Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-03-28
Original HaFEt5.


Old North State. The Author says in
note to the Editor: "This story is one
of real life. / have made some altera-
tion as to the nature of the business in
which the lady is engaged, but she has
for number Of years supported . chill
dren and drunken husband by Peddling
through the country in a small Wagon.
He has been reclaimed, lately, under the
preaching Of Mr.. White. and is now
sober man. They ohce lived in aflu-
ence, again they lived not at all, now
they live happy: So they soy." r
doubt it not
Written for the Spirit of the Age. :
THE BRIDE OF HENRY L.,
OR THE EFFECTS OF lNTEMPERANcE.
Among the many heart-rending scenes
occa<ioned by intemperance, the fol-
lowing story (related by friend Of mine
who resides in the State Of Georgia may
be read with interests, by those who are
desirous that such things may cease to
happen. " 1t was" (said he) lin the
eastern part ofthis state during the year
1886, the story am about TO relate oc-
CURED. On clear but cold evening in
the month Of December, we called at
the house Of wealthy rice planter, TO
spend the night. When we entered,
we found the halls brilliantly lighted,
servants were placed at the various en-
trancesto attend the arriving guests, in
to the inner courts. We, among those
who were invited 10 partake of the fes-
tiviiies entered 10 ask permission 10 stay
all aight. We introduced ourselves to
Mr.. B. (the proprietor of the mansion, }
middle aged man, of gentlemanly ap-
/ pearance, to whom we made known our
wishes. He informed US, that the fes.
tIvities about TO commence, were in hon
or to his only daughter, VIRGINIA, who
was 10 be married, that night, 10 young
man whose name was Henry L. al.
though" said Mr. B., i" he is a young
man of unquestionable morals, and wor
thy, in every respect. Of my daughter
still feel that my home will be sherr
of IFS only flower: and though Joy and
mirth seems TO abound in every heart
il only serves to give me pain. Ginny
"a nick name, my only child, is just II
years Of age; her mother died when she
was but 10 and left her as my only so
lace. No child was ever more dutifu
10 parent than she has been: notwith
standing she was but child, she ac:eC
as one much older; indeed she has beer
everything to me she possibly coulc
have been. As she grows older, he
movements, talk and merry laughter, be
come thousand times dearer TO me, a
she continues daily to be more and still
more like her dear mother; and nov
the thought Of her being taken from me
is more than my feeble frame can bear
] have neglected TO answer you, relativ,
to staying all night. ! am SO much agi
tated, that am hardly myself; you car
stay, gentlemen; you will be welcome
/ cannot promise you comfortable lodg
ings. but 10 such as can give. you al,
heartily welcome. Make yourselve
free 20 any thing you may want; ther,
are plenty of servants who will aitent
your calls; be seated gentlemen / &C
to speak once more to my only chilt
before she leaves me forever; be seat
ed" had never seen Mr.. B. before
and at that time did not expect it WouIc
ever fall TO my lot TO tell this story bu
| ielt an interest in him | never felt il
any other stranger before. could no
refrain from tears when he turned away
! from me to take leave of his only child
Though | was a young man, and hat
had bat little trouble, comparatively, Still
knew that his heart was full tto over
flowing. All around me was mirthful
ness, every face. save his, seemed Il
wear happy appearance. and cou!t
not but contrast the hearts Of those a
round me, with that of the disconsolat
father, whom had just seen. Mr.. B
was man OF very tender feelings. alway
ready to assist the distressed, ! "a fact wei
known to his acquaintances } but he wa
diseased. The flush on his cheeks Shove
but too plainly that he must soon fail
victim to the cold hand Of Death.
was apparent to all, and so his Physic
ians advised him, that consumption wa
preying upon his vitals.
While sat musirg on what had see
and heard, noise on the stairs, cause
me to look in that direction. Ii was tn
Bridal SUITE descending. All wer
richly dressed. and such scene Is rare
Iy witnessed as the one which then be
held. My expectations had been raise
: to a considerable degree relative TO ih
a daughter of Mr.. B. but never had
: seen face so lovely, countenanc
so calm, or a figure nearer perfec
e ton, in all my life. There was tha
: in her appearance, which bespoke
d pu h. art, gentle disposition, and Z
n the same time courage, and frmness {
purpose. 1t had never been my lot
u L