Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03

go, most certainly" said she again, adj
dressing Mary.
"Nay, sister, l may not 60 tonight"
she answered. II have other pleasures
to seek after, and other scenes TO take
up my time"
"More proftablY, l suppose, " inter-
rupted Helen. "Well, then, | will 90
alone" and without waiting for any
further remark, she abruptly left the
room.
They did not meet again till tea-time
soon after which an elegant carriage
drew up to the door, and Helen, richly
attired, was assisted in. Away whirled
the vehicle upon the stony pavement.
and as the sounds died away in the dis
lance, Mary cast one half sorrowing look
in the direction it had taken-then drew
together the folds Of the curtains to ex-
clude the departing rays Of The sun as
if wishing TO shut out all a V her own
reflections.
"Now, thought she, as she surveyed
the richly furnished room in which she
sat, "God has given me many blessings
has surrounded me not only with COM
forts, but with Injuries. He has given
me health, and many facilities for ac-
curing knowledge. / am now young.
with wealth at my disposal and what |
wish may do. II. ike Helen, I should
mingle in the gayeties ofthe fashionable
and pleasure-seeking l might appear like
them-happy, for a season-but, would
it not be oniyfor a season What would
there be left upon which reflection might
feed, but the fragments of wasted mo-
Tnents, spent in triling amusements p
When | look upon Nature, and view her
PROJECTIONS ; when / scent the fragrance
Of the ~new-bIown rose, and my eve is
delighted with its beauty, when my cal
catches the music of the birds, mingled
with the noise of the waterfalls-I can
but see in all these a union Of the Joy
GUS with the beautiful-the musical and
harmonious with the useful: am then
led to ask-'Who is the author Of al
this ?-and al answer comes slowly up
from my inmost thoughts, and tells me
1t is God4' f9inquire Still further
DOES HE cot desire that man also should
unite the beautiful with the useful-the
orderly with the harmonious 2 And |
am answered, Yes But, when | look
for this arrangement in mans social in.
%tercourse see it not. I am compelled
then to belive that there is a higher and
better system of social life, which lie:
hidden far off in the future,-a system
however, which we may all, even now
aim to unfold and practice !; a system
which seeks to relieve the oppressed, tc
enlighten the ignorant, and TO reclaim
the vicious"
Her reflections were here Interrupted
by the clock, which chimed out the houi
of seven;
Now" thought she, half aloud, al,
the time for this days duties to close
! and in what manner can it be better done
than in carrying out nv design"
/; She hastily arose, and after filling
basket with dainties which her owr
hands had prepared, and adding a supply
Of medicines and cordials, she threw or
her bonnet and shawl and sailed forth
: She walked fast. After the turn Of one
g or two corners, she found herself at the
e door of a very small, rather ~oId-looking
a house. Knocking gently at the door, il
I ~wasIopened by a pale, though sweet
looking girl, apparently about seven
e years of age.
ma, the kind lady has come again.
q said she, as she ran towards the window
Z near which sat a lady, too feeble to rise
to welcome her guest. But the low
grateful tones of her voice told he.
thankfulness.
Mary loved to ito deeds worthy o
gratitude, but she cared little about tn,
expression Of it, especially when direct
n ed TO herself. She blushed at the NAM
o encomiums upon her good deeds, which
e though silent and still, had nevertheless
: been treasured up 10 many a grateful
heart; for she truly had sought to d,
s good TO many, and these acts were t
: heI like bright sunbeams upon her path
which reflected beauty and happiness
upon all around.
VI After sitting a few moments, she emp
tied her nicely-flled basket, and quietl,
resumed her seat. The little girl, a
most frantic with Joy to think that Mar,
was once more with them, drew hastil
together the folds of the faded curtain
E lighted q small lamp, and then going t
T. the window, TOUCHDOWN a cage wherei
a sat perched a snow white dove. Sh
whispered something in an under tone
lei mother, and then approaching Mar,
bile a smile Of child-like simplicil
\yed around her features, begged he
Pike it.
Ees, accept it." said the mother; .
pcethe fayorite of better days b.
) Us a sad pleasure now 10 give
who has been so kind to u.s. ar
tily brushed a tear from her ey
thanked them tenderly for the
hrin4ed kiss nnnn the LIT