DEVOTED TO POLITE LITERATURE, SUCH AS MORAL AND SENTIMENTAL TALES, ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS, BIOGRAPHY, TRAVELING SKETCHES, AMUSING MISCELLANY, HUMOROUS AND HISTORICAL ANECDOTES, POETRY, &c.

VOL. XIV.-[v. NEW SERIES.]

SELECT TALES.

Maria, the Orphan,

OR THE FORCE OF PRINCIPLE.
BY A LADY.

NO. 11. joyful cry of Sister Elizabeth! Sister Elizabeth' caused the carriage to stop. A gentleman alighted and inquired for Miss Lawrence. Maria ran hastily forward, and in a few moments was seated by her sister.

Like the insects they personate, they fly to
some illumination, and are seen no more.
Accordingly, none offered to supply the
place of mother to Maria, until Mr. and Mrs,
Harris, who had been befriended by Mrs.
Lawrence in her days of prosperity, and
were distantly related, came forward. They
resided about thirty miles from Boston.
"Twill be but a poor place for a gentle-Maria's surprise, at first overcame her natu-
ral politeness, but soon recovering herself,
she greeted him with her sweetest smiles,
and imprinted a kiss on his cheek, which was
warmly reciprocated.

A FUNERAL procession passed slowly up Tremont street, and entered the venerable burial place attached to the Stone Chapel. There were deposited the remains of Mrs. Lawrence, and with them the pecuniary de-man's darter,' said Mrs. Harris; but perpendence of two orphan daughters.

haps when she gets bigger, some of her
Boston relations will make a lady of her.'

After a mutual interchange of affection between the sisters, Elizabeth introduced to Maria Mr. Arthur Ellingwood as her brother.

Mrs. Lawrence, until a year previous to her death, had lived in the greatest opulence; Maria was happy at her new home. A ride but unfortunately, her husband became surety in the waggon was as agreeable as a carriage. for a friend to a large amount, which he was Aunt Hannah's turn-over and little cake on obliged to redeem. This, added to many baking day, pleased her as well as the rich other losses, left him a comparatively small confectionary her mamma used to give her. loaded with the pittance for himself and family.-This blow The checked linen frock in summer, the red cayed: I woul

O, sister, why did you not come before? My roses all bloomed and fad without your having one; my awberry bed

Cruis

was too great for him. What! give up his and blue worsted in winter, were quite as com- Then I picked and nich

fin。 rw:ཕv་་ད
carriage, and come down to the vulgar
method of living? No! he could not-he
would not-and the grief occasioned by this
change in his fortunes soon caused his death.
His wife bore her trials with Christian-like
fortitude. With the small life annuity which
she possessed, she found an agreeable home
in the family of a distant relative. She de-
voted her time to the improvement of her
eldest daughter, Elizabeth, and in watching
the unfolding beauties of her little rosebud,
as she fondly turned Maria.

The struggle of a noble soul, contending against affliction, is often too great for its frail tenement.-With Mrs. Lawrence, the chord which had been too tightly strung snapped suddenly asunder, its ethereal tones still thrilling the hearts of its auditors.

The family with whom Mrs. Lawrence resided kindly offered to take charge of Elizabeth, (now nine years of age) and bestow on her a good education. But Maria-who would supply the place of a mother to her? No one seemed inclined to take the care of a child two years old.

had been a

L

stick! stick! Aunt Hannah,' when the coarse woollen stockings were put on her delicate little feet, she soon forgot it, in looking at the boys as they coasted down the steep hill at the back of aunt Harris' house.

In childhood, the country seems peculiarly adapted to the unfolding capacities. The youthful exuberance of spirits has free scope. All nature, activity, appears to coincide with the expanding mind better than the confined limits of a city.

u

adorn your favore Chamber, but 'twas all in vain. Aunt Hannah had a letter from Boston the other day, but would not tell ine the contents.'

The very counterpart of yourself, sweet Elizabeth,' said Arthur, artless and unsophisticated.'

The conversation was interrupted by their arrival at Mr. Harris', and the greetings of aunt Harris were long and loud.

'You've got a sweet critter for your wife, Mr. Ellingwood,' said she, so clever and obligin.' And so you're going to carry off my Maria ?'

