Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-10-10

dTOunu u0r ana Sno was SODDlng, strained
closely to his heart He did not speak, but
he pressed wild kisses upon her hair, and
cheek, and brow, Tightening his clasp mean
while as if he feared she would be torn from
him. But no she lay quite still, the tears
raining down her face, and sobs rending her
very heart.
At last some recollection seemed to come
to her; for she tore herself away, and un-
clasped those twining arms, saying No.
no it cannot bel have promised. This
is all wrOng-so very, very wrong!
1t is not wrong, he answered. passion
ately. You are my wife as much as if we
stood at the altar. My whole life has been
yours, and I will not give you up now
You should not have tempted me to this
meeting she said. 1t was cruel, when l
had steeled my heart so-for it must be-
You know it must; for Dame Mariery has
commanded me, and he always has his will.
DO you remember once, in these very woods,
we found poor little bird, struggling in
snare he had set, with broken wings, and so
torn, that it struggled and struggled, but
was not strong enough to escape p
Ay; but who did set it free, in spite of
the fear of him? Don't forget that, Nelly
Still she motioned him away, and brushed
back her long hair that had fallen over her
face, as she turned towards Ayton Hall.
This night-this very night will decide.
Do not yield to such false principle of
duty. You mistake it; indeed, you do.-
Meet me here to night, Ellen, for they are
wearing you out, soul and body, and you
shall go to Annie she has such pleasant
home, and will welcome you for sister un-
til l can claim you. Say you will and we
shall forget this horrid dream, when was
so near losing you, and my life shall be de-
voted to your happiness,
How could she resist that pleading, af-
fectionate glance, and turn so resolutely
from SO much offered happiness?
DO not tempt me, Jamie. God bless
you, and forget me It won't be long till
| am in the church yard! God forgive me;
but [ wish it was now =
Hear me once more;' he said. I will be
here until the midnight, and you will come
and let me set you free. Remember, I will
not leave this spot till then. l know you
will come =
She shook her head sadly, and walked
rapidly away, motioning him back when be
would have joined her.
| There was no sympathy in nature fer her
heavy heart. The sky was unclouded, and
rich light and shade checkered the patti
she trod so hurriedly. Now and then
through the trees, came a glimpse of Aytor
Hall, shaded by oaks as lordly as the man.
sion, with the broad sloping lawn that, new
4y mown, looked like the richest velvet il
the sunshine. And was there, in this firm
denial of all that profered love, no lingerin,
ambition to tread those stately halls, the
mistress of all this beauty and magnifcence
She was but human, and power has tempt
ed many poor heart. All, no, hers haC
long been too much engrossed by anothe
object to leave room for the entrance of world
ly ambition and she would gladly have
shared the meanest cottage upon the ground
with James Ellis, than the mansion with it,
owner for her lord. She passed the church
yard, and, as she saw the still, green graves
sleeping SO oquietly in the shadow of tn
l cross, she longed to lie down beside them, t
escape the dull pain gnawing at her hear
If the rector had but been there, how 500
i would she have confessed all, and been guid
= ed by his truthful advice but he was ia
| distant, seeking to regain wasted strength
7 and there was none to console her.
/ 1t s brave wedding we shall have, ft
7 ALL chirruped old Marjery, coming forth t
j meet her. But bless the lassie we would
ma think you the bride. You've bee
= greeting in those old woods, or down by tt
n brae. Hoot, chiel let's hae nae sich doing
t the day.
e Ellen sickened at the crafty smile whic
u lit her features. She wondered she ha
!, never seen the expression before but av;
p rice is the sin of old age, and it had sappe
d the kindlier nature of her protector. Sh
it pushed by almost roughly, and entered tt
l cottage, which had been so many years
e happy home to her. The curious high-bac
d ed chairs, the carved oaken table, were
1 bright as hands could make them, and Il
$, clematis that shaded the easement filled Il
o room with its soft spicy breath Her VOL
Is was lying as she had thrown it down to ke
e the tryst; but she was too miserable to r.
d sumo it, and leaned her head upon t
:. table, unheeding the chattering of Dan
(" Marjery.
(, 1t s ma every bride that has the like
/ this, my BARN. See the grand present th
a the squire hi self has sent you. Well do
n remember when it came fra beyond the S
for his mother that S in her grave. Brocad
: such as was never seen in the country
/; side, and the poor soul took to her bed al
n- never wore it at a.. An laces to make
to duchess of you. That should see the d
p Orphan Ellen was decked out in such bra
garments It bonny wedding we sh;
er ha' for a. And the old crone lifted t
r. slashed sleeve of the rich robe, for she W
It knew the value of the costly fabric, and ii
US few village girls could resist such wooing.
do 1t was in strange contrast to EIlen's 81
i'll pie attire, the rich fabric cleaning in I
Sc sunlight as the heavy folds caught its lust
'w the snow-white ground, with dainty re
like flush spreading over it, and softened
lacna that ducheca VniChf have rror,