For the Rural Repository. "CUTTING A SWELL." BY CLARK W. BRYAN. has taken place within a few short years; the It seems to be the main object of a great portion suffered to sink quietly into everlasting obscurity, children in idleness. They were not ashamed to work; on the contrary, it was formerly deemed quite an accomplishment for a young lady to be capable of performing the duties of the kitchen and superintending household matters-all of which is now allotted to servants. Young men were also taught the most important branches of a Farmers' or Mechanics' education-trained up to handle the plough, or taught to use the instruments of Mechanical art-while they are now to be seen promenading our streets, laced, strapped, stuffed, wad. ded, and screwed into the shape of something-no one knows what. This is not, by any means, the case with all the young people of the present day. If such were the condition of all our youth, the world would soon be naught but a scene of uproar and anarchy, with "Chaos of thought, and passions all confused" for there are very few of this portion of mankind, capable of providing for their own wants, much less possessing an ability to provide for others. But to our story: "To-morrow morning, I shall leave the city, for a short sojourn at S-, my native village," said Edward Greynel, to Charles Manors, a fellow clerk, one morning, as they were standing in street, New-York city. G's. intended visit, and its object as stated by "A brainless carcass, and a nameless thing," he concluded to write, and risk the consequences. The speaker was a young man of ordinary in- As there was but one mail intervening before Mr tellectual appearance, but dressed with all the fop-Greynel's departure he sat down and penned the pishness of a city dandy, and practised all the silly following note: manoeuvers of a modern" swell." He considered himself quite a forward youth, and imagining himself possessed of all the knowledge that could be imparted to him in a country village, he was much pleased to learn, while yet in his teens, that his parents contemplated removing to the city. Soon after their arrival in New-York, he obtained a situation as clerk in a large dry goods store, where his bump of self-conceit found plenty of room in which to expand. Every cent he could obtain was expended in bedecking his person in the most foppish manner possible, and he was soon-in his own imagination-" a nice young man," and one of nature's noblest sons, and had the extreme gratification of thinking himself to be "the admired of admirers," among the fair sex of his acquaintance. Strange as it may seem, however, his opinions upon this subject differed materially from those of most other persons, who had the "honor" of his acquaintance. "How long do you intend staying?" inquired his friend. "Not long, I assure you," replied Edward with a slight curl of the lip, and a scornful elevation of his head. "It would be dull work indeed, for me to spend any length of time, busied with the monotonous rounds of life in a country village, when I have been so long used to the varied and exciting scenes of life in a city. However, I shall stay long enough to "cut a swell" amongst 'cmcaptivate all the young ladies-frighten all the young beaux out of their wits, and confound the old folks by my splendid appearance. Then there's Emma Carter-you've probably heard me speak of her before-to be sure, we were rather intimate years ago, but I had nearly forgotten her now; she will think visit is made for the purpose of seeing her, and I suppose I shall have to make love to her a little, and then cut her suddenly, giving her the pleasure of crying her little eyes out, long after I have returned home, and ensconced myself within the affections of some rich lady in our own city. Lord! what a swell' I'll cut among 'em." "MISS EMMA CARTER-Miss-I beg you to excuse the liberty which I, a perfect stranger, have taken to address you, and the object for which I write, will I hope be sufficient apology for so doing. I was this morning informed by Mr. Edward Greynel (a fellow clerk,) that it was his intention soon to visit your village, the sole and only object of which is to cut a swell,' ' astonish the natives,' captivate the hearts of all the young ladies,' frighten the beaux out of their wits,' astound the old people,' &c. &c. Among the "bill of particulars" he mentioned your name as one whom he intended to victimize, by paying his addresses to you for a short time, and leave you suddenly overwhelmed with grief at your loss. Not wishing to have an intelligent community imposed upon by one of these things which approximate to the exquisite portion of mankind, but yet are the most to be detested of human being, I deemed it my duty to inform you of his intentions, and as your name was the only one I heard him mention, I am consequently compelled to direct to you. Yours, &c. any CHARLES MANORS. P. S. Mr. G. takes the seven o'clock boat tomorrow morning. him nothing to kick at, but empty space, and his nether extremities, having met with nothing to impede their progress, were soon cutting fantastic capers in the air, while his back was closely hugging the side walk. "Take care, sir, or you'll bust," screeched the urchin, who stood