Maria's growth was remarkably forward. She pursued her studies at the district school Oh! I'm going to Boston! I'm going to from books furnished by her sister Elizabeth, who regularly made a long visit at aunt Hannah's in the summer season, and imparted all Boston!-am I sister? am I brother?' said the knowledge her sister's mind could receive. she, as in ecstacy she danced round the These visits proved of great benefit to Maria, apartments; but, observing the sober counwho though unacquainted with the city life, tenance of aunt Hannah, she said in a subduwas an excellent little girl and readily distin-ed tone, 'I hate to leave you dear aunt could guished from any child in the village.

you go with us I should be happy.'

Maria's dress was arranged as speedily as No change occurred in Maria's situation until the summer in which she completed her possible. Mrs. Ellingwood, anticipating the eleventh year. During the recess of her difficulty of procuring suitable clothing in the How ephemeral the friends of the present school one fine afternoon in August, a splen country, had made her purchases before day! They flutter around the glare and splendid summer vehicle leisurely passed the leaving the city. If Maria looked pretty in dor of wealth, and bask, in its sunshine; but school house. The children with one accord her rustic garb, she was certainly beautiful in extinguish its blazonry, and where are they? dropped their profound courtesies, when all a modern and fashionable dress. Her friends

82

gazed on her in admiration, and for the first

THE RURAL REPOSITORY.

The woman remained in the entry a longvey that dress of my childhood many times time in her life, she felt a touch of vanity.time before the servant made his appearance; this week. Mrs. Harris little thinks of the difthen with a scornful glance, he inquired ference between our city and her native village." 'What a nice baby you've got Mrs. EllingElizabeth noticed it. what she wanted?' wood. Pooty cretur what has aunty got for nut cake from her reticule. it, dear,' said Mrs. Harris, extracting a huge

' I think,' said she, turning to Mrs. Harris, 'Want! I want to see Mrs. Ellingwood, 'Maria must carry one dress of your manufacture with her. If the change in her cir-or Maria. I'm cold in the bargain, and want cumstances proves too great for her young to go to a fire.' mind, a reference to this may prove beneficial.'

'Oh!' said Mrs. Ellingwood, we do not allow her to eat solid food-she is only eight

'Yes',' said the servant, rather more respectfully; and opening a door discovered Thank you for the hint, dear sister,' said Maria at a table covered with drawing mate-months old.' Maria, a dress will not be necessary to re-rials. Maria ran hastily forward.

mind me of my kind friends, and the happy days I've passed here. Yet I should be happy to have one.'

Why, aunt Hannah, how do you ?-When did you arrive ?"

O dear me! I'm so tired and chilled I ' Ah! dear child,' said Mrs. Harris, you don't know what to do. We started long know nothing what kind of a place you're go-enough before daylight this morning.' ing to. I've been to Boston twice in my life, and I was so confused I did'nt know what to do. Like as not you'd be ashamed of me, if I should go to see you."

Maria rang the bell, and ordered tea, with accompaniments.

I believe you never drink coffee, aunt; breakfast for the family will not be ready this O never! dear aunt: ashamed of my long time; I rise very early to improve in earliest friend!'

drawing.'

6

La! I always fed my babies at three months sartin. I forgot to tell you I brought you a kag of June butter. "Tis as yallar as your marigolds used to be Maria,'

'Just like yourself aunt Hannah, always making presents,' said Mrs. Ellingwood.

Mrs. Harris declined going down to breakfast. She could amuse herself nicely by looking out of the window, she said.

Mrs. Ellingwood and Maria were placed in and, in conjunction with her sister, had issua sad dilemma. Maria was now seventeen, Early! why I've had my breakfast, and ed cards of invitation for a large party the enThe time of departure at length arrived. possible; to get rid of their warm hearted, Maria was delighted with the novelty of her cleared it all away 'fore sunrise, all this win-suing Thursday. To recall them was imsituation. She combined such brilliant witter.' Should you not like to go up stairs now?' though uncouth visitors, was equally imposand good sense, (a case of rare occurrence by the way,) and her remarks drew many a said Maria, when Mrs. Harris had dispatch-sible. What could be done? Her remarks smile from her kind brother and sister. Toed her breakfast. Lud a marcy! how many stairs you have provide for Maria was a favorite project with them. Aoon as practicable after margot! all carpeted too! why, it seems as if I riage, they had coted her to her new could pick them are roses off and smell on Pray Maria, what are them black men abode. She was placed holding them chains for?'

