THE RURAL REPOSITORY. DEVOTED TO POLITE LITERATURE, SUCH AS MORAL AND SENTIMENTAL TALES, ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS, BIOGRAPHY, TRAVELING SKETCHES, AMUSING MISCELLANY, HUMOROUS AND HISTORICAL ANECDOTES, SUMMARY, POETRY, &c. VOL. XIII-IV. NEW SERIES.] SELECT TALES. The Expiation. HUDSON, N. Y. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1836. was fascinated by the playful sallies of her GERALDINE was young and beautiful.-No careful mother had taught her to curb the wild exuberance of her romantic fancy, or to regulate her conduct, by the strict rules of female etiquette, for she was early left an orphan. Possessed of an ardent imagination and a buoyancy of feeling, which as yet, bad never known the influence of sorrow, she 'I fear,' sighed Geraldine, he loves me followed without restraint the impulses of her too well; and must I make him unhappy? I, feelings, and the dictates of her own fancy; for whom he would make any sacrifice, to and well for Geraldine that nature had bestow-whom he has given so many proofs of attached on her a benevolent heart and noble senti- ment! Till now, I never imagined I could ments; for they often supplied to her the love any one better than my cousin; yet I place of discretion, and more than atoned knew not my own heart when I permitted him for the errors of her judgment. There was a to talk to me of love. I could now never be Cascination in her look, a charm about every happy in marriage with him. I will give him thing she said and did, that silenced rebuke, my full confidence; he is generous and and not unfrequently attracted wisdom and amiable; he will pity, he will resign, but he prudence to the side of youthful folly. will not condemn me!' NO. 8. for it assured her that he would endeavor to conquer his youthful attachment, and, in time, regard her merely as a friend. But one had witnessed that interview, on whose mind it made a deeply painful impression. Fitzroy had wandered out in search of Geraldine, and saw her in a retired walk, conversing with Montgarnier; he saw she was weeping, but heard not their discourse; he turned, and left the spot; but the idea that the youth might have been a lover, perhaps a favored onc, haunted his fancy. Yet when he again met his beautiful Geraldine, her ingenious smile and fascinating gaiety restored peace to his bosom, 'It is all folly,' said he, as he dismissed the last throb of jealous feeling from his heart; is she not wholly mine, and is she not irresistibly lovely?' The bridal day arrived, and the slightly pensive thought, and beautiful modesty, which displaced the smiles and dimples on the cheek of Geraldine, rendered her more than usually At sixteen, Geraldine was in love-at least, Montgarnier had kept aloof from the time charming; and Fitzroy was at the summit of she fancied herself so; and her cousin, Mout- he perceived Fitzroy's love fo: Geraldine, happiness. It was decided that they were to garnier, who was nearly as gay and whimsical and the latter, absorbed in her own passion, sail the day after their union to England, as as herself, worshipped the little idol who was had scarcely noticed the youth. In pursuance affairs of importance urged his return to his at once his delight and his torment. He was of her resolution, Geraldine sought an inter-own country; and Geraldine willingly consentthe partner of all her wild schemes and child-view with her cousin, and with her usual ed to quit her native land, and the scenes of ish frolics, and not unfrequently her agent in frankness, proposed to speak, though not with- her childhood, happy in the love of one being, acts of true benevolence and noble generosity; out extreme pain, of the state of her feelings. who was now the whole world to her. for fortune too, had been liberal of her gifts Say nothing, lovely Geraldine,' interrupted" to Geraldine, and her warm and feeling heart the generous youth, I know all you would delighted to dispense happiness to others. utter. It was but the affection of a sister He never dreamed of disputing her will, and that you felt for me. I am not worthy to she was certain of implicit obedience when aspire to the hand of Geraldine, but I may she issued a command or hinted a wish to still love her as a sister, still reverence her as Montgarnier. He had often told her how the loveliest of her sex.' Be happy with Fitzdearly he loved her, and, as she never rebuked roy; and remember, when at a distance, that him, he imagined she loved him in return; Montgarnier's fervent prayers are offered and so thought Geraldine, though the idea of for the felicity of both! Geraldine