Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-11-30

No, not even a corner, and with sob OF dis
appointment she turned away; her mothers $
tayorlte chair was close beside her, she leaned
back In 1t and watched the bed Of Goals where
her lovers words had perished. From behind
the huge backlog thin blue smose was eufl-
ing up--the wind swept down the chimney,
and blew the smoke one sde-Marle bent ca
gerly forward. She could scarcely SUPPRESS
scream of JOY as she drew The smoulderlng re-
mains Of the letter from its hiding place, and
soied as it were with ashes, and the oozlng
sap Of the green log, she concealed 1t in the
folds o. her dress, and stole TO her room. II
was too dark TO read the half erased words up
on the scorched paper, aud wrapping II in al
envelope she replaced It in its hiding place, and
with a lighter heart than she had felt for
weeks, she descended the stairs, and waited
more favorable opportunity. After supper
TO leave the room.
=" Sit down awhile, Marie, have something
TO say TO you" said her father.
Involunlarily she placed her hand upon her
bosom where the letter was concealed, and
trembllngly awaited her fathers words. But
he said no more until the table was cleared,
and Mrs. Moudesley had drawn her chair ~
the little stand where she was now busy with
her knitting.
Joel Lewis is very sensible young
man, Marie"
She made no answer.
"A very sensible, and worthy young
man." Ne continued he has request
ed permission to address you, and | ex-
pect you to receive and encourage him,
% cannot do it, father, l should only
be acting lie
Mrs. Moudesley looked up from her
knitting-not sure that she had heard
Marie Alright, Mr.. MoudeSley knit his
bfows, and Marie was almost surprised
at herself for her resolute answer, and at
her fasher for his calm reception of what.
she we'll knew, he would consider obstl-
nate and unduiful. The calm was but
the precursor Of a storm.
$50 you have been acting lie to me,
Marie, while supposed you was obeying
me to the letter. repeat to you ex-
pect you to encourage him, and as he
wishes a speedy marriage, shalt insist
upon you making yourself ready by the
first Of the year at the furthermost. Do
you understand? p
~ do" answered Marie, now pale
with alright; but father, wicked as
may appear to you, il would be still worse
for me, in the sight of God, to vel one
for whom have not one sentiment Of es-
teen or lore"
"You have said enough" interrupted
her father " give you until tomorrow
to decide whether you will obey mo or
leave this roof"
"Mr Moudesey my husband y ejac-
ulated Mrs. Moudesley in terrified tones,
" do not speak SO severely, beg you"
"Will YOU uphold Jour daughter in
her undutifulness T.
No, no-I would not do that, but
remember how young she is-how Y
. THAT is no excuse for her. Leavo
the room, Marie aud do not appear be-
fore me until YOU can obey my wishes"
\ Not unwillingly did Marie leave the
room She closed and locked the door,
and sat down hy the light to read the
fragments Of the long expected epistle.
Her surmises were correct Letter af-
ter letter had been written. lie did not
chidc her for not answering him, but he
begged her TO he true TO him, 10 let no
commands, no persuasions change her.
- Remember, dearest" he wrote,
"that your fathers consent has been once
given. With him rests the sin OF endea,-
oring to separate two plightad hearts
Then do not let your strict ideas OF duty
lead you to sacrifice our happiness to his
avarlcousness.
"Perhaps you will feel unkndly to-
wards me for writing SO plainly, but
write not without reasons. Foster writes
me that Lewis boasts Of having won YOU
from me-that you have jIlted me.
know it is not so, but / trembIe when
think that your father advocates his cause,
for know that with YOU his word is law" "
Much more in the closely written letter
did Marie decipher; but there were very
many words which she could not read
many lines which were entirely etlaced
She folded it and hid II away IN her
drawer, and sat down again to think over
the exciting scene of the evening. When
she arose she was firmer than ever IN the
resolution TO let no threats induce her To
become false TO Herbert.