They are bronze images, aunt, placed in in those chains, and they are used to night the sun it Maria could delicately intimate the impropriety of making remarks, the entry and staircase.' Maria tapped gently at her sister's door all would, perhaps, pass off well in the crowd. Mrs. Harris, much to the annoyance of Mrs. and announced Mrs. Harris.

• You arrived carly,' said Mrs. Ellingwood, Ellingwood and Maria, walked from one after the usual salutations.

The sun strove in vain to pierce the murkey atmosphere of the city; the lone pavement echoed the footfall of some solitary pedestrian; the occasional clatter of window shutters, and the ratling of bakers' and milk- 'Yes, yes. You know I'm bright and earmen's carts; the lazy smoke curling sluggishly ly.-My husband had a lot of apples and sarse from the towering chimneys indicated the in- to sell; we thought if they would sell here, we concluded to habitants would soon arise from their slum-'twould pay for carting, so bers, and pursue their daily avocations.

Yes, yes, I know you would—my husband The servant started; but thinking some-thought like enough you would be ashamed thing had been ordered from the country, he of us, but I told him you was dreadfully altered then, for you went all round our town assented. There, wife, you go into the house. This last summer, and called on all your old acman will show you a fire, while I put Betty up quaintances.' in some stable.'

The company, a most beautiful assemblage, met in rooms splendidly furnished and brilliantly lighted. All passed off well for a time, and Mrs. Ellingwood and Maria were inwardly congratulating themselves, when Mr. Harris, finding his quid troublesome, and seeing no convenience for depositing it, (the rooms being heated by a furnace,) rose and walked to a window filled with rare exotics. Here he espied a porcupine, with its hyacinth just peeping forth, (then an object of much curiosity.) which served his purpose nicely. It would have passed off unnoticed had not Mrs. Harris exclaimed

Why, Joseph, Maria won't thank you for "Ah!' thought Maria, I shall have to sur-spitting her flowers all over.'

"I only spit in that green thing filled with rushes,' said Mr. Harris.

Mrs. Ellingwood, sha'nt I blow out some of these lamps? I reckon it's a pity to waste so much ile.'

noticed.