melted marriage never disturbed her tranquillity, for into tears, and left the noble boy with feelings she never gave it a thought. Happy would of deep respect. it have been for Montgarnier-at least he then 'It was a few days previous to that appointed thought so, if Geraldine had never seen the for her bridal, that Geraldine again met Montgraceful Fitzroy. He was a stranger from garnier by accident, and was listening to his England, and was introduced to the house of reiterated and respectful wishes for her hapthe friends with whom she resided. Fitzroy piness, with softened feelings and a moistened was charmed with her beauty-his imagination eye. Geraldine was happier for this meeting, roy cast on her a look of rage and contempt, The marriage ceremony was over-festive gaiety reigned throughout the mansion, when suddenly Fitzroy missed his bride from among the lovely groups that had surrounded her; and thinking she had strayed into the garden to avoid the bustle of the scene, he sought her there, and having wandered to its fartherest extremity, he beheld Geraldine leaning against a tree; her fair hands were crossed over her brow; beside her stood a youth-it was Montgarnier! Presently Geraldine turned, as if to depart. Fitzroy maddened by jealous agony, rushed franticly forward. Montgarnier perceiving his approach, stood calmly awaiting him. The sight of Fitzroy's infuriated countenance and gestures took from Geraldine the power of utterance. Fitz * Insolent stripling,' he furiously exclaimed, thus on my bridal day, to dare my vengeance!' 'Fitzroy,' answered Montgarnier, I will never raise my hand against the husband of Geraldine.' 'Her husband! madly repeated Fitzroy, I disclaim the title. Here we part forever! Madam, I give you back your worthless vows. 1 claim my own. What is an idle ceremony which your heart disavows? Henceforward we are strangers.' An agreement was privately made with the captain of the ship, whose sailing was delayed a day longer. In the darkness of night, Geraldine went on board, taking with her only one female servant, and bade adieu to her native land with a heart vibrating between hope and fear. Fitzroy, secluded in his cabin, a prey to all the tortures of jealous love, little suspected that his wife was so near him. On his asking who his neighbor was, the captain informed him that the cabin was engaged by an invalid lady, who seldom came on deck. Geraldine had often heard Fitzroy mention an aunt he had in England. To her Geraldine Hear but a moment,' she faintly uttered; determined to go, and engage her to assist but Fitzroy scorned to listen. her in proving to Fitzroy her innocence, and He again repeated his challenge to Mont-her unbounded love. She determined to garnier, which was by the latter calmly, and keep him in ignorance of her being in England, with firmness, declined. and when time had blunted the keenness of his resentment, she would reveal herself, and explain all. known to Geraldine. Fitzroy was suddenly seized with a violent fever, which prevented his departure, and wore a threatening aspect. In the threatening paroxysm of his delirium, he raved for Geraldine, who at the moment was bending over him with all the agonizing solicitude of affection. At length his recollection returned, and again Geraldine became invisible. Once, when he slept, she stole to his pillow to gaze on his pale cheek and marble brow. Suddenly he awoke and Geraldine glided away. His fancy dwelt on the receding figure, and he inquired what beautiful visitant watched his slumbers. His aunt tried to evade his inquiries, but Fitzroy still dwelt on the vision he had seen. It wears,' said he, the figure of my own deserted love." As Fitzroy's health returned, his desire to revisit America acquired new force. 'I will no longer delay,' said he to his kind friend; I feel a conviction that my wife is innocent-that she still loves me. Let me hasten to expiate my crime, and if possible, atone to her for my cruel desertion.' 