looking on, and shaking his sides with laughter. "There I told you so," said he, as the straps to one leg of his pantaloons, gave way, in his attempt to rise Now for an explosion." With such expressions as these the lad was very profuse, till Mr. Greynel gained his footing, when he very prudently made good his distance. "I'll teach you manners, if ever I catch you," cried the exasperated Greynel. "Now don't," said the boy, stretching his mouth still wider, and putting the very important query "does your mother know you're out," to the dandy, turned and was soon out of sight. By this time, quite a number of spectators had gathered round, and were evidently enjoying the scene with as much satisfaction, as the lad himself and Mr. G. was glad to make his escape as soon as possible. He presented, as may well be supposed, rather a ludicrous appearance-his clothes somewhat soiled and dirtied by his recent contact with the side-walk, and one leg of his pantaloons hanging loosely, the straps of which, like the sails of a ship in a calm, flapping idly about, and "waving to and fro," while that of the other was drawn down with exact nicety-presenting a broad contrast between it and its most unfortunate mate. He, however, soon reached his hotel in safety, though sullen, sour, and terribly out of humor. He had seen but very few in the course of his walk, whom he thought worthy of recognizing, as old acquaintances, that saw fit to recognize him. This was by no means very flattering to his vanity. "I have a good mind to leave the village, this very night," muttered he to himself, but then the thought that he had not, as yet, had any chance to" show himself off," presented a serious obstacle in the way of doing this. He must stay until he had, in some way or other made himself conspicuous. Thus musing he had just arranged his dress, when he heard a light knock at the door of his waiters of the Hotel with a neatly folded note in his hand directed to him. He closed the door, broke the seal, and read as follows: The letter arrived safe by due course of mail, and timely information thereby received of Mr. Greynel's intended visit. Whether Miss Carter's views upon Foppery and Dandyism were the same as those of Charles Manors, remains to be seen. A day or two after the arrival of the above let-room, and rising to open it he found one of the ter, a spindled-shanked, turkey-legged gentleman, showily attired, might have been seen perambulating the streets of S- with his left hand gloved, and holding therein, the glove of his right hand. He carried a quizzing glass, which was every now and then raised to his eye, as if gazing at some object, to him of intense solicitude. In this manner the two or three principal streets of the village were traversed, until all that was worthy of notice had undergone a thorough inspection, when he turned, and commenced retracing his steps, through the principal street. He had proceeded but a short This was uttered in a haughty manner, and as distance, when he was accosted by a little urchin he concluded, he walked off, leaving his compan-who had been intently eyeing him for some minutes, ion, as he supposed perfectly thunderstruck at his with majestic and dignified appearance. my "Poor, insignificant puppy," muttered Charles Manors to himself, as the sound of Edward's feet died away upon his ear. I would that the young people of your native village were aware of your intended visit; they would, perhaps, give you a reception befitting your worth.” Charles walked on towards his place of business, reflecting upon the short conversation he had just held with young Greynel. First he concluded to write to some one in S- -, informing them of Mr. MY EARLY FRIEND :-Forgive me for intruding myself upon your notice at this time, I have just heard of your arrival in town, and now take the earliest opportunity of communicating with you. The mention of your name brings back to my mind the days of our youthful companionship and presents them to me, as scenes that were transacted no longer ago than yesterday. How vividly too, are portrayed to me, our youthful sports and past-times. You frequently, in former days, while engaged in our childish plays, told me, that you looked upon me with any thing but indifference. But enough of this, the past is gone, and the present is what I "Certainly," was the angry response of the fop, design to speak of. I may perhaps be presuming I say, Mister, are you a man." "what else would I be." too much upon your constancy to a youthful attachment, when I imagine, even for a moment, that you have continued to remember me, through all the varied scenes of life, which a young man of high qualifications and worth have witnessed-in the busy routine of a city life, and in circles of society where you must have been received with favor, and your company courted by those more worthy than myself. Therefore I can but hope. I should like to have a private interview with you, and if convenient would be happy to meet you tomorrow evening as the village clock strikes seven, by the old pine tree at the farther end of the village. I hope you will excuse the impropriety-if any exists-of my writing in this manner. Please favor me with an answer as soon as practicable. Your