Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-07-08
Nj is G E l. l. A N Y.
THE STOLEN MINIATURE.
ny MRS. n. S. NICHOLS.
june %, lS47.

1t was near midnight, Of those beautiful
summer evenings that brood over our Western
Land, as fair spirit lovers near to Paradise,
and which can be realized only by those who have
witnessed them, that one OF the numerous stran
gers that thrOng the waters of La Belle Riviere"
paused on lis upward course, before small town
which lay upon the banks OF the aforesaid stream
When the boat had effected landing, few pas
sengers, who were either blind to the charms of
Morpheus, more allied to those of sundry packs
| of cards which strewed the tables of the "social
hall, stepped OH shore to enjoy moonlight view
of the village. Among the number was group of
three individuals, who, Withdrawing from the rest,
sroed caIelessy along of the principal streets,
until they arrived at cross, turning down whose
short but secluded walk, several large buildings,
evidently the residences of the most wealthy por-
ton of the inhabitants, were situated AS thew
passed into this beautiful and peaceful retreat,
slight whispering, which presently broke forth into
loud and angry words, disturbed the sumberinG
echoes of the night.
81 tell you, Layton, it is impossible. l cannot,
will not do it,"
''Spoken like fool, and milksop, as you are
There is way, however, to stop your whining
scruples, and curse me if I'll not show it YOU"
Quick as thought the first speaker turned, and
confronting his companion. exclaimed, in voice
! trembling with passion
'Ay, there IS way to rouse the sleeping devil,
even in my cotcard frame but your threats fall re-
CARELESS my ear, while have this good blade to
protect me-" And long, gittering bowie knife
flashed beneath the soft rays of the harvest moon.
"By Heavens | believe you both to be mad.
Put up your knife. Bradley and you, Layton, keep
your internal tongue within your teeth, unless you
want to have this goody town about our ears"
This soothing speech delivered by the third
and hitherto silent companion and while the alter
cation is progressing, i'll lower tones, YOU, my gen
tie reader, shall have Daguerreoype sketch of at
least ore of the party. ~
Bradley Spencer was the son Of one of the most
wealthy and arstocratic planters in Louisiana, but
maternal affection he never knew, at least was not
conscious of it. his mother having been snatched
away in his childhood, by one of the fearful cpl
denies peculiar to that portion Of the South. His
father, high principled noble minded man. rich
| ly endowed with the warm blood and chivarous
feelings of the Southerner, having thus lost that
which he considered the better part OF life, gave
his undivided heart to this 'sole scion of his stock "
and, for his boys sake second lady darkened his
halls, or cast shadow over the golden sunlight of
the young heirs youthful existence Thus fondly
nurured and cherished, every wish INDUCED to the
utmost, young Bradley grew apace; but with all
his paernal prejudice, the elder Spencer could not
but note the wavering acts and vacillating mind of
his darling boy, beokening, even in youth the in
decision Of the man. With prophetic sorrow, he
saw the consequences entaed on one, who, ever
willing to follow, had projects to offer, or will OF
his own to oppose those OF others. TO eradicate
this crying evil, the boy sent, at the age of fir
teen, to college. ''There, at least" argued the
parent, she will learn independence Of thought and
expression" But how widely was he mistaken
An universal favorite among his classmates, win.
ming golden opinions from all, by his plant disposi
ton and suayty Of manners, and being allowed an
unlimited sum for his passing expenditures he bore
the palm, and relgned, anything but despot, over
his more firmly minded companions. II is not our
intention 10 follow him through the mazes of col
lege life and pass in silence over the four sue
ceeding years, when at the age of nineteen, ne was
recalled TO receive the last blessing and iniuncons
of dying father. Still true to his erroneous sys-
TEN Of indulgence, Mr. Spencer left his property to
the undivided control Of his son, Rondy immaoin
ing that an unlimited sway would overcome the
imbece principles Of youth, and teach him that
frmness Of mind and stability of purpose, so essen
tia to manhood
Youth is the season Of luxury and enjoyment
Joy is evauescent, and grief, in the young bosom
is but the o'ercasting Of summer sky; the clouc
passes away, and the bow Of promise is bent in III,
now smiling heavens Thus was it with Bradley:
grief. A few short weeks in New Orleans die
wonders they initiated him in the mysteries ant
delights Of the gaming table they did more -
they introduced him to the lowest haunts of vict