'Wait only one week,' returned she, and if you still persist in your resolution, I promise to be the companion of your voyage; nay, even my secluded guest, the visitant of your sick couch, shall accompany us.' Fitzroy started; tell me,' he exclaimed, who is this mysterious being. Her face I could not see, but her figure, her step, her floating hair-can there be two such forms? Often I imagined, during my illness, that the soft voice of Geraldine addressed me. It was a strange delusion!' Stung with madness, Fitzroy rushed from the garden; and Geraldine, in a state of mind which beggars description, reached the house, 'He who could doubt me,' she said to and gained the privacy of her own apartment. herself, deserves to suffer some suspense.' To one friend only did the forsaken bride Fitzroy's curiosity was a little excited by the communicate her anguish, and its cause; to mystery which enveloped the invalid lady.' all others, sudden indisposition was alleged He never saw her except by catching an as an excuse for her absence. To this dear accidental glimpse as she went on deck when friend the protectress of her youth, she con-he had retired to his cabin, and then she fessed she met Montgarnier by appointment, was so closely enveloped in her mourning to give and receive a last farewell; that dress, that he could not distinguish her in parting with him, she felt as if bidding adieu || figure or countenance. to a dear and only brother, and that Mont- On their arrival, he went to the house of garnier claimed from her only a sister's love. his aunt, Mrs. Wallingford. As he entered, This was the first affliction Geraldine had he encountered a female leaving the house, ever known. Her agony at the mistake, and whom he thought he recognised as his invalid consequent conduct of Fitzroy, nearly depri- || fellow passenger. After the first joyful meet- If you look into the garden,' said his ved her of her senses. Her fears for hising was over, he inquired of his aunt concern-venerable friend, safety, and for that of Montgarnier, completed ing her. She told him the lady was a stran- fellow passenger. her misery. ger, had called on business, and would After some hours of suspense, a mote came probably take up her abode at her house for a from Montgarnier. He bade her be under no short time; that she was in affliction, and apprehension, for he would never meet Fitz-wished to be perfectly retired. roy with hostile views; that he had sought So far, Geraldine's plan succeeded even Fitzroy on board the ship which was to con- beyond her expectations. She had hastened vey him to England, but he refused to see him, to Mrs. Wallingford immediately on her or to listen to an explanation, unless Mont-arrival, and engaged the good lady entirely garnier would first accept his challenge. A sudden thought darted across Geraldine's mind, and in all probability, saved her from distraction. It was to follow Fitzroy, nay, to sail in the same ship with him, and keep him in ignorance of her being near him. in her interest. Mrs. Wallingford had drawn from him an avowal of his marriage, and the events which followed. She assured him that Geraldine might have listened in tears to the farewell of her young lover, and even thrown herself When arrived in England,' argued Geral-into his arms at parting, and still be free dine, I shall be enabled to convince him of my truth and his injustice. I owe him some expiation for the misery he now feels. Montgarnier, the kind, the noble Montgarnier, will aid my enterprise. you will again see your She is walking there.' Fitzroy looked. The lady was no longer enveloped in her impervious covering, but her sylph-like form, the same he had seen in his chamber, appeared in all its symmetry. The dark golden ringlets were unconfined, and all except the pensive, measured step, reminded him of Geraldine. She turned, and Fitzroy sunk almost fainting on his scat. It is herself 'he wildly exclaimed—' my own deserted wife!' Brief and rapturous were the explanations that followed; Geraldine was clasped in the arms of her repentant lover.-Both had suffered severely; but now mutual confifrom any feeling more tender than the rela- dence succeeded to jealousy and suspense. tionship between them warranted. In short, Generous pity and sincere respect filled his she convinced him that he might have been heart towards the high minded youth who mistaken, and certainly had been rash. had proved himself so worthy to be the Fitzroy determined to return to America,friend of his beloved companion. To the fears which her friends expressed and listen to the vindication he now began to refor her safety and comfort, she only answered; peut not having listened to before, to hear his Heaven will protect me; it is my duty.doom from Geraldine's lips, and to live near The holiest bonds have united us-fate only her. This resolution he immediately commucan work our separation, nicated to his aunt, who as promptly made it Alas! my Geraldine,' he said, ' Montgarnier suffered severely enough in loving you, and to those sufferings I added scorn and revilings. Had it not been for his noble forbearance. I should not thus have held thee." tered the carriage to return to Meriton Hall, || to convince her it was the effect of accident— · Well, Frank, how did you like the heiress?' elegant !' 