Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-12-22
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FFm the Eew-Tork Organ.
THE IC CREOLE WIFE.
A BoEAHCE OF THE WEST.
BYIMRs. III. 4. DENISoN.
CHAPTER I.
By MRS. NJ. 4. DENlSoN.


The Home ofIVealth-Ths Birthday Party-H.r-
Stantoy The Ruined Merch&nt-The Abode
of Poverty The Legacy-The Happy Household
-Hermsn fails for the West indies Lucky Fa-
teIity"-I Tie Beautiful Creole.
ar 7Iosea Stanton, @essli
known and opulent merchant resided on
tile north side Of High Holburn, London, in
one of,the statelieSt mansions of that period.
Like many who gain immense fortunes by
al almost slavish devotion to business, he
was somewhat coarse and abrupt in manner,
but whole-hearted, hospitabls gentleman,
proud of his delicate wife, and almost idol
ling their only child, Herman, whose beau
ty of face and briiliancy of intellect gave fine
promise of his future
The doting father had determined to
make grand entertainment when bis child
should attain to his fourteenth year; par
ty such as never tradesman had given be-
fore; and as the time advanced, painters
and upholstersrs, carpenters and all sorts of
working men, began to block up the entran,
ccs. In few days the faded satins were
replaced by new; the rich embroidery was
trimmed with heavy gold bullion; the cell
ings were frescoed-walIs new and be2uti-
fully papered Indeed it was hardly eredi-
ble the immense sums which were expended
ipr tlTes6 THITTgTs1 arId every variety or Co-siy
confectionery which was to grace the mag
nifcent supper-tabe.
The important evening came round. The
merchant in his vanity had caused carpets
to be laid across the pavement fronting his
residence; foods Of light streamed from ev-
cry window, making the street brilliant with
its warm, crimson rays. Carriage after car
riage rolled up, deposited their fair burdens,
and made room for the almost endless throng
behind. Presently the spacions apartments
were filed. The lady hostess-a woman Of
great refinement and good family, with ex-
cellent tact withal-madet the visitors pleased
with themselves and each other
Smiling, youthful, beautiful faces fitted
from room to room; here was music in one
there social converse and agreeable pas
| time in another.
| Herman attracted much attention. To
say the least, he was well-bred boy, and a
specimen Of manly 5cauty-for already had
the man begun to shadow forth in his finely
developed features. A mass of thick, glossy
curly hair-his mothers especial Pride
that, parted in every direction laid lightly
and gracefully above brow remarkable fon
It's intellectually. His features were all no
ble, and possessed that singular repose
thought by some to be significant Of gentle
blood.
Yet, despite his apparent ease and sagac
ity, he was a most changeable being, impul
siye to a fault; yet maturity, study, ano
above all, experience, might remedy the ont
dark defect of his character
After few quick winged hours Of Joy,
distant band poured forth most ravishins
melody, and the company were invited Il
supper A murmur Of surprise, of pleasure
ran through the lines as they entered through
the large folding doors, and beheld the mag
ni6cent display Of ornament and the costI
viaads spread before them. The walls of tn
) temporary saloon were blue, enriched will
! gliding; the tables were profusely sprea
. with gold and silver plate, and ornamente
with the mostbriIIiant boquets. Eyeryth
wore the splendor Of magic, and never seen
! ed guests more delighted with their host an
their entertainment.
| 1t was observed that, near the time Of dc
e parture, an unusual commotion appeared Q
n the part. Of the company.
What is itY whispered one and another
as anxious faces aud ominous trowns NE
! them on every hand.
None could tell distinctly; some believe
that rumored failure had caused the di
) turbance a late conner having limited
e confidence that the house Of Brentz and Ma
d ble, the most extensive importers in Londol
l was insolvent. Some looked sghsst at th
; negss, and more than one stout heart quailo
!" with fear. The heavier merchants woui
st not credit it; they even derided the idea an
le called it ridiculous. Why, they would
re soon believe that all London WAS sinking,
to doubt for a moment the security Of Bren
ID and Marble, firm Of fifty years standing {,
a was absurd to harbor the thought.
At two clock-a most unreasonable ho
- - Mrs. Stanton placed note in her hu
=, bands hand saving that she supposed
% was from some fri end who could not av,
ut himself of tlidr invitation; and she laughe
IN because it was sealed. She had just spi'
it peeping from the silver rack, where, in Il
tn hurry Of preparation, she had placed it, f
re Re getting it till now.
~ =. The merohlnt opened it carelessly. re-
a Tae it-started adeathly pallor overspreaG |
is naturally rudy face, and with an expressi
E. of extreme anguish, he sank into the near'
ds seat. For while he sat there, as one q
dy ing without Volition, spoke when spoken
smiled vaguely in answer to the smile Of
friends, then rising. and with great effort 60
IS tt1,iing his manner, his voice, he pass
We through the crowd like one ia dream. A
so oh the anguish at his heart-eyery mer
of voice was to him a sword; every burst
ur merriment. unnatural and hideous mir
His wife was Grst surprised. then fearfr
she begged him to tell her the cause OF
Of agitation; he continued silent, moody, aim
lal ferocious in his bearing. nor would he
swer. She beckoned to her son; he follow
W his father, and also inquired if he was S
,er lin trouble.
six Go to your room, boy!' exclaimed
merchant, hercely;-' ay:: to your ro'