Admiration filled the hearts of all present. || fiued to his bed two days, and was still unable They despised their own littleness, and even to rise. I entered the chamber, and having The buzz ceased. Their tones of voice gazed with pleasure upon the persons of Mr. shaken hands, began to give the customary so discordant, produced a death-like silence, and Mrs. Harris, who looked extremely be- consolations, hoped that the illness was triMrs. Ellingwood preserved her equanimity.wildered at fiuding themselves thus publicly fling,' and so on; but after I had become faand by the timely aid of friends, the company miliar with the gloom of the apartment, which was restored to its wonted tone, when Mrs. Why did Maurice Stanwood gaze so fond-was darkened, and could distinguish objects Harris suddenly jumped up and said. ly at Maria that evening, as she glided about properly, I was struck with the change which imparting happiness to all around her? Why had taken place in his countenance. To be did he listen so intently as she accompanied sure, there must always be a great difference the piano with her clear, musical voice?in a man's appearance when he exchanges Mrs. Ellingwood had refreshments announ- Why did he linger by her side till the last the gilding of a fashionable exterior for the ced immediately, and led the way to her re-carriage rolled from the door, and then re-paraphernalia of a sick bed; but even after fectory. This movement spared her the mor-luctantly took his departure? He had long making allowance for this, I thought I distification of observing the general titter which been secretly attached to Maria, but having covered symptoms of a serious malady. The prevailed. Mr. and Mrs. Harris, not being frequently declared he would ascertain the worst part of the affair was the utter prostraacquainted with the rules of precedence, disposition of his intended wife previous totion of mind which he had experienced, for made their way as fast as possible, and though marriage, he had delayed his proposals, he hardly appeared to listen to what I said; Maria endeavored to keep them back, they though the powerful artillery of the eye, and and on inquiring what physician he had conseemed the more anxious to see what was the thousand nameless signs in love's pro-sulted, he answered None; it was of no going on,' as they said, to the manifest dis-gress, had expressed as much, nay, even usc.' I of course told him of the madness, comfiture of satin and gauze. more, than words could possibly have done.' the folly of this, and said I would bring To gaze at the table was excusable: loadMr. and Mrs. Harris remained a week in Dr. Berkley with me at four o'clock, though ed with every delicacy of the season, spark-the city, and were delighted with Maria's at- I hoped that by that time he would be better. ling with the richest plate, and cut glass. tention, who showed them every thing of To tell the truth,' said he suddenly, I am which reflected back the numerous lights, till note in the city, from the state-house to the afraid to hear the sentence of a physician, for all seemed lost in brilliancy, an assemblage managerie. They returned home, loaded fear of having my suspicions confirmed; but of youth and beauty fashionably dressed, and with presents for their little ones, and an in- I dare say it is the best way to be resolved at in the gayest spirits imaginable; the deli-vitation to make them an annual visit. once. Do bring him. Pray what day of the cious strains of music which ever and anon In the course of a few months Maurice month is this, Harry ?' burst on the ears, would rivet the attention Stanwood and Maria were united. They The sixth,' I answered. Is it?' he exof those long accustomed to such scenes; made a visit every summer to uncle Joseph claimed with an carnestness which made me as for Mr. and Mrs. Harris, good souls, they and aunt Hannah, to whom Maurice declar-start. Harry, I must be well by the twelfth.' thought themselves in a fairy land, and did noted himself indebted, in part, for his sweet I told him if there was any thing I could dare to speak, till Maria presented Mrs. Har-wife; justly remarking that the seeds of be- do for him on that particular day, I would do ris with an ice, which caused her to ejaculate.nevolence and ingeniousness sown in her it with pleasure. No, no, no, he answered Why, Maria, child, hav'nt you got over breast, would not have vegetated so luxuri-impatiently; I must be out myself. What your old trick of eating frozen milk? dont antly in the city atmosphere. is to be done? You cann you remember how you used to sly into the horrid neesssity for any bemy Of Lubb dairy to get it to eat? "Tis the worst thing in and I can't tell you

the world for the cholic.'

Poor Maria! she was thunderstruck. A general smile ran round the apartment, save where some benevolent countenance manifested the utmost pity for Maria. At length Maria came forward:

Maria still preserves the dress worn in childhood, and when tempted to cherish affectation and pride, finds a check in viewing this talisman. She takes great pleasure in improving and training the manners of the little Harrisses, one of whom she keeps constantly with her.

street in London, I received the following
note: dear Harry, I am confined to bed,
very unwell; come and see me, immediately.
Yours always, T. Bromely.'

I tried to make him explain what he was so anxious about, but he was impatient of the subject; and seeing I only irritated him by inquiries, I ceased to press him and took my leave. It was evening before I saw Dr. Berkley. The rain was pouring in torrents, and it was pitchy dark, We drove to Bromely's, and I entered the chamber along with the doctor, who seating himself by the fireside, put the usual medical questions, felt his patient's pulse, wrote a prescription, and was about to move off.

I deem it due to my friends, Mr. and From the English Journal of Belle's Letters. Mrs. Harris, to state, that to them I was inMy Friend Bromely. debted for a home in my childhood. When ONE dull snowy morning in January, while thrown an orphan on the wide world for pro-sitting at breakfast in my lodgings in a dull tection, they kindly nourished me like an own child, and though to you, dear brother, laying her hand on his arm, I am under obliOne moment doctor, if you please. I gations for my present advantages, for an inshall be obliged to you if, for once, you will troduction into the refinements of life, to the This was very laconic. I had seen Brome- lay aside your professional caution, and speak flowery paths of literature; and the myste-ly a few nights before at the opera in high out. What is the matter?' The doctor ries of science; though you have opened a spirits, and apparently in good health. I hesitated; said that at present he could not new world to my view, my gratitude to each was surprised therefore, at the import of the say with certainty what was the matter; of you is unbounded, and equally strong.- card, but thinking that it might be some tri- would call to morrow; hoped it was only a Yes! the reminiscences of my childhood are fling indisposition, I finished my breakfast cold; recommended quietness; and desiramong the most pleasing of my recollections, and my newspaper before setting out to call.ed him to keep his mind free from alarm, as and memory binds them still closer, when I found myself about one o'clock at his lodg-probably there was not much to apprehend. bebolding the heartlessness of many friend-ings and on inquiring of the footinan how his Bromely was dissatisfied, but the doctor ships since contracted.' master was, I learned that he had been con-would not speak out. I took my leave along

with him, and on parting inquired if he fear-| ed any thing very bad; and though he gave me no explicit answer, I was satisfied he considered the matter serious. He went to visit his patients, and I went to the opera. In the glitter of the performance I forgot Bromely and his illness.

