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


crowded with old and young TO congTat-
ulate the young and happy pair. Beau
ty shone in every part OF the room, but
there was no face that charmed me so
much as that of Henry's bride, for saw
MIR. B. no more until after the festivities
had ended and the crowd nearly dis
persed, when he came into the room
where was. leading bis daughter. As
he approached, / arose, and he introduced
her to me, also to my companion who
sat pear by.
Though | had been much charmed by
her form and features. yet her voice
proved more charming still. l felt that
| must now acknowledge she was in
deed perfection" Such was the daugh-
ter Of Mr.. B., the bride of Henry L. II
soon retired to rest my head I" from
cares and business free, "but many were
the thoughts that came over my mind
before | fell into the arms Of sleep, rel
alive TO the father, the daughter, and
the young husband. Next morning we
took leave leave of this generous man
and his family and pursued our journey,
but to think alone of the last nights ad- !
venture. Henry was persuaded byl
Mr., B. 10 remain with him and make
that his home, as he intended TO settle
all his fortune on him, the husband of
his only child. l heard from them but
once after: Mr.. B was then dead and
Henry Was living in his beautiful resi-
dence, the one in which saw them mar
ried. said in my heart "may peace
and prosperity attend them and no evil
befall them. :
! Fifteen years, with all their joys and
SORROWS, have passed, since | stayed at
the house of Mr. B. Many changes
have been wrought on the face OF ma
ture even in this short period many of
my nearest and dearest friends have
yielded themselves a prey 10 the grim
monster, Death, and even he who shared
the hospitalities of Mr.. B. has gone
down TO the cold and silent tomb. Re-
turning to my native State, for the first
time since my departure in 1886. was
, determined TO avail myself of the oppor-
tunity ofvisiting again the family OF SO
pleasant remembrance. My feelings. on
entering the neighborhood in which they
live, cannot be described. | knew not
whether they still occupied the residence
OF which have spoken, or had removed
to some distant cline. Great indeed was
the change the country had suffered du-
ring my absence of only Is years.
, Houses that were nhabited when pass
edbefore, BY wealthy rice planters. were
| now deselate and in state of dilspiJa-
tion. | saw no one for miles from whom
j could gather any Information. relative
II Henry L, and his wife. / had now
/ arrived in sight of the house where, years
r ago, | had been so unexpectedly but
agreeably entertained. At first sight
5 reined up my horse and stood still for
| some moments, ,devising how should en-
' ter and approach the family, for / was
sure that they would not recognize me,
after having been changed from a young
man of 25 to an old one of 40 years.
Unconsclously, touched the sides Of my
\ horse which caused him to mend his
gate until he had well nigh reached a
gallop. On arousing myself from the
2 revery into which had fallen, found
that was then in the beautiful grove OF
? live oaks. in front Of the house.
! brought my horse 10 a walk, and thus
, proceeded along the shady avenue that
4 leads to the gate, watching all the time
for those whom had left SO happy.
When ! approached it hailed a
i lad y came on the porch to ask nv busi-
t ness. ] told her that was a stranger
D and wished to get lodgings for the night
t that l. had passed that way Is years De-
' fore, on my way TO Georgia, and STAYED
at that house with a Mr.. B., who then
j owned it, and / wished to stay at tie
/ same place returning, as ! supposed
she was the daughter of Mr.. B. She
: politely asked me 10 alight and come in
D that she would send servant to take my
4 horse. did as / was bidden, but how
: different We're my feelings lron. what they
e were on entering that house Is Shor
!. years ago Where was my friend, my
: travelling companion. who was ther
Il n the bloom Of manhood, full of life anc
5 hope he who like me. was then seek.
d ing place, though among strangers
a where wealth might be an easy prey
Il Alas the turf has long since covered
: his mound, while HE sleeps quietly be.
5 meath. But where was Mr.. B., uha
afflicted many whose tale of sorrow
n had listened TO with such deep emotions
d as he related to me the death of his wife
e his suffering condition ever since. and
e the grief it cost him TO give up his only
gem? remembered but too well, thai
: he t1o, was among the sleeping dusts.-
d That might The better prepare myself
e to meet the family. endeaVored tc
shake off the sad remembrances, and tc
e look fol ward for an unexpected but JOY
: ful recognition offriends As entered
II the lady met me at the hall door, where