The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-09-24
CHAPTER VII.


They had not spoken; but they felt alurcd
As if their souls and lips each other beckond
BYRos.
Though absent, present in desires they be;
Our souls much further than our eyes can see.
DRAyToS.
The time at last arrived when young Irving ie
compelled TO tear himself away from one who had
woven powerful spell around his heart Strong
us were the ties that drew him TO his hone--ar-
IDENTITY rs he desired once more TO embrace moth
or and sister whom he londy loved still he con-
templaled the hour of his departure with emotions
of the deepest sadness. lie had never sought an
ayowal Of his loyc-he had never sought an en-
preston ofthe sentiments of her whose image was
ensrincd in his very heart OF hcarts-yet well he
knew that maidcn's heart was all his own Why
then did he hesitate What, should prevent his Sc
curing the treasure, which, it would SEEM proyi-
dence had placed in his rcachl Not on his own
account did he refrain from declaring his passion
and seek return Nay, feeling that life without
her companionshp would be poor boon he had de-
termned at some future time on revealing his al
lection, and, If possible, securing her hand.
But he had reasons for delay Ing this declaration.
He belonged to one of the pa,rician families Of
Virginia. lie was well aware that his mother was
of that class which chershes-ior the class is not
extincl-peculiar notions in regard TO birth and Tor
tunc-a class which shrinks from, or scorns an al
lance with those in humble rank-which AFRO
gates superiority above the common herd-as
though the purple currents that course their vines
sprung from pure source than that of the rest OF
Gods creatures. Such were the ideas early in
stcd into young Irving. But as he grew in years
his good native sense taught him better. lie saw
among the different grades of society no radical dis
tinctiOn. lie saw those in the lower walks OF life
borne down and fcttered by crcunstances-ft-
ted TO adorn any station in life and, boosted OF
their blood, who were not, so far as true merit is
concerned, worthy to undo the latches of many
whose companionshp they spurncd. Seeing this,
he felt, with the poet, that there Is
mo distinction tween man and man,
but as his virtues add to- him asory,
Or vices cloud him.
Well knowing his mothers views on this point,
he thought, for the happiness of all, ere he commit
ted himself it would be best for him to confer with
her. Itrequired, however, all the force of restraint
he could command when he announced his inten-
ton Of leaving for home. lie first mentioned 1t to
Ellen alone, and the manner with which the lnior-
mat ion was received--ihe tone with which she ut
terd the words-invounarily, as II were-'liome,
Edward Oh, why should our homes be apart!
the deep detection which accompanied this art
less though meaning exclamalion---almost threw
him of his guard, and he was on the point ofclas
ping the lovely girl to his heart and pouring into
her ear the tender avowal which trembled on his
lips. Fortunately for this purpose, the enierance
Of the wrecLer and his wife checked the impulse
Many and hearty were the regrets expressed by the
parents when informed Of bis intentions. lie had
been domesicaled with them SO long, tina, they
looked upon him as one Of the family, and quite as
much interest was mafesied as if he was indeed
their son. His preparations for departing threw
shade of gloom over the household, and only the