Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1850-11-08

11Clcu manu- duU even ucE PEOhu
mother would not object to receiving for {
her son-in-law. the heir of the richest t
merchant in New Orleans. h
Mirth and music resounded through
out, and gladness reigned predominant
in the splendid mansion of Mr.. Merton I
1t was the birth-night ball of his beauti- '
full and accomplished daughter Helen,
given on her nineteenth birthday, and
the magnificent saloons were thronged
by the youth, beauty and elite Of the
metropolis. All paid homage to her fas- I
cinating charms. Nor beneath their
fervent congratulations did there lurk
aught of malice or envy; for the sweet
disposition and gentle manners of Helen
Merton had won the good will of all who
knew her. And now as she replied to
their warm-hearted wishes, she looked
more beautiful than ever. She was at
tired in plain white dress, looped with
roses, and fitted exquisitely to her finely
moulded FORM her shining chestnut
curls were confined by costly diamond
headband, that sparkled on her forehead,
rivaling the transparent beauty and
clearness of her complexion.
At times, when she would mingle in
the giddy whirl of the dance, smile
would play upon her lovely features
! but when over, a melancholy express
ion would steal into her laughing eye,
telling something was yet wanting to
complete her happiness. She was think
ing perhaps, how he, who many years
T ago had won her maiden love, might,
j. while she was surrounded by wealth and
t luxury, be dragging out the prime Of bis
v life in poverty and distress. Yes she
still remembered the companion of her
childhood. Such is woman's constancy
+ aud love. Alas, that it should be SO Of
i ten abused!
II The evening was somewhat advanced,
/ when Mr.. Merton approached Helen,
locked arm in arm with young man,
u whose dark cou"tenance, raven hair and
d eyes, and tall straight form indicated a
native of the south.
E : Mr.. Thompson Of New Orleans, my
Id DEAR" said Mr.. Merton.
ut And then, after conversing few mo-
" ments, he sauntered to the opposite side
m OF the saloon.
"Who is that handsome young man
j. you Just now introduced to Helen p
asked Mrs. Merton of her husband.
IS. "That is Mr.. Thompson of New Or
A. leans, the richest merchant in that city
y and his father was before him. He ar
ur rived here but the day before yesterday
w | was introduced to him yesterday, ant
les invited him here tonight, and ifthe i'm
nd preston is not felt on Helen's heart
IRE which has hitherto been so callous, non
'ur ever will regret the disappearance Of
Irn Your protege Charles Elliston," sal
ar his wife. sarcastically.
'ok Mr.. Merton did not answer her, b
TO only turned away.
ing At first when the stranger was intro
ab- duced to Helen there appeared an air {
on embarrassment; but it gradually wore Of
to and he entered into conversation vii
t | his usual vivacity. In the course Of
ned she asked him if he had ever been
- the city before.
rles He replied that he had been when |
US was about seventeen years of age, al
lore that he had then become acquainted wi
lse- several of his own age, whose acquai
ow- tance he highly priced. Among tho
ev- he mentioned was that of Charles Eli
sing ton in particular.
lid. AS he pronounced the name, he be
dis his dark eyes full upon her, and pt
ver- ceived that she started, while, for an
ow- slant, agitation was visibly depicted
lew her countenance. After a momen
her pause, he continued
hila- "ButI have made inquiries since /
anse arrival, respecting him, and hear that
the has returned the kindness of his Der
ia factor, your father, with ingratitude,
ITO leaving his house and going no one kn
'eral whittier" .5
did "Oh no, sir, do not believe that il
race an idle report. He had reasons for lei
and ing my fathers house," and her vo
con- trembled, and tear stood in her eye
ised, Just then gentleman advanced
~" claim her hand for the cotillion, and
h he conversation was abruptly terminated
been Charles resigned her silently, but
ask heart was full
1t is strange how the lapse of
dogs years between youth and manhood
S he change the face and disguise the for
from the slight STRIPPING that little while
with clambered on our knee, we can scare
Mrs. recognise in the full, stately form,
staid demeanor of the man. Soft
aries, with Charles Thompson, and no wor
$ bo- that Helen and her father could not
Mrs. IN the rich merchant from the south,
g lost poor lad, who six years before, had
them with scarce dollar in his poe
zed- 1t was the morning following the
. 9TH and Mr.. and Mrs. Merton and H
na he weIe sitting in the parlor, the former
J bos. engaged in discussing some privat,
fairs, the latter with her head res
now upon her hand, apparently in |
m he lfhot,0bf The earyant o.so.o1 onJ /,