Another note next morning. It ran thus: Dear Harry, I have had a miserable night and am wretched. Do come and see me, it will be a charity, &c. The note was hardly legible, and had been written in violent agitation. In half an hour after the receipt I was in his chamber. He was looking miserably but seemed rejoiced when I entered.

'You must think mne very selfish in boring you thus,' said he; but if you knew how miserable I am when alone, I am sure you would not grudge me an hour of society.'

upon fever and delirium, and reasoned upon them as abstract speculations; always ending by repeating his fixed resolution to be out on the twelfth.

Doctor.' said he, after a pause, could you give me such a draught as would enable ine to go out for an hour or two? I care not how much I suffer as the consequence. I know,' continued he, you can prolong life at It was on the evening of the eleventh that I times, though you cannot save it. Come was sitting with him. He was in a state of doctor, have you such a medicine?' high excitement, and talked of going out toMr. Bromely this is foolish. Forgive me,morrow as a thing of course, said I must go it is sinful. You must not think of going with him, in a coach, and implored my acquiout. I can give no such medicine as you ask. esence in terms which distressed me. I had For your own safety I advise you to compose hitherto refrained from contradicting him, as yourself. Do not think of leaving your bed.' I thought the irritation caused by my oppoBromely was suddenly silent, and seemed sition made him worse; but now I thought to be engaged in painful reflection. The it high time to tell him my mind, and did so. doctor departed promising to call again in I represented to him as strongly as possible the evening. A considerable time elapsed the madness, the impossibility of his going before he broke silence; and when he did so out-nay more, that force was to be used to I though the tone of his voice had altered compel him to remain in bed if he persisted in considerably. His look was fierce; I thought the attempt-and tried by every means in my What could I do? Of course I was oblig- the fever had gone to his brain. power to dissuade him from it. He heard ed to say, that if my presence gave him any Harry,' said he, I don't care for Berk- me with perfect quietness, though with impasatisfaction, I would remain with pleasure. ley's opinion. Doctors have their creed and tience. When I had finished, he made no No, no, no!' he answered quickly. I they must stick to it for the sake of consist-answer, but, to my astonishment, got out of know very well no one would prefer being ency. If disease be in my system, how can bed, threw a dressing-gown about him, walkhere to enjoying himself in his own way, but outward circumstances affect me? What ed firmly across the room, and opening a I shall accept of your kinduess for all that.' does it matter whether I lie, or sit, or walk? I offered to reed to him, but he declined; Besides, I recollect an anecdote of a soldier and accordingly, I was obliged to keep up con- in a retreat, who kept his saddle for a week, versation which waslany thing but enlivening, and the mau had a malignant fever on him. The doctor called and having ascertained What is there then to hinder me from going the state of his patient, wrote another pre-out for an hour? Harry, once for all, I scription, and was about to retire. Pray, must be out on the twelfth, and you must assit down, doctor,' said Bromely, and do me sist me.' a favor.' The doctor took a chair and looked. What is the meaning of this nonsense,' I at his watch, as much as to hint that his time exclaimed, for I had almost lost iny temper was precious. Oh, it will be your own fault at his folly; what can there be which so if you are detained, doctor. Answer me a imperiously demands your presence, at the determined to risk, nay, the certainty of your death, being if you will lato come frence? It is absurd to talk of er physician moving you from your room; and I cer-and I determined to take serious measures tainly shall not assist in any such mad attempt.'

stion:

drawer, took out a pair of dumb-bells, and having exercised them in their usual way for about a minute, put them back in their place, and returned to bed.

Every night,' said he, since I have been confined, I have done this; and as long as I can do it, no one shall persuade me that I can't go out; and as for force,' continued he, look here!' He opened a case which lay at the back of the bed, and produced a pair of pistols, nodded significantly, and replaced them. It was in vain to remonstrate. I still of course, thought the necessity of his being out existed only in his imagination.

for his confinement. At night I easily got possession of the pistols.