'Oh! such a good joke!' cried the Lieut-per-room? Here James, you are a stranger, enant, laughing again. I meant to have let and want to dance-I will introduce you to you alone until after the ball, but I cannot Miss Warnham, a pretty nobody, who will keep it to myself.' be thankful for any attention.' You may 'What charming joke is this, Manton? imagine I did not receive his knight very Pray enlighten me.' graciously, and therefore danced no more.' 'But Isabel, yon must be mistaken-he could not have meant you. Oh, if you knew him as well as I do-his sentiments are so noble, and he possesses so much refinement, and enters so entirely into all my ideas, and is so considerate and attentive to my wishes!' And loves you so well too. Does he not · From the Ladies Companion. Scenes at Washington. COME, Alice, you have been gazing into that tree long enough to have counted its leaves. See, your carriage is waiting. Where shall we drive this afternoon? You will say to the banks of the Anacosta for a romantic ramble-I say to the Capitol-grounds, to mix | in the throng of Washington fashionables and their lions. I aní your guest, you know, and therefore must have my will;' and as she 'Well, Frank, the truth is, the light-haired spoke Isabel Warnham playfully placed the girl is the heiress, and not the pretty dark simple straw bonnet upon Alice's fair locks, eyed one to whom Iintroduced you. I want and casting a farewell glance at the drawing-ed to get into Miss Meriton's good graces, room mirror, followed her friend to the car-and as I feared the effect of your sentimental riage. As the glittering vehicle stopped af eyes, I put you upon the wrong scent.' one of the gates of the beautiful grounds which surround the Capitol, and which, with good taste, the citizens have chosen for an evening promenade, several gentlemen were seen hastily advancing to assist the ladies in alighting, and to attend them during their walk. Alice Meriton was the heiress of a fine estate near the city of Washington, upon which she resided with her mother. A pretty delicate creature, surrounded by attached slaves, she had never experienced any very strenuous opposition to her most fanciful desires; and as she had been educated in the convent at Georgetown, she had, like many of the young girls in the vicinity, acquired an attachment to the Catholic religion, and all its picturesque observances so captivating to a young and romantic mind. Novels or books of devotion formed her only library, and the constant perusal of these had induced a retiring and romantic disposition, which rendered the homage paid to her wealth an annoyance, rather than a pleasure to her. Isabel was from one of the northern states, and consequently a different creature, she was poor, and, although beautiful, she had early been taught the importance of useful and ornamental accomplishments, and indeed, perceiving with the peculiar tact of our northern damsels, that a graceful manner and Pari-not, Isabel ?' sian bonnet were the sum total of the beauty of many a belle; she had adopted both, and at home was the charm of a circle of admiring friends, who had persuaded her to accept a warm invitation from her early friend, Alice,|| asks me.' to pass a month with her, and, as they secretly hoped, to dazzle the heterogeneous world of the metropolis. After they had chatted with their acquaintances, paused to admire the You could not avoid it, Alice, you haveington, when, feeling the want of a female sunset view of the widely extended city be-been so much surrounded. At first I was companion, he had sought her out to cheer neath their feet; the majestic Potomac; the noticed as your guest, but now, as I have no wooded hills which rise behind the city, and other claim to distinction than my own merits, near them the noble Capitol with its proud I yield to those who have.' Isabel was vexed porticoes and sweeping terraces, they re-en---it was plain, and Alice vainly endeavored Charles Manton!' exclaimed the mortified dandy, I thought, you had more friendship || say so, Alice?' for me. Here I have wasted an hour upon Alice blushed, and faltered-' He does.' a girl without a cent-exhausted my most Isabel was startled. She had spoken brilliant speeches-practised my most stri- thoughtlessly, for she dreamed not that matters king attitudes-when I might have attended were so far advanced; but as she glanced at the Secretary's daughter, or, at least, the agitated contenances of her friend, she pursued my acquaintance with Mrs. S- -perceived that the doubtful attachment which who gives