Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-02-09

The Interyiew-The -Wino-Thea Pledge
Stern Justics-The Confession.
Judge Stanton had pressed Grace to his
bosom, that afternoon, as he left home, with
a more yearning affection than he had ever
felt before, much as he loved her. A change
seemed to have fafieu upon him. From
complete happiness-sO confident and sweet
in the morniDg--he had plunged into cloudy
depth Of misery all his past life had he re-
viewed, and it seemed so dark that he won
dered how he had been enabled to fight
through it. lie half dreaded to leave Grace
alone-he knew not why-and gave her
twice a strict injunction to stay at home till
he returned. No intimation had led him to
form the least opinion as 10 whom he was to
meet, but he bad dim and shadowy IRE
monitlon that il was some person sent by
friends who had perhaps found clue to his
retreat, and the mere thought gave him a
sinking at the heart.
Therefore he knew not, as he sat gazing
dreomily at.the wood prints decorating the
walls, that but stone throw from him. stood,
quivcring with anguish, With revenge, the
restless, brilliant, beautiful being whom he
was so soon to meet, but who had never laid
her young head upon his bosom-never cal
led him father
The door silently opened, and queenly
form, respondent with jewels, moved in with
stately tread and stood. before him.
His very soul was transfxed with horror
his eyes grew to her face, with the slow
tremor Of fascination his body gradually
bent towards her until he was nearly double
and his eyes grew dark and glaring with ar
awful wonder. Then be slowly waved hi,
hands between him and the dreadful image
dreadful in the associations it called up
that he might expel the vision from his hea.
ted brain but still there it stood, fixed
fendish-its gIittering gaze burning its way
into his very heart. A slow, chill, creeping
dread ran through all his veins he could
endure this torture no longer; he raised bis
arms above his head, and while his eyes,
changed almost into cold, dark stone, glared
upon her face, he exclaimed
For Gods sake woman, who has sent
you here to curse me 2
'One who visits tho sins Of che r~Sl..s ~.r
on the children, said Rosa, transformed with
the burden of her mission into the likeness
of inspired priestcss. lie who know
the heart of the base deceiver,' she slowl,
repeated.
1T is then no dream murmured the un
happy man, while his arms fell nerveless
and cold sweat broke outon his rigid face
You are-you must be Leila, my injurc
wife = and a groan came from the depths {
his soul, as he sank upon his seat, helple:
and faint.
No, no, your wife-not your poor wife
the disturber of your conscience but on
who claims near kindred, even that of
daughter
No, no, no it cannot bet cannot
cannot : he uttered, in voice so. thrillin!
so full of fanguish, that Rosa retreated, pa
with fear. Are you not cruelty tauntin
me 2 he continued with pleading entreat
rising again from his seat, and helpless
wringing his hands.
Does not your heart answer 2 said Ro
again, in low, thrilling tones.
But his only reply was anotherlo long, dee
drawn groan Of agony, as if his soul was re
in twain.
Poor child-poor child ? he at last mr
INJURED, in broken accents. Poor little a
gel-dishonorod-for life.'
A jealous ear had caught his words
jealous heart interpreted them. A low vol
breathing hate, echoed his word Ye
dishonorcd for life.'
What next what more ! and as
looked up again, his eyes were blood-sh
Have not suffered enough 2
No. said Rosa. You'll have wrecked |
mothers reason you have ruined mol
woman by your desertion there can be
punishment in this world adequate to W
sim
With a superhuman effort, almost,
judge stroVe to appear calm. He folded
arms, and with moody brow stood gaz
upon his child.
His child could she I've his child
tall. majestic creature standing before h
returning unfalteringly his stern glance
that naughty, imperious creature, with
glttering garmcnts,-ah they reproac
his soul and her wonderful beauty
How could he doubt? Did he not bet
in her Lelia's own self? the glowing ch,
the southern splendor Of the dark eyes.
he not feel besides, an irresistible gush
affection, that, but for her statelineSs, VIC
have led him almost to embrace her
he trembled with the knowledge that
strange being claimed the same kindred
his blessed, gentle Grace; he shudde
when the accusing spirit whispered, "a n
just one
At length he spoke That you are
deed my child cannot doubt but
hesitated
Then, exclaimed the impulsive Great
moving forward with naughty gesture,
knowledge me as your lawful daught,
your only lawful child-beforc Grace S
ton
The father was again chilled with hor
he grew deadly pale his lips in their
outline were as those Of a corpse he $
trans6xed-his eyes fastened upon he
though he were looking through her at
hidoous vision.