Friend, EMMA CARTER. "Just as I expected," exclaimed he as he finished reading the letter. "She thinks I'm in love with her now, merely because I formerly took some notice of her, ha! ha! ha! Well. I'll meet her." He then arose, and calling for pen, ink and paper, sat down, and penned the following note in answer to the one he had just received. had turned to depart, he was astonished to find hastened to the Hotel, and by the time dinner was that the seat which Miss Emma had occupied was ready, he found himself divested of his muddy garvacant. Perhaps she was slightly indisposed, and ments, and his toilette arranged to his liking. had left the church for that reason and perhaps not. Dinner over, he again returned to the livery stable, However, the reason was undoubtedly best known and ordered a horse and sulky, which was soon to herself; but she was gone, and consequently Mr. made ready, and he bounded into the seat-rattled Greynel had nothing to do but to trot home alone, off-first up street, then down, backwards and forThe sun arose the next morning in a cloudless wards for several times, without eliciting much sky, and spread forth its genial rays, enlivening all attention. At last he thought he would put the nature by their warmth. It was late before Mr. horse under full speed, and suiting the action to the Greynel arose, but when he looked out of his thought, he was soon most unmercifully belaying window, and beheld the smiling face which nature poor dobbin with the whip. This seemed to have wore, his heart beat high with fond hopes, and an exact opposite effect upon the beast from that bright anticipations. He resolved to give the villa-which he expected, for he suddenly stopped, and gers a specimen of his horsemanship, which like peremptorily refused to “get along" at all. As all his accomplishments, were small, except in his blow succeeded blow, his forbearance by degrees, own imagination, and as soon as his breakfast was like his mate, in the morning, became "beautifully swallowed, he proceeded to a livery stable, and or-less," and he began to make various curvelinear dered the best horse with the best equipments of the establishment to be made ready for him immediately. The best horse of the stable was conseEDWARD GREYNEL.quently one of considerable matter, as well as After folding his note he handed it to the servant being one of fine appearance. He was soon made with the request that it should be forwarded in-ready and brought out in good trim for the rider, mediately. It is useless to speculate on the feel. who mounted him with as pompous and showy an ings which agitated Mr. Greynel's breast, as he appearance as he could command, and dashed off despatched this letter to its destination. He would at a brisk pace through the main street. He rode now have a good opportunity to execute a part, of some distance out of town, and then turned again his scheme at least, and he hoped this would be towards the village, so far meeting with no accithe means of opening a way for a favorite conclu- { dents, or any occurrence of any consequence sufsion to the remainder of his project—that of bring-ficient to disturb his equanimity of temper. As he ing himself into a general notice. He paced his again entered the street, he began to pride himself room with rapid strides, while a smile of self-satis-upon the appearance he should make and started faction overspread his countenance, and every now and then he might have been heard to mutter inaudible sentences to himself. "MISS EMMA CARTER:-Miss-I can hardly express to you the gratification I enjoyed in reading your note, which I have just finished perusing. I have only time to say, that I will meet you at the appointed time and place, when I can tell you more than I could write in an age. Yours, &c. motions in which he went far ahead of the other, and placed his manœuvres considerably in the back ground. Suddenly with the speed of a rocket, Mr. Greynel was seen" with sails all set, making rapid headway towards the upper regions, which course was soon checked by the force of gravity, and he was instantly retrograding from the course in which he first started, and found himself suspended, for a moment by the seat of his inexpressibles, upon the sharp end of a picket which was one of a number, placed round a small shade tree, between the sidewalk and the street. He did not remain in this position long but soon landed on terra firma, leaving the aforesaid "scat of honor" flapping high and dry," over his head, on the picket where his horse into a brisk gallop. His pleasing reflec-he first landed, while the lower extremity of his tions were checked as he came into the centre of under garments were “ floating free to the breeze." the main street. A white top covered carriage Here was indeed a 'fix." A crowd was gathWhile he was thus engaged, the sun, which had here attracted the attention of his horse, and sud-ering around, and the windows of the houses within in the fore part of the day been obscured by clouds denly arrested his progress and with glaring eyes, sight of him, were darkened with spectators, and and rain had "paled his rays," and sunken be- and ears erect he commenced retrogading, and all convulsed with laughter-some with