Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-04-18
Ghaitr IItarntnrr.
THE SHIPWRECK.
BIZ CHARLES }. pETFRsoA

BIZ cHARLEs j. pETERso@
II was Just before the breaking out Of
the last war with England. that a grand
ball took place in the French port Of 80.
The occasion was the presence Of an A.
mericat. rnan-of-War ia the harbor: and
the festival was given on board Of line
of-battie ship, one Of the few Napoleon
had saved fiom Trafalgar.
The deck OF the colossal vessel pre-
sented superb spectacle, on the eve
ningin question. Flags were hung in
festoons naked swords were. arrayed
ia stars; and musketsc were piled all a
round. Al admirable band 81 fnu.i.
clans pilyed national airs, or inspired
the dancers and walters. Crowds Of
naval officers. Of every grade, di>tin.
guished BY The roiiieness Of their nation
moved about, while groups Of elegant
Iy dressed ladies cl lated With these he
roea. Of enjoyed the dance. :,
Foremost Ia that bright array Of bean.
" was an American belle. the lovely
and accomplished Florence Harold Hrl
father, wealthy Virginia planter, hai
been in Europe many years, having re
sided most Of the time in Paris, wheri
his daughter had Just completed her ed
ucaiion. To the native virtues of al
American female. Florence united tn
Erscpsof The most polished society. o.
the present occasion she was unquestion
ably the star Of the evening
or many admirers. however wh
crowded about her, one appearedto clai'
her especlal attention. When she III
tened 10 him. a conscious blush mantle
her chrek: when She spoke, in reply
her whole .oul went with her words an
smile. That they were lovers was ev
dent. But few knew that the handSon
American lieutenant Frank Crawfor,
was already engaged 10 the fair Flo
ence. and that the union was 10 TAX
pIaee on her return 10 America. an rveI
that was nov daily expected. In trui
Mr.. ilarolds presence at ----, was
take passage 10 the armed nerchantmal
which was TO sail in less than wee
for America.
And so yon leave, the day affer (
morrow said Frank Crawford. during
moments fete-a-Egte with Florence.
wish your father could be persuaded
stay, and 60 with US. The captain b
already once offered him passage al
would urge il, | know. il he did not fe
to be considered too pressing. Dor
you think MIR. Harold might be persu
desi 2
No." said Florence, smiling, but 81
king her head. 'On this point he is
exotable. The captain Of the merchaI
man is an old friend, and Pa would I
disappoiut him for the world
Frank Crawford sighed. He wo,
have gwen much TO have secured Fl
ence's company during the soiourn Of
ship at -. and alterwaId for the vt
age home but he saw it could not be
Florence heard the sigh. and in her k
way, sought 10 comfort her lover.
PA says there viii be no danger,
you need fear nothing for us. The n
chantman is very fast ship"
As to that said Frank, i have
fears. You'll be safe enough, .Flore1
But il annoys me. confess. TO find
we are to be parted now, when /
hoped we should make the vol age hc
together And he sighed again.
PA. too, has old-fashioned MOTTO
said Florence. plsylully. and l.. lib
dutiful daughter, yield to his better j,
ment.' And laying her hand on Fra
arm, she ADDED, coloring in beautiful
fusion when it becoms my duty to G
you. Frank. shall do as you think ri
A good daughter makes good wife,
know.'
Such words so lovingly spoken, '
irresistible. Frank ihwsrdly cursed
unlucky stars, but nevertheless coulc
complain after this. A stole, much
a alover. would have found it imPos'
toiesist those plrading, dove-like {
Two days after. the brave merct
man. looking as iIim almost as a ma
wal, sailed from.