over the rail to dry, and
place chair by the ire
She moved from bis side, whe.e she had nes.
lied like young fdwn or a tlmid dove, and pl7-
cling seat reached out that beautiful liitle hand
for the coat; bnt he, Lowing as low as il she
bad been princess, said, BY no means and
laid i, aside himself, while Isldore, bIushin.
and confused, again drew close to her aged com
panion.
Fitzgerald bad never fel, 50 much a, loss
for conversation. To meet two such beings 10
a thick foresl, so Ear from any human habiia-
lions, seemed % strange that he scarce knew
how TO address them; but the old gentleman
began asking him about the road. how FAR he
had travelled, &c. Sc, and told him he was
more than thirty miles from the place be had
inquired FOR, and which he though, Of reaching
that night.
But sad lie. 'ifyou eau be eontsnied With
htie bread aud milk, and bear skin for your
bed. yoo are most heartily welcome.
Il ~ish no batter fare. sr, and sh4l feel
! grateful for your hospitality.
= You sec am sllio.i ! cripple. 50 ny li,ile