such charming parties.' And the ambitious young man professed, was more Frank Hall was walking away. highly of than returned by the affectionate and confifended at such unkind treatment, when the ding Alice. Isabel said no more, but kissing young officer proposed, as a peace-offering, her friend, she retired to her own apartment, to introduce his injured companion to the convinced by her knowledge of Alice's chardashing lady of one of the Auditor's who was acter, that any attempt to undeceive her by just alighting from her carriage. argument were superfluous. Beautiful and Ob, Isabel when will this whirl of gaiety accomplished, the idol of her own circle in a cease?' sighed Alice as she threw off her small town in Connecticut, Isabel was ill preshawl on their return from a party, and scat-pared to contend for distinction with the ared herself at a window in the moonlight. It is almost June, and still we must spend our evenings in a crowded apartment, instead of breathing the sweet air of the groves. I wish Congress would adjourn and leave us to our quiet life again.' Dear Alice, do you find it so hard to obey your mother's wishes, and mix in society where you are so much courted and admired?' said Isabel, rather sadly. it istocracy' of the South; and, in spite of her better reason, felt sensibly the obscurity of her situation in the metropolis, and as Mrs. Meriton had taken a whim that Alice and Manton should not marry until he had attained the rank of captain in his corps, which might not occur within a year, Isabel determined to return to her native town. Judge Lawcourt was a wealthy and childless widower, and his niece, Isabel Warnham, a I am so weary with dancing!-are you poor orphan. What more natural that he I-I have not danced much lately.' Why do you not? you have always liked more than I.' should make her his heiress? He did so, upon the condition that she should take his name, and consider herself, in all respects, as his daughter. Her early childhood had 'Because,' replied Isabel proudly; no one been passed at boarding-school, a short dis Dear Isabel! and I have been so selfish, so entirely occupied with my own vexations or pleasures that I have not noticed it.' tance from him; and as she had been intrusted, at her parents' death, to the care of a maiden aunt, he had thought little of her existence, until after her return from Wash his lonely household. The Judge was one of the warmest politicians in Connecticut, and an active and valuable friend of the government; and when, the following year, he was appointed a member of the United States Senate, his fellow citizens congratulated themselves upon the luster which would reflect upon them from his brilliant talents and energetic mind. Isabel was to accompany him, and rejoicing in the prospect of being once more near herfriend Alice, whom she supposed was already a bride, she cheerfully consented to return to the scene of gaiety although not entirely unforgetful of her former disappointment. Indeed, Mr. Hall, you must stop a little in dress;' for now none of Isabel's attracwhile. I am positively weary promenading tions were unobserved. around these immense rooms, with such a variety of splendid dresses and brilliant lights around ine. I am sure the President never had such an elegant party before.' After the first greeting had passed between the young men, Manton exclaimed: Pray, Frank, what does this mean? I fear I have made a sad mistake. When I first entered My dear young lady,' replied Frank to the room I saw Miss Warnham leaning upon the pretty girl that was leaning on his arm. the arm of an elderly gentleman, and, as I You may venture to occupy a part of one of was in haste to be presented to the elegant these inviting sofas, although our tyrant fash-Miss Lawcourt, of whom I have heard so ion has ordained that all must stand, walk or much to-day, I passed her, rather rudely, I Idance.' confess, with a slight bow. Now I see her, Well, now that we are so comfortably set-apparently, the star of the evening. Explain tled, tell me the news of the evening. Why to me this riddle.' does Governor G-seem so much occu A letter from Alice-how delightful! suppose to inform me of her marriage' and Isabel eagerly commenced the perusal of the following letter :— So it appears. What a crowd of admirers she has around her. Quite the ton I declare. And Judge Lawcourt is a widower, I believe,' said the young lady, rising to obtain another glance at the new arrivals. Ah, there is Mrs. Meriton,' she continued; once more in the gay world. What could have induced her pretty daughter, Alice, to have joined the Sisters of Charity? and just at the meeting of Congress, when every one anticipated such a gay season.' 