Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-08-15

ately forgive me Agnes, ifI have wounded
your feelings, it was because loved YOU,
and should you ever be left lone, deserted
wife, remember you have friend in Herbert
whose love will never fade or die until we
reach the bright portals of Heaven. Ag-
mes stood gazing pensively into the depth of
the silyery and sparkling water, when the me-
lodious and deep toned voice of Delivan pro-
nouncing her name aroused her, and the
words of Herbert were soon forgotten, as she
listened to the passionate declaration of un-
dying love from one who had long been in
possession Of heryoung affections. Iremain-
ed IN Z long enough to witness the nuptials
OF Delivan and Agnes. A lovelier couple the
sun never shone upon. looked with pleas
ing admiration upon the bewitching, sunny
hearted bride, the sylph-like form half shaded
IN its veil ofcostly lace, the white brow with
its blue yeined temples and wealth of shining
curls, the gay Agnes who had never known a
dark day. seemed to forget that the sun can
not always shine. How fervently PRAYED
that her pure, joyous spirit might be spared
the common vicissitudes of this life of trial
and suffering, that the dark clouds of misfor
tune might never hide the bright sunshine
of loves rays.
Six years had elapsed, and was spending
the summer months with friend mid the
mild beauties Of western home. Yes in
the midst Of those dark, uncultivated wilds,
we meet with kind smiles and hospitable
cheers, elevated intellect, female elegance and
holy, gentle piety. We wander Ger the
rich and boundless prairies, our eyes are feast
ed upon that vast sea of flowers, and we feel
Its delicious fragrance waited upon everybreeze
we look upon the pure skies and gorgeous
sunsets, and feel that the charm Of nature
would lure us forever from the busy haunts
Of vain, selfish man, to bask in the bright sum
shine of natures rich and varied beauties
Twas sunset, and the last rays Of summer
/, sun, as he sank in clouds Of crimson and
gold, fell upon the majestic bluffs coasting
veil OF the most brilliant hue over the gray
massy rocks, and silvered the leaves of the
beautiful forest trees that shaded the bank
Of the upper Mississippi. Upon the bank Of
the nyer, and between it and range of
bluffs, stood the little village of Fl. M.
| stood with my friend upon an eminence
4 gazing upon the beautiful landscape spread
out before us, when lonely child about FIVE
years of age came running towards us, her
bright eyes dim with tears and taking nv
friends hand, she said come, sweet mamma IS
dying. We instantly followed the weeping
child to neat little cottage half hidden By
the thick trees We entered and approach
ed the bed where lay, who could it be
possible !! the lovely Agnes, the fair, beauti-
tul bride, who six years previous had given
me the parting kiss with light and happy
heart Has he come she enquired of fher
faithful nurse who had never left Agnes du-
ring all her poverty and sorrow. "Notyet," an
swered Sarah, but here is friend. approach
ed the bed, she turned those beautiful ewes up-
on me, and at once recognized me and held
out her emaciated hand. Presently the
door opened and Agnes looked enquiringly
to the entrance. Thank God burst from her
lips, and the noble form Of Herbert c.
Istoodby the bed side of his early love. OH
never can l erase from the tablets of memory
that heart rending scene. Herbert, dear
cousin, you once loved Agnes, will you be a
father to her orphan children? NV sweet
Agnes, my lovely boy, mothers love can
no longer shield you from coming evils."-
Herbert then spoke with voice tremulous
with emotion. o, Agnes, why did you not
write before, why wait until it was too late
to save youl cannot something be done ?''
No, oh no Herbert bless God he spared
me to see you once more. Your warning
voice has often rmg in my ear; yes, think
l might have saved. him, could have led
him from the tempter, but ah | was blind
l smiled when, he slipped the sparkling cup,
when | should have wept tears of bitterness.
Herbert, it was dreadful, for him my loved
Delivan, to die thus, and a shudder passed
over her, and for SOME time We Thought her
pure spirit had passed to another world, but
she soon revived, and calling for her children,
she placed hand on each, and commended
them to God then turning those large lus-
trous eyes upon Herbert, she said family
will you teach them the importance of tenn.
e peranee OH never let them taste the poison.
d ed cup and her pure spirit passed quietly
+ to brighter and better world. A few
I words will tell the story of the gay, brilliant
o Deliyan's downfall. A few years after hi,
u marriage found him one of the most populal
D1en in the political ranks, he was elected by
: large majority to Congress, his eloquenct
!, and vivaeity and extensive knowledge furnish
!, ed a brilliant career, but his weak and frai
: constitution sank rapidly under the infuenct
: OF constant dissipation. He returned from
!, Washington scarcely able to leave his room
u and after the discovery that be recklessll
e sqnandered, not only his, but his wife's prop
/ erty, he promised Agnes if she would accom-
It pany him to the West, he would never tast
/ the fatal cup again. With what eagerness di
IS this devoted wife grasp at this new hope.
L They had been in their new home on tn
: banks of the Mississippi but few months
e when Delivan told Apnes he had to 90 dow