their hind the distant hills, leaving a clear sky and a cutting various kinds of antics, which baffled all handkercheifs thrust into their mouths, and others balmy air behind him, and as twilight was fast Mr. Greynel's skill in endeavoring to manage. disguising their mirth, as best they could. The deepening into night, he heard the bell of one of the He commenced plying the whip pretty roundly, in unlucky horseman did not, however, give the crowd village churches ringing, as he supposed, for meet- the hope that it would have the effect of checking a chance to gaze at him for any length of time, for ing. He made inquiries and ascertained that such the infuriated animal, but this only served to in-he soon darted into the nearest store, where he was was the case, and that it was the church he had crease his rage, and instead of moving quietly on- fortunate enough to borrow the articles he most usually attended, whilst a resident of the village.ward, he stood more firm than ever, with the excep- stood in need of, and though not exactly fitting He thought this a good opportunity, to let the him he was obliged to wear them to his lodgings. people know he was in town, and accordingly conHere his courage nearly failed him, and his spirits cluded to attend the meeting. which had all along been buoyant and light, were now sorely depressed, and he very wisely concluded not to attempt practising his exploits, in public, during his stay in the village. But he had agreed to meet Emma Carter that evening, and he must fulfil his engagement. The dress in which he appeared in the morning, had during his abscence, in the afternoon, been divested of its coat of " sombre hue," and made ready for use, so that he had no difficulty on this point. tion of every now and then marking out half The hymn had been given out and sung-the The sun had set from a cloudless sky, and the moon had just risen above the eastern horizon, seemingly lifting the dark curtain of night gently from the broad and beauteous face of nature, as Mr. Greynel now left the Hotel attired in his best "bib and tucker," was making rapid strides towards the end of the village where grew the large pine. As he passed the most densely populated part of the village his steps were hurried, and he evinced a desire to be recognized as seldom as possible but as he approached that part where the houses were more sparse and scattered, he began to ease his pace. As he came in sight of the pine, not a human being was to be discovered in any direction, but as he drew nearer he thought he discovered the form of a female leaning against the tree with her back towards him. 64 It is she," chuckled he to himself with evident delight. "I'll approach her slyly and surprise her. Ah! this moment fully repays me for all my mis. fortunes." Thus musing, he approached the tree, and clasping the female gently in his arms, pas. sionately exclaimed. "Oh! Einma, this is the happiest moment of my life. To think that after years of absence, 1 can return to my native place, and find one heart that still beats in unison with mine, is a pleasing reflection, is it not? "Certainly, it must be," faltered she in a half audible voice. "Deem me not too precipitate, Dear Emma, but your manner betokens an attachment for me deeper than you are willing to confess. I say deem me not too precipitate then"-and dropping on his knees before her he gazed into her face for a moment, as if perfectly spell-bound. There was a pair of bright eyes beaming upon him, from a head that was covered with hair, though not glossy, but yet, it stood in fantastic curls about her brow, and a set of teeth, of alabaster whiteness were partially covered by a pair of ruby lips, but her face was-black. A half smothered titter, which proceeded from a party of young people, who were ensconced behind a fence, at a short distance from the "scene of action," now swelled out into a broad and hearty laugh. The sound of voices aroused Mr. Greynel from his reverie, and he started from his kneeling position, as though impelled by a flash of lightning, and giving a spring, without heed to the direction he was taking, landed in a small pool of muddy water a few feet from the tree, which by the late rains had been filled to its utmost extent. As his feet touched the bottom of the pool-which was uncommonly slippery—they slid from under him and despite his efforts to recover himself, he was in an instant quietly sitting in the middle of the pool, with the water swelling gently around him. Really, Mr. Greynel," cried a young voice half choked with merriment, and which was none other than that of Emma Carter "what an enviable situation is yours, you have at last succeeded in attaining your utmost wish-you have cut a swell though I must confess I do not much admire your choice of the liquid element-pure, clean water would suit me better." She had barely finished speaking, before Mr. Greynel had recovered himself from his "fallen condition," and was darting away with all the speed he could command towards the village leaving several young people behind him, including his ebon colored lady-love, screaming with laughter, at the farcaical termination of his love adventure. He made his way direct to his Hotel, and attiring him. self in such of his garments as were not torn or soiled, he paid his bill, took his trunk, and was soon on his way to the steam-boat landing, where he arrived just in time to take the last evening boat for the city. "We must not forget to mention that Emma Carter feeling grateful to Mr. Manors, for the favor he had done her, answered his letter-thanking him for the trouble he had taken in informing her of Mr. Greynel's visit, and detailing to him his mishaps during his stay in S———. This led to a correspondence between them, which resulted in a wedding about a year afterwards, and Miss Emma Carter, now writes her name, Mrs. Emma Manors. ALE For the Rural Repository. LOVE'S DUPE. BY MISS C. W. BARBER. Had I never loved so dearly, I had ne'er been broken hearted.