6 'Nothing, I assure you. Alice determined to keep it secret for her own sake, and no one suspects a word.' Frank related the cause of this change, MY DEAREST FRIEND : To you only can I ex-pied with that young lady in white satin and which appeared to his auditor perfectly natupress the agony of my heart. All, all my emeralds? I declare he is going to waltz ||ral and satisfactory, and all his anxiety was hopes of happiness have fled! To-day with her! and at his age too. Who can she now directed to repair his negligence. But hoped to have been the bride of one whom be?' Captain, do you think she knows anything my heart singled out from all who addressed It is plain, Miss that you have been about Alice's affair ?' me—one, whose soul I pictured to myself as absent from the city some time, or you must the counterpart of my own, and whose hopes have heard of the charming Miss Lawcourt, I blindly thought, were fixed on me alone.who is winning all hearts. She is the niece But, ah! dearest Isabel, why did I not see of the new Senator from Connecticut, and Thus encouraged, they approached to renhim as you did? Worldly, heartless, and heiress of his immense wealth.' der homage to the belle. Isabel was too false! Forgive me if I write hurriedly and sensible to attribute the admiration which she wildly. I will strive to tell you all. Two excited to her own charms alone, for she was days ago he was obliged, by some military aware that she had changed very little since duty, to leave me for a day. He wrote to me. her first appearance in the same scenes; but and also to Frank Hall. But it seems as if the daily increasing distinction conferred fate had ordained that he should betray himupon her, through her uncle's influence, was self to me, as well as to you; for, in his haste, momentarily pleasing, and she derived much he addressed Frank's letter to me, and mine, amusement from the study of character now I suppose, to Frank. Isabel, I will transcribe opened to her. Alice's determination to forit literally :— Friend in iniquity. I wish you sake a world for which she found herself would satisfy that dun of a tailor for me in any unfitted by the severe trial to which her gentle way you can, for I shall get hold of some of Frank Hall let his glove fall, and sought for spirit had been brought, was a bitter disapAlice's property soon, and I am sure I de-it while the lady ran on. By-the-by, Mr. pointment to Isabel; and the more she serve it, for all my patience and perseverance. Hall, you ought to know something about reflected upon her fate, the more she became I am almost run out—credit and all ; but hope that affair, you were intimate with Captain possessed with a desire to avenge her injuries. to hold out some days longer. You need Manton, when Alice so strangely changed her Isabel visited her friend constantly in her not be concerned about my engagement with mind about marrying, and then undertook to retreat, and was almost vexed with the appaMary Lanner, I have not taken the trouble devote her life to teaching orphans, and dis-rent composure with which Alice, now Sister to break it, to be sure,, but she will see my guised her fair face beneath the horrid hood Clementina, fulfilled the arduous duties marriage in the paper, and that will be time of the Sisters, and her graceful form in their shared by the noble-minded sisterhood, enough. You know she has no father or broth-clumsy cloth dress.' cheered by heartfelt devotion to their minders to bother me. I always take care of that.' She was always very odd and romantic,' enthralling religion. Among all her former Oh Isabel! I cannot bear that the world murmured Frank. should know how base he is. I have promised him that I will not divulge the cause of our separation, and you also, my friend, must acquaintances, Isabel looked round with the Ah, true. And I hear that Captain Man-most interest for the obscure artist, Henry on has returned to Washington.' Shirley, who had formerly been constantly at He arrived this morning. I have not yet hand to relieve her from an unpleasant situaaid me to keep it secret. Say I am odd-seen him, but expect him to meet me heretion, or attend her in a crowd. Now she saw say anything, but that I loved such a man. to-night. I see him seeking for me in the him but rarely-occasionally, while in the He has gone to a distant station. A. M.' crowd. Excuse me if I leave you. Your Senate gallery listening to Judge Law court's Isabel wept long and bitterly over her brother is approaching.' eloquent