Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-10-13
CUApTRR XIII


A dirorce- Court trial of an outlaao-Asto,,-
fshtRg developments.
In . doTpestie .relati0n- Allan -WinpfaId |
was an unhappy man F; his French wife prov
ed to be very shrew, and her turbulent ma
ture kept Allan in continual state of per
plexity. On several occasions their words
resulted in few smart blows at the tea-ta-
bic, much to the secret amusement Of the la
comic Levere. As to where the fault lay
that gave rise to all this domestic trouble, it
is out ofour province to say but most prob
ably they were both greatly to blame. 1t was
most unhappy union in the beginning
their natural dispositions were not qualified
10 render each other happy, and in after
life no effort was made to smooth their nat
ural asperties of temper and quell their
heart-burnings and chickering's towards each
other. There was no union Of sentiment :;
no cooperation upon any point Of domestic
administration hence clamorous brawls
were Of \ daily occurrence in their rhouseholG
They both loved Mammon far better than
their vows, pledged years ago at the Altar.
and worshippcd Gold more than their God,
and ifdomestic jars rendered their life mise
rable it IS not TO be wondered at. The
French wife was intolerable and Allan found
it impossible to live with her. and as their
union was an unfruitfu one it was doubtless
wisdom in the parties todeSire a separation.
No children hung around them for protec-
tion and Allan sued for divorce. 1t was
an easy matter TO show Just cause why it
was claimed and the judicial tribunal Of
A. granted altogether with an alimony
Of three thousand year to Allan's wife
This was the worst part of the proceedings
in Allan's view and one that gave rise to
many bitter regrets on his part but he COM
piled, if not cheerfully, patiently TO this draw
on his Golfers in order to get rid Of his vex-
atious French wife.
Allan was now rid Of what had for some
years been a vexatious incumbrance, and al
his character I; he became pcnurous in the
extreme. This had been growing upon linn
for some time like a cankered disease, and
in fact was fertile source ofdispute between
him and his wife for she was ofavcry proud
aristocratic nature and took great pleasure
in making a specious display, which Allan
would have gladly united with had it moi
made such frequent draws upon his Golfers
It was a source of great veXation to Allan tc
sec so much suuandered in dress in furni
ture and in balls, and now ha,ing obtained
riddance Of the cause ofall this, he though
it prudent to make amends for the past b,
giving full scope to his parsimoniou>nes
which had been held in abcyance to som
considerable extent 5y the extra,agant whim
ofhis French wife. With this view he sol
off all useless appendagcs and added his ga
mansion to his rent roll, and took lodging
himself in an old house that he owned i'll
disagreeable portion Of the city, SC. filthy
fact that il had become tonantless, so far {
human beinCea ~ ,sea---1 - - -
rats and such like, the house was crowde
It had in time been tolerable resldenc
but at the time Allan took up his aboC
there it was surrounded with filthy war
houses and livery stables. He had rentt
it for the last few years at a trifling sum, al
at length it become so filthy that no o.
would occupy it upon any considerations
To this miserable house Allan removed wi
his faithful servant, Levere, and cheap coo
where they lived at an expense Of six sl
lings a day. 1t was comfoitleSs hon
with its bare walls, naked floor and dus
windows /; but itserved Allan's purpose a:
tabernacle where he could worship his 90
IL Leyere was dissatisfied with his n
home he made no complaint but patien
continued to serve his master with all ass
uity. lie occupied room up stairs wh'
he spent a great portion of his time in silt
solitude when not engaged in the active {
ties he was at times called upon to perfoI
lie was prompt in his attentions to ev,
want of the tender charge left him by
diving woman in the Yellow House, Julia
Vail, who still lived with the kind wild
woman where Lavere first placed her a
the death of her Protectress. and as offer
she had need, purses Of gold were placed
her hands, which handsomely maintain
her and the widow with whom she lived
Julia was without the polish Of an educat
which circumstance did not escape the
tice and sympathies of Levere, and he pla
her in celebrated Female Seminary OF
city where she made rapid improvement
the walks Of Science. Her heart wa
ed with gratitude towards her kind pre-
tor and rejoiced that her departed fri,
who she had learned from her dying lips
not what she had once thought-d motbt
had con6ded her to one who took so N
interest in her welfare as Levere. w
she was not engaged in her studies, Rud
-SSiih- -ha5 al a-iiFs4t55lrrr1rr-
seemed to take fatherly interest in her
fare. She was growing to be an accomp
ed young lady and strange sufmises
ahoat respecting the elegant manner in W
the Frenchman was supporting her.
mystery that shrouded her birth and n,
tagO gained currency among those who
known to the parties, through. the agen
some of Allan Wingfelds tenants ofIhe
low House, and it furnished materials {
great deal Of city gossip.