-BYRON. "WHAT a splendid fellow! he is my beau ideal of perfection; rich, handsome and witty-already eminent in his profession-he is also amiable in his disposition! What other qualification can papa or mamma desire! for my part, my heart is entirely his! it never can be another's-he will propose for me to morrow!" Thus soliloquised Rosamond Marshfield, as young lawyer Greenwood with hat and cane in hand, gracefully bowed, "good night,” and issued into the street on his way to his boarding house. Rosamond was a belle, and well she might be, for she was scarcely seventeen; slight and symmetrical in form-winning and refined in manners, and as merry a girl as ever shook a profusion of auburn curls over a snowy brow. Her father was a merchant in a small interior village in New England, although not wealthy, he possessed a competence, and was universally esteened and beloved. He had two children; a son and daughter. The former William, was employed in the store, and Rosamond was his favorite, yes, more, his idol. to papa if you stay out in this way." "Late! yes it is late," said he glancing at the clock," but Rosamond I have a tale to tell you, and am glad to find you up. I may wound your affections, blight your prospects, destroy your day dreams, but I shall tell you truth, so listen well." The flush left Rosamond's cheek, as she marked her brother's anxious manner. She laid her hand upon his lap, and gazed earnestly up in his face. "I am prepared to hear almost any thing," she said, " of bankruptcy and ruin, of a lowly home for myself and family, only, do not as you love me speak ill of, or any way impeach the character of those I-I-admire.” "Of one you love, Rosamond, you mean, I can interpret the language of your heart. I know your devotion to Edmund Greenwood; but it is of Edmund I would speak-I cannot see my only, my beloved sister, fall a dupe to a misguided attachment. It was late when I closed the store tonight. The streets were hushed, and the lights out in almost every dwelling. I wished to speak with a friend about some business which had already been delayed several days longer than it should have been, and thinking I should perhaps Edmund Greenwood had been now, at the period find him up, I was walking with a hurried step of his introduction here, nearly a year, a resident down street, when I observed some one resembling of the village. He was emphatically" a lady's Greenwood forward of me. I was about quickening man," that is, he possessed every quality calculated my pace for the purpose of overtaking him, when to win the heart of woman. Soon after his settle- I saw him enter Parker's grocery, one of the meanment in Greenville, he became a frequent visitor est, most disreputable places in the village. What at Mr. Marshfield's, and Rosamond's acknowledged can be his business there at this hour,' thought I. admirer, and they were now considered in the cir-Some one has desired him to call and I will wait cles of their acquaintance as " engaged." In the evening specified he had been unusually interesting. He accompanied Rosamond on the piano, wound and unwound her spools of silk and worsted, talked political matters over with Mr. Marshfield in which—mirabile dictu !—they per{fectly agreed, and at the tea table sufficiently admired Mrs. Marshfield's loaf cake and preserves. After his exit Rosamond was alone. She wheeled the sofa around before the decaying fire, and with her elbow resting on its arm, and her hand pressed in among her auburn curls, mused long and thoughtfully. Her dream was of her future home. In imagination she bade adieu to the old white cottage with its gravel walk in front, and its low vine-covered porch; she felt her father's parting kiss, and her mother's tearful check pressed to her's, while giving her to his return.' "I stopped in front of the house, and waited some minutes. I could see nothing save a faint light from one of the windows. I took a few steps down, and leaned against a post, in such a manner as to command a view of all that was passing within. The room is low and dirty. There were only two persons within: Greenwood and Parker. The latter was apparently preparing for bed; his night-cap was drawn over his head, and the coals on the hearth were partly raked up. Greenwood stood beside him leaning in a familiar way against the mantle-piece; his manner scemed to say 'I have been here before and like the place.' Had it been any one else, I should have turned and away pursued my walk, but