Harry,' said he, are you determined not to assist me in going out to day-for an hour or two?' I shook my head.

who will not be so scrupulous; am I in for a fever?' The doctor nodded assent. Bromely sank back upon his pillow at this I was frightened at the expression of his Next day I called, as he had made me solconfirmation of his suspicions, and was silent countenance. He was generally an open-emnly promise to do. He had discovered for some time. He seemed greatly agitated, hearted and most kind-hearted being, but that the pistols had been taken away, and I 'How long,' at last said he, how long, doc-his look was now dreadful to behold: and expected a violent scene, which I was pretor, may it take to set me up again; that is when he spoke, though he trembled with pas-pared for. I was mistaken, however. He supposing I recover?' and he looked rather sion, the words came slowly and distinctly. lay a few minutes perfectly silent; and when wildly in his face. Hear me, Harry; I am fixed in my resolve he spoke, he did so slowly and mildly. 'It's really impossible to say, Mr. Bronie- to be out on the twelfth, and what is more, ly. At present I assure you, I can have no you shall assist me in that very mad attempt.' idea, and the least you think about it the bet--He laughed; but such a laugh! I was ter.' But may I be out by the twelfth ? terrified. I was afraid that he was deranged- When I assure you,' continued he, calm• Impossible,' answered the doctor. was in a state of raving madness. • Well,' || ly, when I assure you that my honor, and said I, with a view of soothing him, we the honor of my family-nay, that my life shall see how you are on that day, and then'- depends upon it?' he interrupted me. Oh, yes; try and I was astonished at the calmness and firmsoothe me like a child! Yes, we shall seeness with which he spoke, but I was deteron that day.' And he was silent. mined not to give way. Bromely,' said I, Days rolled on, and still the same wild de- once more for all, I will not be accessary to termination remained, and every day only your death, as it is idle to say another word saw his resolution become stronger, if possi-about it.'

I shall not soon forget the look the sick man gave when he received this laconic answer. Impatience and despair seemed to agitate him fearfully. Doctor Berkley, come what may, you must and shall enable me to be out on that day. I think I could walk about just now.' He made an effort to raise himself in bed, but a sudden sickness came over him, and with a groan, his head sought its pillow.

ble. He laughed at bodily pain, and philos- 'Well,' said he, I have no other alternaophised upon it, made me read medical books ||tive but to speak out. Is the door shut!' I

He moved his lips two or three times as if he had been about to speak, but his tongue refused to perform its office; a flush spread over him as he raised himself on one arm, and, looking me steadfastly and sternly in the face, whispered.

answered in the affirmative.-Come near me.' state. A quarter of an hour passed away. || society of Friends or Quakers, manumitted I approached the bed. and no tidings; another quarter had nearly their slaves, and removed to Pennsylvania. been measured, when a servant came out and Their daughter was educated in Philadelphia requested me to walk in. I was shown into in all the strictness of the sect to which the a parlor where Bromely was lying on a sofa.- family belonged. She was, therefore, but His sister, Lady Dashley, was at a writing-little indebted to acquired graces and accomdesk, and evidently dreadfully agitated; plishments for the admiration and regard which there was no time for salutations; she ad- followed her wherever she was known. To vanced to meet nie. much personal beauty, she added a warm heart and a benevolent disposition; charms and attractions which won for her not only admirers but friends.

'Harry, I have forged a bill!'

I forgot what exclamation I made. I sat down by the fire, and was silent for some time. I knew that he was watching every motion, but I knew not what to say. I was thankful that he spoke first, though bitterly.

You know this dreadful business.-Here is a draft on Coutts for the amount. I know there is not so much, but I dare say they will not refuse; at all events you must try. Hasten; let me know the moment, you get

• Well,' said he, you know all, and I sup-the business finished.' pose are thinking of a decent excuse for shaking me off. And the truth is, Harry, though you should go this instant, I shall not blame you.'

• You wrong me,' I said: 'but what on earth should have tempted you to such an act of madness?'

