Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-12-22
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EUGENE COTTON.
(coNoLUDED.)


the evening Of their ramble, and which was
the source Of serious meditation to her.
seriously hope, my darling, the weak
ness of whic b you complained on tue pre-
ceeding evening has been totally banished
by last nights refreshing sleep.
No, mother, protracted headache, with
slight intervals Of cough, entirely disturbed
my rest
Why, Lucinda, can't for my life under
stand the nature of your sickness, it quite
battles my skill in physics.
Lucinda was evidently disturbed on the
preceding evening by the GOODNESS of her
lover, as he had shamefuIly neglected the
loving correspondence existing between them;
and doubtless this distress engeudered an in
disposition to sleep she saw quickly, that
her mother suspected something was the
direct cause.
I'm now entirely recovered, mother, ex-
cept at intervals slight disposition to slum.
Der.
Mrs. Maynard Notwithstanding, foreseeing
the alarming consequences, that her daughter
should be thus disturbed at night, quantity
said:
] expect in your case, mental aflliction
exerts an enervating influence upon the body.
gathered this from your assertion not long
ago, which I've not forgotten. 1t gave me
inexpressible pain to think my darling daugh-
ter would encourage anything, upon which
she had not previously consulted her mother,
to learn, whether she would, or would not
lend an approving smile.
This lecture touched the tender chords of
Lucinda's heart, she fell upon her knees, kis-
sed her mothers hand, implored her pardon
for such inconsiderate conduct in her daugh-
ter'and laid open TO her heart ovenlowing
with love for him who was far away.
Little did she think, or else she would
have revealed it long ago, that her mother
would give to this affir her hearty, approba-
ton. My love,you might have seen from the
sincere respect, and fond admiration | ever
cherished for the youth, that | would not
have denied you this extreme pleasure.' Lu-
cinda's bosom was lit up, as this heart con-
soling, and wo-dspelling language fell upon
her ear.
| wonder, mother, when he'Ilreturn from
the monotonous scenes about that college
and visit his home and me. do not know
my daughter, cheerfully replied the mother
] suppose however, he graduates next June
and then Of course he'll immediately return
Then, mother, will be happy! But why
think you he treats me. with so much luke
warmness, as not to have penned me deai
line this many day
Perhaps deception has linked itself to hi:
virtues.
Pray, say not So my mother, one who
employed such impassioned language tc
convey his affection, and gave me so many
pledges Of his undying love, could never
prove a hypocrite."
Place not such confidence, in man, nv
darling, to err is human
DO not look, said Lucinda, with such an ey,
upon the beautiful picture. This makes m,
melancholy.
"When he returns, mother, will you anC
pa encourage the suit, which only secure
your daughters happiness.
Time will tell my daughter, it will total
depend upon circumstances. This would b
momentous epoch in your life a step tina
must not be taken rashly."
4" But then, mother shall be so happy.
While this colloquy was going on, it wa
suddenly interrupted by Mr.. Maynard, VIII
bore, newspaper in his hand, and sorro
on his countenance He read to them tn
notice of the duel, news especially appalin
TO the daughter, the surmises, which wer
made by the editor that the duel was SUI
posed to have originated about a young lad
Of the town near the college. But the re;
truth, he said, was wraptin mystery TIL
daughter tainted and fell upon her mothe
whence she was conveyed to her chambe
when after slight interval she recoyere
but still was extremely i'll.
Thus was her hope of future happine
blasted in its very bud her dream of bli
vanished. The whole affair was then relate
by her mother, at which the father was e
tremely irritated, as his daughter had bee
wronged. Uncertainty gave birth to intcre,
Curiosity was quickly aroused Inquiri
were numerous. The whole affair was aft
while fathomed, even to the disinheritan
Of the father.
Mr.. Cotton was now succeeding rapid
in the law. For the lawyer, by whom
was employed detecting his brilliant talen
promoted nun HOil OtuCS-SNceper 10 II
comparatively distinguished occupation
writing deeds, etc. He availed himself
every opportunity of perusing the law book
which Law dusty around him, until after
long and rigid examination by his employ
no found him, to his great astonishmer
well prepared to practice. He went imm
diately,-apd at first zealously about it, al
was kindly assisted by his former master
obtaining an eligible office. Strong impr,
sions were entertained of his becoming
drunkard, but as if by magic, he reformt
He was now constantly gaining more a
more celebrity as speaker, both as an {
vocate at the bar, and political orator.
was everywhere esteemed and loved in
vicinity, and numerous reports were crcu
ted Of promoting him to some celebrated
fee. His after circumstances however d
hibited this. While prosperity smiled, a
flattering hopes filed his breast he penn
the following brief but afectionate episte