I thought of you, and determined to watch "These are dry times, can't you let a fellow "An untried guardianship, and to a far off clime." have something to wet his whistle with to-night?' She placed her hand in that of her husband's said Greenwood glancing at a decanter half full, and went forth to minister to his wants, and share which stood upon the bar; 'd-m dry times I say!' his honors. Hitherto she had been a household "Yes Squire plenty here-glad you've called.' flower, the watched over and tenderly nurtured-So saying the officious grocer pushed along the denow she become the careful and confiding wife, canter, and Greenwood turned a large glass two with new responsibilities and anxieties. She thought thirds full, swallowed it, unsweetened and unadulhow years would roll over them—she saw her hus-terated. band the revered and honored counsellor, the es- "That's a h-Il of a dram Squire,' said Parker teemed citizen, rising from one post of honor to laughing. I ought to be licensed to wholesale inanother until the halls of congress rang with his stead of retail, if all my customers drink like that.' eloquence, and the mighty ones of the nation hailed in him a gifted brother. The clock hands pointed to an hour late in the night, when the door opened and her brother broke in upon her happy "Pho! Parker he replied, I come plaguy near being cheated out of my dram to-night. I must make up in quantity what has been lost in time.' 66 for hours in imagination among the paintings and sculptures of Italy-had roamed through the hollowed piles of Greece, and dropped a tear upon the sacred ashes of Westminister. "Yes I understand; Will you take a game at if she loves truly, if she loves as I love, loves long cards Squire ?' and loves but once. Edmund Greenwood may have been tempted and may have strayed from the strict path of rectitude, but to me he is Edmund Greenwood still. I had rather live with him in a Before settling in life, he determined to visit cabin than with another in a palace. Who knows" Europe. His father acceded to his wishes, and she continued, after a pause, but love and kind-procured him a place in a ship bound for Liverpool. ness may win him from the error of his ways. The last night he spent in his native village was When he exchanges the cold civilities of a boarding with Rosamond. She had been married more than house, for the bosom of an affectionate family, I a year. He had during, that time, watched her know I shall have nothing to fear." She looked narrowly, but never for a moment discovered upon into her brother's face to see if her logic was not her face a shade of grief. This evening she apwise. peared unusually happy. A richly bound volume lay by her side, one of the numerous gifts of her husband, and in a cradle at her feet reposed a lovely "No! I havn't much chink about me to night, and I don't suppose there is any winning from such an old head as yours. I'll try my hand when I have more yellow devils in my pocket. Just fill this for me, and I'll be off.' So saying he drew from the breast of his pocket a small flat bottle. It was filled and replaced. Parker did not seem willing the interview should end here. He drew out a small deal-table, and down they sat side by side, to play. Money rattled-oaths were sworn words too indelicate to be repeated here, were said. { Glass followed glass, and songs were sung, which I blush now to think of. Is this my sister's husband? I asked! It cannot, shall not be!' "Infatuated girl!" he said. "It is as I feared. Well! marry him if you must, but remember that I have warned you of your fate. If there ever "A few minutes ago they seperated for the night.comes an hour when you need aid-when you Greenwood staggered as he rose from his chair, and yearn for sympathy and know not were to turn for slapping Parker upon the shoulder, he said, 'noit, remember that you have a brother. God grant words about this my old boy. My pockets were you may never water the memory of your bridal almost empty when I came in here; they are emp-hour with tears." So saying he turned and left her. tier now, but never mind, you've fairly won, I'll A few months after the conversation detailed make it right some time.' above, Rosamond Marshfield stood within the home of her childhood, a bride. There was not upon her face a shade of care. "Oh never fear,' said Parker. 'I don't tell tales, call again Squire,' and thus they parted. I did not follow or play the part of spy longer. Surprised, pained, indignant, I turned and sought my home, rejoicing that I was in time to save my sister from ruin." She had been watching Edmund with the eyes of an Argus since the conference with her brother, but had not detected the slightest impropriety. At length her suspicions entirely wore away, and as During the whole of this painful recital, Rosa- she stood beside his stately form, and marked his mond had not changed her position in the least.graceful salutation as the wedding guests crowded Her lips were slightly thrown apart, and her dilated eyes were fixed upon her brother's face, as if she heard but did not comprchend his words. William laid his hand upon her forehead. It was so cold it sent a chill through his veins. "Rosamond," said he suddenly starting " do not be