Bromely was too much exhausted to go with me. I bolted into the coach, gave the driver a sovereign to drive with all the speed he could-presented the check at Coutt's; it was shown to one of the partners. I was in a dreadful state of suspense, but it passed. I got the money, and drove at equal speed to 'What could tempt me? Do you recol-the bank at which the bill was payable. I lect the night we were at Mallet's, some alighted, and, for the first time, hesitated: I months ago, when I won eight hundred was in a state of considerable agitation, and pounds from young Denson? You won must appear calm to prevent suspicion. Af from him yourself, Harry, I thought he was ter pausing a few minutes to recover myself, rich. He left the table that night not worth I walked calmly into the telling room of the a farthing. A fortnight afterwards I learned bank, and asked as coolly as possible for Mr. that his boy was lying dead in his house, and Denham's bill. he had not the means of burying him; that There was no such bill. I recollected in his wife was distracted, and that he was star- an instant that it was due only on the morving. At that moment there was an execution row. I mentioned this, and added that it or some such thing going on in the house for would be obliging if they could take payment of £1000. What could I do? I had not the the bill to-day. It was got and paid, and in money. I had been the cause of his ruin. I my possession. My feelings must have beforged a bill on old Denham for £1500, and trayed me when I had the fatal document in gave Denson the money. I expected to have my hand, for the clerk did look suspicious. been in funds long before this, but have been However, it was in my possession, and I was disappointed. The bill is due on the 13th-again at the coach in an instant. Driving you see I am a correct man of business-and with the former rapidity. I was at Lady unless it be taken up to-day, all must come Dashley's door in a twinkling. I rushed up out to-morrow; and you remember the fate stairs, and found the parties as I had left of Dr. Dodd-it will be mine. Now, will them. Neither had power to utter a syllable. you lend me a hand ?' There is the bill,' said I putting it into the

'Will lady Dashley give you money?'

• Will she not, and the honor of the family

at stake? Come assist me to rise.'

I did get him out of bed, and his clothes on. He fainted once, and I gave up all for lost; but he recovered, and his resolution was as strong as ever. I had almost to carry him to the coach, and, when seated there, had to support him from falling. By the time we had approached Lady Dashley's, he ralljed; and though I trembled for the result, he went firmly, but deadly pale, and walked into the house. I was left in no enviable

for months, and raved continually of bills,
and banks, and felony, but he recovered.
He has not touched card nor dice box since.

BIOGRAPHY.

From the American Magazine.
Mrs, James Madison.
THE parents of Mrs. Madison, whose maid-
en name was Dolly Payne, were natives of
Virginia. She was however born in North
Carolina, while her mother was on a visit to
some of her friends in that state. Not long
after their marriage, her parents joined the

At an early age she was married to Mr. Todd, a young lawyer of Philadelphia, and also a member of the society of Friends. This connexion was of short duration. She was soon left a widow with an infant son. Her father being also dead, she went to live with her surviving parent, who had fixed her residence in the same city. Here her beauty and engaging manners secured her many admirers and brought her several advantageous offers of marriage. Among those who sought her hand she gave preference to James Madison, at that time a distinguished member of Congress, to whom she was married in 1794.

tate.

From this time to the time of Mr. Madison's appointment as Secetary of State, she resided at Montpelier on Mr. Madison's esHere she entertained his numerous friends and guests with an abundant and cordial hospitality. Her mother and sisters lived with her, and the regard and kindness with which her husband treated them, was repaid on her part by similar attentions to the happiness and comfort of his aged mother, who continued to live with her son.

The

On Mr. Jefferson's election to the Presidency, in 1801, Mr. Madison was appointed Secretary of State, and in April of that year removed his family to Washington. We cannot better describe the manner in which she acquitted herself in the new and elevated station to which she was now raised, than in the language of the memoir in the national portrait gallery, a work of great merit. President's house was the seat of hospitality, where Mrs. Madison always presided in the absence of Mr. Jefferson's daughters, when there were female guests. After the President's, the house of the Secretary of State was the resort of most company. The frank and cordial manners of its mistress gave a peculiar charm to the frequent parties there assembled. All foreigners who visited the seat of government-strangers from the dif ferent states of the Union, the heads of departments, the diplomatic corps, senators, representatives, and citizens, mingled with an ease and freedom, a sociability and gaiety, to be met with in no other society.-Even party spirit, virulent and embittered as it then was, by her gentleness was disarmed of its asperity,