speeches, she could perceive his dark friend's touching letter. She mourned that Frank made his way impatiently through eyes fixed upon her from the opposite side; she could not be near to console her, or that the brilliant throng towards his friend, whom or, upon returning from a ride, find a bouquet she was not a man to avenge her. But the he found gazing in astonishment at their old for the evening party, with his card,; but at time approached for her departure, and in the acquaintance, Isabel, whom he perceived sur-the scene of gaiety her eye roved in vain to bustle of her preparations, which, according rounded by the proudest of the nation, distinguish his graceful form, or if they did to her uncle's desire and liberal allowance, conversing with members of the foreign by chance meet, he scarcely addressed her, were made on an extensive scale, Isabellegations in their native languages, and heard, unless she invited him to her side. In the strove to forget her friend's sorrows, in the from time to time, exclamations of how meanwhile Captain Manton's attentions to hope of meeting and consoling her. charming, so much wit,'-' and such taste Isabel became every day more assiduous. If gives hay to the 'orses')-leans against the gas lamp at the corner, looking with the vacant indifference of habit at the splendid coach with its four blood bays just starting from the Brighton coach-office in the Crescent. The side-walk of Coventry-street, usually radiant with the flaunting dresses of the frail and vicious, is now sober with the dull habiliments of the early stirring and the she joined the ladies of her circle in their || attachment to me arises from no purer favorite lounge at the fashionable dry-good motives; and thus I publicly reject him. shops of the city, he was near to turn over Can you deny these things, Sir?' she added, the laces, or decide upon the color of her turning proudly to the agitated Captain next dress. If a slight fall of snow set the Manton. Washington world on runners, his was the only He strove some minutes to speak, but conestablishment rich enough in bells to make a science struck, and perceiving the uselessness jingle fit for a Northern ear; and his fleet of a weak defence, he covered his face and ponies were first at her door. And Isabel-rushed from the room. That evening the could she have forgotten the past? Isabel eccentric Isabel was married to her unpre- poor. The town-(for this is town, not city) always received him with a smile, listened to suming lover, Henry Shirley, to whom she-beats its more honest pulse. Industry alone his glowing words with a varying blush-and had been secretly engaged. The marriage is abroad. in short, it was soon made known that she preparations, she, with his and her uncle's had consented to bestow her expected thou- consent, had allowed to go on in the name of sands and her own charming self, upon the Captain Manton, in order, as she said, to handsome Captain Manton. punish him for his dastardly and cruel conduct.' How very soon! only a few weeks since she arrived; and the first offer I understand." Rupert-street on the left is the haunt of shabby-genteel poverty. To its low-doored chop-houses steal after dusk the more needy loungers of Regent-street, and in confined and greasy, but separate and exclusive boxes, they eat their mutton-shop and potato, unseen of their gayer acquaintances. Here comes the half-pay officer, whose half-pay is halved or quartered with wife and children, to drink his Captain Manton was never again seen in Washington, having been privately advised to resign his commission in the Marine corps. Sister Clementina has regularly renewed her vows every year, resisting all Isabel's entreat-solitary half pint of sherry, and over a niggar ies to return to the world; and, while actively portion of soup and vegetables, recall, as well performing her charitable duties, has received as he may in imagination, the gay dinners at that peace of mind,' which the world had mess, and the companions now grown cold— failed to bestow. S. C. S. in death or worldliness! Here comes the sharper out of luck, the debtor newly out of a' gay fellow about town,' who will dine to-morrow, or may have dined yesterday, at a table of unsparing luxury, but who now turns up Rupertstreet at seven, cursing the mischance that Early morning rambles-people abroad at that hour-draws upon his own slender pocket for the shabby-genteel eating-houses at the West End-their fre-dinner of to-day. Here are found the watchenters the region of French and Italian exiles-second-ful host and the suspicious waiter—the closelyhand