thus overcome: rather rejoice that the snare is broken before you were entangled." His manner seemed to arouse her. "William," at length she said, "are you telling me the truth, or is this a story invented by you and Edmund, to try my affections! Say that it is, and spare my feelings. Edmund has been here this evening; a happier night I never spent. To-morrow he proposes to Papa. He cannot be the person you saw. Has he not resisted all the temptations of college life, and graduated the first in his class! Has he not already attained eminence in his profession? Is he not everywhere esteemed? If you are earnest in this recital, you are deeply wronging him. If you are playing upon my credulity, you are cruel, I pray you to desist." and around them to wish them joy, her heart throbbed Perhaps," he replied, "I may bring a bride from the old world; will you not love and receive her as a sister. "If she is loving and lovely I will, but do not marry, Will for wealth-marry as I did, for love, and you'll be happy." "I never shall marry unless I love, Rosa, be assured that, and I never shall love, unless it be She herself had never looked more lovely. Her founded in deep unshaken esteem; be assured also dress of white satin was neatly put on, and upon of that. That you are happy in your married reher breast she wore a small bridal rose. Her beau-lation I deeply rejoice. May you long continue so. tiful curls were gathered back from her forehead, { When I return five years hence, may I find you and twined with artificial flowers. Who could as happy, as I now leave you." "Amen!" reshave thought, while looking upon that fair young ponded a voice, and Edmund entered the room. girl, of the years of misery in reserve for her? There was one who saw with prophetic eye into the future. Apart from the gay throng, William Marshfield watched the ceremony which transferred his sister to another's care. When the minister commenced in a solemn voice, the ceremony, the blood seemed to pause in his veins. He stood like one petrified, until the last words died away "I pronounce you one, until the grave sever the tie which binds you," then a suppressed groan burst from his lips. Gentle Reader, allow me in my hurried narrative, to introduce you to another scene. A traveler in one of our western states became benighted. For hours he urged his lagging horse he knew not where, or whither. One moment it stumbled over logs and the next, plunged and reared, in a deep morass. The rain began to descend in torrents, and he heard the howling of wild beasts on every side. Faint through labor and want of food, he dismounted and taking his horse by the bridle, he Rosamond looked up with eyes swimming in tears.journied for a ways, thinking that unless he soon The last words her brother had ever exchanged discovered a settlement he must perish in the woods. with her on the subject of her marriage came vividly His pleasure equalled his surprise, when he saw to her mind. “May you never water the memory before him a light. As he approached nearer, he of your bridal hour with tears." She felt that the found that it proceeded from a rude shanty, built deed was done the chain was on her, and inwardly after the fashion of many belonging to the rude she prayed for strength to guide her in each hour peasantry of Ireland. A huge apperture in the roof of need. answered for both window and chimney. He knew by the appearance of every thing around, squallid poverty dwelt there. It was lawyer Greenwood's intention to have emigrated with his wife to Ohio soon after his marriage, but Mr. and Mrs. Marshfield could not endure the idea of parting with their daughter. Not that they doubted in the least, the good faith of her husband-that he was not what he seemed, had never entered their minds. They thought with all their friends, that "Rosa" as they called her had made an excellent match. Through their entreaties Greenwood purchased a neat place in the village, and pursued his profession. "Oh William! how coldly politic your advice is. Within one short hour you have endeavored to wring my heart strings, from the object around which they have been twining for months, and now while they are bleeding you bid me bind them up, and seek a better prop. No! no! William I have already gone too far! I can never love another. I marry Edmund Greenwood, or I go down broken William had been from his childhood of an inhearted to an early grave. With your sex, coldquisitive disposition. Having been thrown but and calculating as you are, it may be a light thing to change the object of their affections, but woman little into society, he had gratified his curiosity He cautiously approached the door, and was about knocking when he heard groans from within. "I may get into some den of crime," thought he. "Who knows but that robbers may be doing here to-night, some deed of blood." He drew back and listened. Horrid oaths mingled with senseless ravings, was all that he at first heard, but at lengthhe thought he heard between the pauses of the blast, the plaintive tones of a female in distress. Every emotion of pity woke within him. He fastened his horse to a rude post which stood near, and hastily approaching, pushed open the door for neither latch or lock forbade. |