Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-06-15
Tale of Truth "A Warning Voice.
by l.. MARIA. CHnJD.

]
lived, long ago, young girl, the only daught-
er of a widow. She came from the country,
and was as ignorant Of the dangers of the city,
as the sqaiftels of their native fields. She had
glossy oiack hair, gentle, beamng eyes, and,
4" lips like wet coral" OF course she knew
that she was beautiful; for when she was
child, strangers often passed, and exclaimed,
" How handsome she is" And as she grew
older, the young men gazed on her with adm-
ration. She was poor, 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 peryaded by that restless
principle, which mpels poor human nature to-
seek perfection in union"
AT the hotel opposite, lord Henry Stuart,
an English nobleman had at this time taken
lodgings. His visit TO this country is well re-
membered by many, for il made great sensa-
ton at the time. He was a peer Of the realm,
descenCed from the royal line, and was, more
over, a sirikingly handsome man, of right
princely 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 UMBRELLA,
girl, and was impress, by her uncommon.
beauty. lie easily traced her 10 the opposite
store, where he soon tr went TO purchase an
umbrella. This was followed up by presents
of flowers, chats by the wsyside, invitations to'
walk or ride, all OF which were gratefully ac-
Icepted by the unsuspecung rustic. lie was
playing game fcr temporary excitement. shc,.
with head full of romance, and heart melt
ing under the influence Of love, was, uncon-
sciously endangering the happiness of her
whole life.
! Lord Henry invited her TO visit the public
gardens, on the Fourth Of July. In the sim
plieity of her heart. she believed all his faiter-
ing professions, and considered herself his bride
elect ; she therefore accepted the invitation,
with innocent frankness. But she had no
dress fit to appear in on such public OCCASION,
with gentleman Of high rank, whom she
supposed 10 be her destined husband. Wh.fe
these thoughts reyolyed in her mind, her eve
was unfortunately astyacicd by beautiful pieco
of silk, belonging to heremployor. All, could
she moi take II home without 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 it TO her lodgings 1t was the
first thing she Mad ever stolen, and her remorso
was painful. She would have carried it back,
but she dreaded discovery. She was not sure
that her repentance would be met in u spirit of
forgiveness.
On the eventfl Fourth of Jaly, she came
out in her new dress. Lord Henry compli-,
mentcd her upon her elegan; appearance but
she was not happy. On their way to the gar
deus, he talked to her in a manner which she
did not comprehend. Percevng this. ha
sp' ke more explicitly. The gai!lless creature
slo ped, looked in his face with mournful rc-
proach, and burst into tears. The nobleman
took her hand kindly, and said, "Mv dear,
are you an innocent Rirll" 4" | am, ] am,"
replied she with conyulsiye sobs. 90, what
have ever done, or said, tnat you should ask
me that - Her words stncd tie deep foun-
tains of his better nature. II YOU are nno-
ceHi," said he, "God forbid that ! should
make you otherwise. But You accepted NY
aud presents 50 readily that ! SUP
posed YOU understood me-" What could sn-
dersand," said she, "eNcept that ycu intend
ed to make me your wife. Though reared
amid the proudcst distinction of rank, he felt
no inclination TO smile. He blushcd, and was
seat. The heariless coavehfionali,ies Of lifo
stood febukcd in the presence Of aflcctonaic
simplicity. He conveyed her to her humble
home, and bade her farewell, with thankful
consciousness that he had done no irrctrievabe
injury 10 her future prospects. The remcm-
brlnce Of her would soon be 10 him as the rec
election of last years butterflies. With hes
the wound was deeper. In her solitary cham
Der she wcpt, in bitterness of heart over her
ruined air-castlcs. And that dress, which she
had stolen TO make an appearance beftIing his
bride : O what if II should be discovered -
nd would not the heart Of her poor widowed
mother break, if she should ever know that her
hid was thief! Alas, her forbodings were
90 true. The silk was traced 10 her she Was
arrested on her way To the store and dragged
% the prison. There she refused all nourlsh.
ncnt, and wept necessarily.
On the fourth day, the keeper called nron
Isaac T. Hopper, and informed him that there
was young glrl in prison, Who appeared 10 be
l,terly friendlcss, and determined 10 die of
This kind-hearted gentleman in-
ncdlately went to her assistance. lie found
ier living on the Aoor Of her cell, with her face
Imcd IN her hands, sobbing as If her heart
would break lie tried TO comfort her, but
,ould obtain no answer
cave us alone" said he 70 the keeper
= Perhaps she will SPEAK to me u there 10 none
q hear. . When they we're alone, together,
,e ma, back the hair from her temples, laid his
,ands on her beautiful head, and said IN sooth-
ones, "My child consider me as thy father.
rell me all thou hast done. II thou hast isken
his silk. let me know all about IT,. l~lll do
pr thee as | would for a daughter; and \
oubl not that can help thee ou, of this diff
ulty."
After long time spent IN aaeetionaie on'
ea,y, she leaned her young head IN his friend
shoulder, and sobbed out, 40, | wish
'as dead. What will my poor mother say
hen She hears of my Disgrace :"
Il" Perhaps We can msnagc that she shall new
know il :" replied he and aluring her by
lis hope, be- gradually obtained from her the
hole story Of her acquainiance with the mo-
lrman. lie babe her TO he eomiortd, and
Ike nohrishment for he would see that ,hs
lk WIS paid for, and the prosecution With
ravn. lie went immediately to her employ
:. and told i'm the story. This II her hr-f
Fence. aid he "tle girl il young, and,