The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-05-27

occurrence had induced hyn TO take THIS sfep.
Plans for the future were discussed, arrange
mems most advantageous to our hero, made,
aud he patron and his proteee parted.
Margaret Vsrpon sat alone in her b6udoir 10
an attitude of deep and psrplsxed t,,Aaght. She
was seated in a recess lighted by tan old fash
ioned window, through whose small panes .
dim, soltened light fell upon her-herf feet rest
ed 90 a sken cushion, her fair fingers were in
tsrlaced aud rested on her knees. On the win.
dow seat, beside. lay an open letter Her
thoughts were too confused TO find vent in words,
but their general outline may be given as fol-
lows:
So my fair sister can be confirmed at once
in station worthy OF hsr-wonhy Of 4 daugh.
ter OF our honsc, and the same act that SETS the
seal on her rank in life, will remove her from
the reach Of him-him whom, alas. lore -
That should live TO feel il. and own il. even
to myself! That Ia Fernon-ths head of
my house. the upholder Of its honor, should
thus love. thus be jealous Of my young sister
for the sake Of one 50 utterly beneath either of
us know he loves her. have read the ST.
lent language Of his oountenance as none but
ono who loves can read it | have seen how
common place aud hearless have been his =
greeting TO myself while he turned with all his
soul in his eyes TO gaze on her! what il shs
should ever know it! II her girlish fancy
should be deepened into an enduring passion.
under the influence OF his acknowledged love
Surely, he would hardly dare to approach her
with the language Of affection, and yet, if it
should be so she might resounce my authori-
ty. might sacrifice sIl her splendid prospects to
her silly romancs-for Agnes can never know a
passion like the fever that consumes = mind
like mine; and thsn they would marry
! could not bear il; ] could not survirn
it. would not wed him myself; tho hon,
or Of my house demands that ] should not,
sveu had he presumed TO loyo me but !
cannot bear a rival in his heart, and that
rival, Agnes. She has been as mine own dear
child; have watched her and cherished her
with mothers care, and not for worlds would
see her in a position whore | feel any one
must be hateful to me. I 10 mercy TO herself
TO prevent the indulgence Of her childish whim.
Years hence, how bitterly she would regret it,
when she found herself the inmate Of a eoun-
try parsonage, and surrounded by a tribe Of his
needy relations. Mrs. St. Aubyn, the wife Of
Colonel ST. Aubyn, with twelve thousand p
year. aud the chance Of peerage il is my
bounden duty not TO let this opportunity pass.
Agnes is a child. she wants strength npd drcs-
ion of character, and my father knew this when
he left her 10 my care, Can do wiser or
kinder thing than to give her to the protection
Of such a man as Colonel ST. Aubyn'
Thus mediiated Margaret Vernon, aud agsio
She took up the Coion~is letter, containing a
proposal of marriage for her sister Agnes.
When Agnes had first read il, she had been
overwhelmed with sorrow and shame. She
had yanly sndeavored to conceal her real rea-
son for the refusal which she cntrcsted Marga-
ret 10 return 10 the ColaDsi. At length hcrag-
"ny became so extreme that, ninging herself on
Margsre,'s neck. ahe confessed her previous at
i.chmen, and prayed her sisters kindness and
forgiveness. Her tale was coldiy received, and
Margaret effected an utter disbelief Of Wiers-
leys love for her sister. She sxcred her to con.
quer her own prediction, as something that a
mounted to crime. She eaccused her Of mean
ness in loving unsoughi, and OF dissimulalion in
concealing from, her tho very first emotion Of
preference she felt aod shs positively refused
to write such a letter to the Colonel as should
at once sxiingush his hopes. Who may tell
the progress Of the influence she exercised over
her sisters mind The alterations Of exceed
inc Kindness and cruel harsbness, so skilfully
EMPLOYED ~ 10 make Agnes believe that Mar
csr.t could have no motive but regard for her
happiness, might have overcome the resolution
Of frmGr nature than hers. Accustomed TO
yield implicit unquestionlng obedience to every
wish Of Msrearet's, whom she looked on as
superior being, a reluctant compliance was
slowly ex,ortcd from her. Had Charles Will
lersley again crossed her path, even her promise.
given so unwillingly, would have. perhaps, been
liule regarded; but he left England to join his
regiment abroad, without even veniuring On
farewell call. and from that hour Agnes felt as
II the chill Of death were already in her heart
Strange that Margaret should have experienced
actual delight a, the departure Of one whom
her proud heart stopped to love. But she had
her swn visions for the future now. Charles
Wlllerslcy had embarked IN a career where hs
might possibly gain honors and distinction that
mish, render him wsrhy even Of herself Be-
fore WiersIey LEFT home, Agnes cluug 10 a
Wild scheme which 1oated through her mind.
Of seeking him out, or writing to him and tell
ing hun all. Il was but her hearts momentary
refuge from despair; she had net the energy
IN execute so bold purpose. Day by day
she arose, half resolved to make use Of this
her las, resource, and nigh, sfier night saw her
seeking her slsspless couch. weeping bitterly
over her own irresolution. But the blow ieh
the beloved Of her heart was gone, ano oop'
seemed dead for .ve, Thep did Ns'gar"s 81