Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-02-02
Cbuirt Gitrratnre.
Prom the Eew-York Organ.
THE CREOLE WIFE.
A ROMANCE OF THE WEST.
NY MRS. n A. DEAIsoH.

Tho little, delicate Grace partook Of her
mother melancholy for few months pre-
Sious TO that mothers death. An oppres-
rive weight seemed ., er at her heart, dim.
ming her soft eyes with unshed tears. and
which was probably consequent upon the
Prostrsiing disorder that had so shocked her
AeTvous system.
1t was a timid little thing, resembling
both parents, yet possessing tho regularity
of feature and sprightly beauty Of neither.
u WIS - fragile rs the tenderest rose fush-
iDg in the crystal gardens Of the rich, while
the SHOWS Of winter lay heaped outside its
slender BARRIERS. II required constant nur-
sing and the most assiduous cate, the most
uniting devotion. Year after year it grew
only little taller aud little stronger, yet
no tinge came 10 her soft cheeks they were
eOlorless as the faiGest shade of the white lily,
and her eyes, had they been fierce or shi
ming, would have seemed unnaturaly large
but so expressive were they, that they we'll
became the transparency OF her complexion
and tho sOitness Of her features
Heart aud hopes were all certcred in this
sweet blossom. Herman idolzed her she
was his household deity as an angel fom
heaven waS she, with her childish prattie and
dear, Winning ways. He loved her with
moro Nnse fish, absorbing affection than he
had cherished for her mother, if that were
possible. He lavish money upon her ed
ucation with an unstiutcd hand and very
pleasant was il to behold them, as they often
sat together-lhe daughter sitting at the
fathers feet, resting her clasped hands upon
his knees, her liquid, spiritual, dark eyes
fastened upon him, her fair, sunny hair flow
ing over shoulders of the sofiest beauty and
outline ;-or at times. az she stood by his
side, her rounded arms encircling his neck ,
her pretty little lips parted hy love words,
her fairy form folded about with the mosi
beautiful garments.
One could not wonder.ha Herman loved
the good, gentle child 80 shsorbin!ly.
And when she grew to womanhood-not
strictly beautiful with the beauty of earth
but angelic and drcam-like he felt that he
was indeed blessed ii the possession Of one
SO differing from tic gen.rai y Of her sex,
yet with all the sweet impulses Of humanity
Grace entered th3 study one morning as
was her wont, aud started at the presence Of
a stranger. lie sat by the window, with an
air OF nodesty aud reserve while her father
wasiutently perusing cttrr
Horace Souiherlund was young man Of
good family, who anxious to earn name
bad, by the advice of friends, come ou
West to study under Judge Stanton, AM
become qualified to take his place at SOME
future time. Herman was pleased with til,
frank, noble bearing Of the young man h,
read genius OF his brow, in his deep set
clear, black eye his heart warmed instant
ly towards hiu.
What do you think of him. Grace :? h
asked, curelesoly, ~ the two were talking
together, after the student had left them.
i like him, she answered, frankly. wit
smile on her sunny face. lie is jlst sue
an one as should fancy for brother. II
has an innocent cOuutenaucc he is yer
handsome and so graceful, for u man, h!l
him very much
Herman decided to take the young ma
under his charge at once (; it would he
pleasant to share in tue atten IONS OF tn
such beings as Grace and the noble stranger
and already no fancieA himself cpziiy fixcd
his favurite arnIchair, with his gentle chil
OIL one side and Horace on the other, readin
chatting, singing, laughing. all together an
making his hume beautiful paradise.
Besides, he felt keeniy the neeI Of f
ting companion with wnom to while ava
his leisure hours, whose converse aud livel
humor might perchdnce stlhe for seaso
that still, small voice, 50 fraught with wor,
Of the most solemn import. that was souu,
ing constantly upon his ,piri; ear.
As time wore on, he gained more and MOI
confidence in the integrity OF the young man
character valued more highly "A mind tn
displayed such depth and reasoning he lik,
him better. too, because his talents were We
sstile like bis own. Friendship ripened in
steady love, and before year had passe
Judge Stanton thought OF hin even as %
ana never seemed so'happy as when Gru
get on one side and young Horace on Il
y other, in his pleasant study
II vas almost impossible for Grace Sta
ton and the enthusiastic student to DO c.
tinually together without regarding ea
other with something more than common
torest. That arch usuper, Lo,e-that reg
almost despotic little mouarch-had gain
heart and almost before either was aware
bis presence, hal barred and bolted eve
entrance, seated himself upon the thror
supreme ia power.
Herman saw tho growing affection Of
children with a watchlul but not Jealous e,
AZ times the idea of giving up his idolia
child TO the keeping of another was extreu
ly painful to him : but his strong affect
for Horace and his confidence in the pur
OF his character. oVerruled all his selfish
jcctions, and he even looked forward "
pleasure to the contamination Of theiruni
Grace seemed TO grow more .spiritu;
beautiful every day, and the touching sadr
that dwelt ut times in her soft eyes, ilnpal
to her face most subdued lovelrness.
was. as general thing cheerful and
there dwelt ever upon her heart u chill
prescntiment, sladowy aud indistinct. of c
ing evil, she knew not what and o
would sho retire to her chamber and s.,
many solemn hours in lone, sef-commun
AZ such times she could not define her