The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1841-02-17

Of the evening but as the evening began 10
wane away. his absence alone became the
theme Of every heart, although, from the deep
struggle that was evidently raging in the bosom
Of Helen, all appeared anxious TO avoid any in.
quiry.
why, do not doubt they are at the Oak.
lands said Miss Ellison.
Yes, Helen, Wouley will 90 up to see,
and hurry them down. added Josephine.
No, no. said Helen, they will be here
soon ; they mast be-
Wortley, however. stole from the ,hrong,
and rode to the Oaklands. IL was an hour af.
forwards when he returned; and, the first mo
ment he could catch the eye of his sister Anna.
he walked towards the window with her to i'm
part the mysterious intelligence which he heard
at the Oaklands that Edward had been per-
suaded by Eleano, TO ride upwards Of forty
miles out of ihei' way, to visit the Churehills.
al Bloomlngdale and when they turned fIom
the window, they saw Helen iuyaing away also,
quiveiing with emotion. She msdc convuls-
ed effort 20 appear calm 10 the company, aud
locked in the arms Of Josephine snd Anna. her
most intimate female companions. she passed
from the great saloon; aud when she reached
the large hall Of the entry, she begged them to
return, and permit her for a little time TO re-
tire to her room, to let her maids re adjust
some portion Of her bridal dress, which was
unpleasant in its fittings.
Hour after hour had now passed away, and
the evening was far advanced. Anxiety and
disappointment were depicted upon every conn
tensnoe. The noble and high mi nded mother
OF Helen sat in the mids, Of taste, fashion, and
beauty, with a fond smile upon her lips. her
heart ready TO burst with fearful aniicipa'ions.
None could tell aught of their forebodugs;
and some even though, Of retiring in the bitter
ness Of disappointment, al the extraordinary alb
sence Of one whom all loved and admired. At
that instant. carriage drove into the court.
yard when Edward aud Eleanor passed into
the front hall in great haste.
Il know you will forgive me. lose, said
Eleanor, catching her friend in her arms. Il
ran away .Sith Edward. TO Bloomingdale. It's
all my doings; but Helen will forgive me, in
her JOY at the return Of her Edward. Where
is my dearest Helen! We will now atone Cor
all Let us ny for the bride TO the nuptials'
And so saying. she ran up the front stairs to
the room Of Helen, accompanied by Josephine
and Anna, with the quiokness Of thought.
Joy and gladness now beamed forth from ev-
cry coun;enance. and all hearts were beating
high for the return Of the absent one. and in
The bngh, anticipation OF the happy termination
Of all their ioie6odngs. The immense ibrong
was one unbroken scene Of pleasure aud merri-
ment. which was alone interrupted BY loud
aughs from above, causing many OF the most
familiar friends, accompanied by Edward. TO
run up stairs. in the buoyancy OF their feelings.
and in their anticipation c( felicity, to meet the
almost bride, al the return Of him who was TO
make her his for life.
Helen dearest girl. open the door" said
Eleanor; 1--WE are all here in waiting for the
bride"
No answer was made from within.
"Now, Helen do not keep US longer in sus-
pence. Pray do not pay our long delay in jest,
though VIC do deserve it. ! am alone to blame.
Edward is guIlIess."
g She serves us right" said Edward "but,"
he added. raising his voice, "n j, your Edward
that asks forgiveness, Helen. She that could
never chidc. will forgive one who feels that he
ought TO ask for pardon"
Still there was no answer. Many Of The
had ,lt aI,n ,be lIoI
hearts and merry faces
Force open the door" said Eleanor; coz is
carrying her joke too far" Ed"srd placed
himself almost unconsciousIy against the door.
shich yielded to the pressure, and the party
'ushed into tn. bridal chamber.
Forgive aud forget, dearest Helen" said
eleanor, as she clasped Helen in her arms. At
he same instant imprlnting Kiss upon her
now white face, when she uttered a con'ulsIve
cream, iha, thrilled to the very soul Of all. and
ell insensibe on the floor, exclaimins, /" o!
jod HELEN ~ DEAD -
The unweddcd bride 81, by the side Of the
ridal bed, not one bracelet Of the bridal dress
lad been removed; the smile Of forgiveness,
iSl Gu upon nef ups, bht Hef pure tPHh h""
one TO HIN who doubts not the constancy and
ove Of the pure IN heart.
il is impossible ie describe the scene Of an
Uish that ensued. The Imagination Of the
eaJer alone can draw that picture. nor woold it \
e IN the power Of any delinestor to portray the
emorsc Of Edward. II is not many years
ines he occupied one Of the highest Offices
n the gift Of the people OF his native State; aud
e never returned from his public tolls. with
ut VISITING the grave Of hi, dep:,ted bride.
hose memory yet appears as fresh in his heart
& though b, head we're not svsred DER with
he whitenes, Of years. He expects to meet
j. Helen in Heaven. and speaks with unbound. ,
d JOY Of the forgi'ing smile that played upon !
4 IL. "A =