New-York daily tribune., 1844-02-24
SIN AND PHILANTHROPY. "A TRUE TALE
Norwich, N. Y.
BY L. MARIA CHILD.

In CITY, which shall be nameless, there hved'
long ago young girl, the only daughter OF
widow. She came from the country, and was as
ignorant of the dangers of city, as the SOUR
rels of her native fields. She had glossy black
hair. gentle, beaming eyes, and clips like wet
coral.n OF course, she knew that she was beau
t;hul: for when she was child, strangers often
stopped as she passed, and exclaimed, How
handsome she isl And as she grew older, the
vounq men gazed on her with admiration. She
was Door, and removed to the city to earn her
living by covering umbrellas. She was just at
that susceptible age, when youth is passing INTO
womanhood :. when the soul begins to be per-
yaded by "that restless principle, which impes
Door humans to seek perfection In union"
At the hotel opposite, Lord Henry Stuart, an
Enplish noblcman, had at that time taken lodg
inps. His visit to this country is doubtless well
remembered by many, for it made great sensa-
ton at the time. He was peer of the realm,
descended from the royal line, and was, more
over, strikingly handsome man, ofrght pnncely
carriage. He was subsequently member OF the
British Parliament, and is now dead.
AS this distinguished stranger passed to and
from his hotel, he encountered the umbrclla-glr,
and was impressed by her uncommon beauty
He easily traced her to the opposite store, where
he soon after went to purchase an umbrella.
This was followed up by presents of flowers,
chats by the way.side, and invitations to walk or
ride; all of which were gratefully accepted by
the unsuspectng rustic. He was playing
game, for temporary excitement she, with a
head full of romance, and heart melting under
the influence of love, was unconsciously endan-
gering the happiness of her whole life.
Lord Henry invited her to visit the public
gardens, on the Fourth OF July. In the simpli-
CITY of her heart, she believed all his fattering
professions, and considered herself his bride elect;
she therefore accepted the invitation, with inno-
cent frankness. But she had no dress fit to ap-
pear on such public occasion, with gentleman
of high rank, whom she verify supposed to be
her destined husband While these thoughts re-
yolved in her mind, her eye was unfortunately
attracted by beautiful piece of silk, belonging
to her employer. All, could she not take it, with
out being seen, and pay for it secretly, when she
had earned money enough The temptation
conquered her in a moment of weakness. She
concealed the silk, and conveyed 1t to her lodg-
ings. 1t was the first thing she had ever stolen,
and her remorse was painful. She would have
carried it back, but she dreaded discovery. She
was not sure that her repentance would be met
in spirit of forgiveness.
On the eventiul Fourth Of July, she came out
in her new dress. Lord Henry comphmented
her upon her elegant appearance ; but she was
not happy. On their way to the gardens, ne
talked to her in manner which she did not COM
prehend. Perceiving this, he spoke more ex-
plicitly. The gulcless young creature stopped
looked in his face with mournful rcproach and
burst into tears. The nobleman took her hand
kindly and said /" My dear, are you an innocent
girl?'' 81 am, am," replied she, with convul
siye sobs. "Oh, what have | ever done. or SAID
that YOU should ask me that?" Her words
stirred the deep fountains of his better nature
eff you are innocent" said he, "God forbid thai
should make you otherwise. But you accepted
nv invitations and presents so readily, that
supposed you to understand me-" "What coulc
I understand" said she, "except that you in
tended to make me your wife? 7" Though reare'
amid the proudest distinctions OF rank, nc eit NJ
inclination to smile. He blushed and was silent
The heartless conyentionalities Of life stood re
buked in the presence of affectlonate simplicity
He conveyed her to her humble home, and bad
her farewell, with thankful concousness tina
he had done no irretrevable injury to her futur
prospects. The remembrance of her would sool
be TO him az the recollection of last years butter
flies. With her, the wound was deeper In he
solitary chamber she wept, in bitterness of heart
over her ruined air.castles. And that dress
which she had stolen to make an appearance be
fitting his bride! Oh, what if ahc should be dis
covered And would not the heart of her poo
,,,;aoyved mother break, if she should ever know
that her child was thief ? Alas, her wretche
sarebodings I were too true. The silk was trace
to her she was arrested, on her way to the store
and d. dragged m to prison. There she refused
nourshraent, and wept necessarily ~,
On the fourth day, the keeper called ,aa .'' upo
Isaac r. Hopper, and informed him lss that u ,hel
was young girl PIse, ds's1mned %ne ,q die By sa
vation. The kind.hearted old gentleman lmme
diately went to her assistance. He found he
lying on the floor Of her cell with her face @ Duris
IN her hands, sobbing as if her heart would kreas
He tried to comfort her, but could Obtain n
answer. .D..
"Leave us alone," said he to the keeper "fel
..~.L IN roe if there Ia none 3