The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1843-02-25
The Victim of Consumption.

1t was in the early part of June. IS
that was crossing the Chesapeake Bay,
on visit to the eastern section of Mary
land. The boat, as usual, stopped al A
10 land and receive passengeIs.-
While was busily watching the changes
of passing cloud, as it was reflected on
The sull waters, my attention was arous-
ed by the sivery laugh from young
creature and by the gay voices of her
companions, as they were stepping from
The shore on deck of the steamboat Her
mother and her brother were to accom-
pany her; but there were some female
friends and several gen llemen, who had
come with her to defer their leave-aklngs
until the warning bell had toled for the
last time. While she was leaning against
the railing, and gaily talking with the
group; another and another gallant youth
came on board to pay his parting COM
plimen,s, some with bouquets Of rare
flowers, others with a volume of poems.
or the last new novel. Fol each she had
a sweet smile and pleasant or witty re
ply. Her attentions were equally dlvid-
ed, aud with all she seemed Il Iavoriie J
soon discovered that this lovely girl was
the VII, the beauty, ami the belle of A.
and seldom was such distinction more
justly merlcd.
She was just of that age when the child
was emerging into the woman; that inter
esling age when the youthful heart is as
yet uasullied by The worlds teachings or
the worlds batteries. She was a bright
and beautiful creature. Her dark eve
sparkled with animation. and the bloom
of her check varied with the quiet or en-
element Of her feelings from the delicate
tint of the maiden blush rose. 10 the rich
est hues of the Provence Ter djmpIed
mouth, with It's pcarly teeth. seemed made
for smiles, and nothing could exceed the
! ighl-hearlednrss, the music of her Joy
Gus laugh. 1t was like the wild carol
of bird, and thrilled through me, maxi
ing my very heart feel glad, as if | had
met with seine unexpected pleasure.
Her companions babe her larcw ell, and
our heavy boat was again ploughlng its
way through the waters. The gentlemen
stood on shore and waved their hats till
we lost sight of them. She then sat down
and opened one or two of the volumes,
but soon threw them aside, and took her
brothers arm. Her attention was eXcit-
ed by some aquatic birds, whose active
pursuit of their prey seemed more Ike
amusement than employment, Look
brother" heard her excaim, Sat the sea
bird; one moment it darts towards the
water; then it flies far up into the blue
sky, and swiftly returning again, it rests
upon the bosom of the waves, as if it
loved the refreshing GOODNESS. wish
could be sea bird for while, al
least.''
"You are too much Of one already.
ate,'t said her brother, "lor the peace of
the fnnv tribe you left gasping on the
shore Of our fair river"
"Brother," said she, while the tears
started in her beautiful eyes, "you do not
mean that am coquette, do you2 Oh,
if thought that my levity made me act
like that cold, heartless thing, | would
despise myself and never be again.
mo, my sister, said the brother, fond
ly cncircing her waist, ''you have too
much soul about you, believe, ever to
be coquele. ! did not think that you
would take my jestirg so seriously"
When This little cloud passed by, the
same sportiveness animated her countcn-
ance, and gave her step and her very ac-
ton bouyancy so light and graceful, that
she seemed the embodied spirit of health
and happiness.
The steamboat stopped opposite to the
place where they were to land; a skifl
shot out from The bank towards it, ard in
a few minutes the fair girl with her moth
er and brother were seated within it, and
were passing rapidly to the shore. The
light boat rose and fell with the heavng
n waters, and the dipping oars moved like
the wings of flying sea-bird. As it
gided onward. her brother spor,ivelv
: rocked it from side TO side, and her light
] laugh came ringing over the waves as soft
as the sound of distant bells. Oh, that
:, silvery laugh ! can remember it yet.
twas about the middle of May, that |
paid my annual visit to my sister. As
the boat drew near A., thought
Of the beautiful girl had seen the wear
before, and wondered whether she was
still reigning belle, or had settled into
the happy wife-the sober married wo-
man. My thoughts combined to dwell