Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-07-04

head aches resumed Mr.. Nichols, still in a e
very kind voice. '
But, to this no answer was given.
Pm going out for little WHILE said Mr..
Nichols.
WELL was the brief reply to this com {
munication. And still she sewed on with
out once lifting her eyes from her work. $
! AS Mr. Nichols was altogether n earnest, t
he now turned away and left the room {
The moment he did so, his wife let her w rk
fall upon her lap, and raising her head, lis
tened in an attitude of much interest. She
heard her husband descend the stairs, pause {
at the hat-stand for his coat and hat, and
then move along the hall, and finally, pass
out through the street-door. The moment
the jar of the door was heard, she burst into
tears and wept bitterly. She did not again
resume her work For awhile, after her
tears ceased to flow, she sat in a dreamy, re-
hectiye sttitude
All me ? she at length sighed,-'I wish
/ had more control over myself
On leaving his house, Edward Nichols
proceeded direct to Guys hotel. If there
had been sunshine at home, there would
have been no attraction for him abroad. fI
he could have found companionship in his
wife, he would have felt the least inclination
, for such dangerous companionship as he was
now seeking.
4 Is Mr.. Anderson here 2 inquired Nichols
:, Of the bar-keeper at Guys
You'll find him at number eight wasthe
answer. Its on the second floor, at the far
! end of the passage
! T., Lo1z Ao
J he approached the door, loud and merry vol
ces were heard within. He did not hesitate
to enter, for the voice of Anderson was dis
:. tinguished among the rest.
2 ENicholsr exclaimed the Individual Just
mentioned, coming forward and grasping
Y the hand Of the newcomer. Il thought
/. you'd be here. Right glad am | to see
n n you9
H. Quite as warm was the welcome extended
! by three other young men, all of whom
. were acquaintance Of Nichols They were
D sitting around table, on which were bran
:" dy and cigars.
!, Help YOURSELF said Anderson, placing {
~ decanter and tumbler before Nichols.
:. The latter did not hesitate about comply
'e' ing with this request, but poured out ;
Il stiff glass Of brandy and drank it off.
Is Take cigar was the next invitation.
"ii The cigar was accepted and lit. Nichol
began to feel himself more and more a
- = home every moment
nu Whats the business on hand 2 he in
y quired, after he had commenced smoking.
- :, To enjoy ourselves was replied.
"a At this moment a servant entered wit
3 e a number of dishes on a tray, and commen
-. ~ eed laying the table.
e'' All some eating to be done, see, re
Ie- marked Nichols
ID And some drinking into the bargain
an- said one of the company, smiling.
= Hope you've come prepared with agoo
:. appetite This was said by Anderson.
az It's in a fair condition. returned Nicho
:, Never fear but what I'll do my part
'sN- Soon the table was covered with oyster
cooked in various styles, terapin and chic
en- salad, with all the condiments and a
cessories of luxurious supper. To the
~ were added two or three kinds of wine, al
y brandy and hot whiskey punch
naG Upon these the five young men with a
"a q petites, went to work, exhibiting an cage
'1h- o ness, not to say greediness, such as may
ue seen in animals who have been for consi
ear cradle time without food. AS their apr
tites began to flag little, they were sh;
sln pened by the punch of brandy.
'ucn ''| Good feeding this, Nichols said And
7''er son, coarsely, looking across the table at
friend the invited guest.
red' First ratei replied Nichols, in tone
y q voice that evinced the satisfaction he felt.
llng How often do you meet to enjoy yourself
went after this fashion?'
'CoN About once a-week.'
ior- All so often 2
pa Yes. Shall we put your name down
one of our number?'
was 81 don't know. | must think about i
cnols @ Say yes
Juns The temptation is certainly strong.
1leas- S, the feeding always as good 2
'uy Always. And so is the drinking. 81
.ne we put your name down.
'eiole Not now. Pm adeiberate sort of 7
.; anu son. Slow to make my mind up on !
!, u'ne subject
'e M III Oh, well, take your time. But, if the
ne guments now before you do not prove c
u a. elusive, will set you down for an anc
drew rite.
'uy >, The consequence we have seen. L.
mad hefore the bour of ton arrived Mrs Mol
of af booon ~ looL Gov bor bnsLond,s ro+,,,,,
nave to wonder why he staid out so long.
is was O'clock Of length camn and s+;Il bo u,eS ov
ellant she now beosn 10 baarEen Gov anTroacI
from foot-stens and to listen for his weII-Ln,
tread among the many sounding feet
tn his echoed alone the pavement
found What can keen him so late y she as
mona herself, with rising emotion of anxiet,
Guys, AT length all became still in the stree