fashionable finery shops-the squalid misery of the inhabitants between the town and city-the Strand, the main artery of the world. How could the Judge allow it? Thus spoke the world while the wedding arrangements were making, and the day speedily arrived. Isabel decided upon inviting a large number of guests, and the bride's will was law. Young Captain Manton was in ecstasy at his success; and Frank Hall declared, in a tone of vexation, that if a man were handsome he needed no other qualification to marry Donna Maria herself. Judge Lawcourt's spacious TRAVELING SKETCHES. prison. And here comes many apartments were filled with guests, the Reverend Mr. had arrived, the groom, in a dazzling new uniform, awaited the appearance of the bride. She comes at length, simply attired in muslin, and takes her place at the end of the room. The Clergyman approached to commence the ceremony, when Isabel begged him to delay a few minutes, while she explained some circumstances to her friends, of which they were ignoraut. Loiterings of Travel. BY N. P. WILLIS. THE STREETS OF LONDON. IT has been said that few men know how to take a walk.' In London it requires some experience to know where to take a walk. The taste of the perambulator, the hour of the day, and the season of the year, would each affect materially the decision of the question. measured wine, and the more closely-measured attention-the silent and shrinking company, the close-drawn curtain, the suppressed call for the bill, the lingering at the table of those who value the retreat and the shelter to recover from the embarrassing recognition and the objectless saunter through the streets. The ruin, the distress, the despair, that wait so closely upon the heels of fashion, pass here with their victims. It is the last step within the bounds of respectabilfrom your hotel in Bond-street, and hastening ity. They still live at the West End,' while through Regent-street and the Quadrant, they dine in Rupert-street. They may still (deserts at that hour,) strike into the zigzag linger in the Park, or stroll in Bond-street till of thronged alleys, cutting traversely from their better-fledged friends flit to dinner at the Coventry-street to Covent-garden. The hor-clubs, and within a stone's throw of the luxuses on the cab-stand in the Hay-market, are rious tables and the gay mirth they so bitterly at this hour asleep.' The late supper-eaters remember, sit down to an ill-dressed meal, at Dubourg's and the Cafe de L'Europe were and satisfy the calls of hunger in silence. Ah, the last infliction upon their galled withers, the outskirts of the bright places in life are and while dissipation slumbers they may find darker for the light that shines so near them! an hour to hang their heads upon the bit, and How much sweeter is the coarsest meal forget gall and spavin in the sunshiny drowse shared with the savage in the wilderness, of morning. The cab-man, too, nods on his than the comparative comfort of cooked meats perch outside, careless of the custom of and wine in a neighborhood like this! 'them as pays only their fare,' and quite sure Come through this narrow lane into Leinot to get a gemman to drive' at that unsea-cester Square. You cross here the first limit sonable hour. The waterman'-(called a of the fashionable quarter. The Sabloniere waterman, as he will tell you, because he Hotel is in this square, but you may not give I believe you will all agree with me,' said she, that when a foul wrong is done in private, and the perpetrator of it enjoys the favor of the public, to the exclusion of more honorable persons, that it is a great injustice. I have long known such a case, and have been, until lately, under a promise to keep it a If you are up early-I mean early for secret. Now, with my uncle's permission, I London-say ten o'clock-we would start will divulge it as a punishment to the guilty. This young man,' pointing to the bewildered groom, bears a good character among you. Some years ago he declared an attachment to|| a poor orphan without any intention of carrying it beyond a jest; and boasted that he had taken care to ascertain that she had no father or brothers to trouble him, when he should choose to undeceive her! She is now dying. During this engagement, when he found himself on the point of ruin from dissipation, he formed another with a young lady of fortune in order to pay his debts with her property after his marriage. She accidentally discovered his intention and dismissed him; but, from mistaken delicacy, kept the cause of their separation a secret. I have also good reason to know that his suddenly professed |