Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1842-11-17

10 be shot Y" burst rem l"r hps. ~
seemed bv the account that IA young
officer by the name Of Elliot had been
captured by the English and sentenced
10 be executed. The whole, however
seemed to he Involved 10 my ys,ery-yct it
was well authenticated. Still. there was
hope in the heart of her who was most
deeply interested in the fate OF the doomed
American.
Eliza's friends saw with sorrow that
there was an obvious change in her de-
poitment. Sac avoided and stunned
society. The rosv ,inis faded from her
once blooming check, which was now
pale aud ldnguiJ aud her once brilliant
eyes no longer transmitted their w"nled
Iuslre-all of which was construed into
the belief that she was victim Of quick
Ominons symptoms.
Late one piercing cold, dark, buster
ing evening in the early par, Of winter,
as the merciless northern wind was hurl-
ing the drifting snow with tremendous
fury-a poor, lame, shabbiIy clad men
Gicant stood at the door Of one OF the
mos, elegant and costly mansions in Bos-
ton, and humbly begged shelter from
the iaging storm and bowling tempest,
and morsel of bread to satiaie his hun.
ger which he sale was intense. lie pre-
tended that he was a soldier-had been
wounded in buttle-had obtained his dis
charge, and was now on his way home
to his friends, who resided few miles
south Of the city. lie was readily ad-
miiied by modest, graceful young lady,
in whose bright blue eye there Ghs,cncd
a tear that told sad tale, when she
learned that he was late from the Amcri
can army. lie presented the very pic.
ture Of misiortune-andE Eliza read, or
ihoug ht she read, in his enaciaed yisage,
that he had seen better and happier days.
Though his face was sonew hat sunburni,
which in fact made him look old, yet
apparently he was not lar, if any, past
the prime of life. Miss Clifton eAcrted
her naturally kind and benevolent dis
position, and did all in her power to rem
der the beggar happy but all little
did she think on whom she was bcstowing
all this kindness she did not even dream
of the true character OF him who was the
object Of her solicitude, her pity and her
charity. Perceiving that he seemed in
clined to converse, and wishing TO learn
something of his history, she asked him
many questions concerning the army,
and other important topics and passing
events 10 all Of which interrog atories he
gave prompt and ready answers. /,
some what surprised her TO see one oi
his appearance so intelligent So
well acquainted with the hopes, the pros.
poets, and the affairs of the colonists, and
at last she became so much interesie ed
that she was induced 10 enquire his name
George Elliott" SAID the mendicant
The words fell like thunder upon her ear
"lleavens my preserver my"-
cried the astonished maiden, fondly clasp
ing the beggar in her arms "Wha'
means all this Z" said she wildly, as il
uncertai whether it was reality or
nothing but vision. "You're pale
you're sick, George, continued she.
lie remained silent. For a momsn,
his proud and naughty spirit seemed
humbled by the frowns of fortune. -.
"Why that tear-why that sigh ?" in
quired Eliza, anxiously.
81 have been unfonunate-the fates
have been against me, }" said George
grasping the hand of her who Sd, by hi.
side. have for long while Iough
my countrv's enemies bravely-but in ar
unguarded moment ] perpetraied a deco
which has proved my ruin for which
shall ever receive the bitter curses Of my
countrymen. have been tried by Il
court-InartlaI, and discharged from the
service. | now return home poor and
friendless, receiving The well meri,ed
scorn and dcrision of my fellow. citizens
and the SCOTS OF my exul'ing foes. A.
for friends, ] have none-l know none
! am alone in the world ~
"No, George, say not so !! am still
your Giend--i will not desert you-no
never! You once peril!ed your life to
save mine, and now, basely ungraieiuI
should | be, If | did not make some re-
compense for that noble act. You have
IA light to demand anything the debt oI
gratitude which | owe YOU is of 40 trivial
character"
''lt would be ungcnerous, insolent in
me to he so prosumptuous as TO ask you
To link your fate with mine IN my dis
grace"
81 will do anything, George, to render
YOU happy" said she, with u sweet smile,
that for II moment almost made him for
get his wretchedness.
81 am not what ! once was" said the
soldier. "The rough scenes Of war-the
hardshps Of the feld-the tolls aud pri-
vations that ! have experienced during
many long, severe campagns-the nights
Of storm and tempest that l have speat
in the camp and in the open air, upon the
cold damp ear,h--all combined, have
made lrightiul ravases upon my once
robust and vigorous constitution. And
now, Eliza, can you, will you sacrifice
your present happiness and splendor, and
consent 10 bear the insults, the taunts and
sneers Of a cold, nnleeiing world, and
be content to live in poverty and shame
for my sake ~
eyes, George" said she quickly.
"Noblc, generous. hearted grl," eK.
claimed Elliot, in ecstacy.
it was now unnecessary for him longer