Page:Posthumous works, in prose and verse - Ann Eliza Bleecker.djvu/43

Rh whom fhe politely difcarded, and withdrew lierfelf awhile from public obfervation. How ever, the fame of her charms attracted feveral gentlemen of family from Albany, who intruded on her retirement, foliciting her hand. But this happinefs was referved for a near relation of her's, one Mr. KITTLE, whofe merits had made an impreffion on her heart. He, although not handfome, was poflefled of a moft engaging addrefs ; while his learning and moral virtues more particularly recommended him to her efteem. Their parents foon difcovered their reciprocal paflion, and highly approving of it, haftened their marriage, which was celebrated under the moft happy aufpices.

MARIA was fifteen when married. They removed to- his farm, on which he had built a which gave it a contemplative air. It was fi- tnated on an eminence, with a green inclofure in the front, graced by a well cultivated gar den on one fide, and on the other by a clear Are am, which, milling over a bed of white pebble, gave them a high poliih, that caft a foft gleam through the water.
 * fmall neat houfe, furrounded by tall cedars,