Spirit of the times. [volume] (Ironton, Ohio) 1853-1858, 1853-09-06

which seemed TO her talisman for all
evil, and then caln:ly laying her head
on the pillow, and murmuring the name
which was music to her soul, sunk into
the so(, and deep slumbef Of innocence
and youth.
For nearly year had the young lib.
crlne Harry Grey pursued her with his
unhallowcd passion, aided as he vainly
imagined, by his costly and tasteful gifts
but there seemed magic halo around
the young Virginia through which no
shadow Of evil could penetrate. Besides
the native dc!icacy and purity of her
mind, there were two other influences al
work in the beautiful web Of her dc2liny
TO prevent any course Of dark thread
min9ling in its tissue; one was her spirit
ual communication with her molhcr,and
the other the aIcctiolatc remembrance
of Russell Hortlcy--thc only being in
whose eyes she had ever read the sympa.
thy for which her lonely and loving
heart yearned always.
1t was evening again. The young Ia
dies had assembled, dressed for the ball,
in the drawing room--all but Virginia.
"Whcre is the sweet child p ashcd an in.
valid teacher, 10 whom she had endcarcd
herself by her graceful and aflcclionate
attentions.
"Shc was so long helping me AMI
sister dress said little shy looking
girl, 'rhat she has been bclatcd."
81 will 20 and assist her." said the
principal OF the school, pleased with this
proof Of tcnlcr.hcarlejness on the part oI
her pupil.
+ She softly opened the door of Virgin
las room aud almost started at the
charming picture which met her eve
Robed in white, with her singularly
beautiful hair falling in fair, soft curls
about her face, which was lightel up by
smile Of almost rapturous hope aud Joy
the young girl stood in an attitude OF en-
tchaniins grace, raising both hands, to
adjust amid the braids behind. a half
wreath of glowing and richly tinted au'
tumn leaves.
r "Let me arrange it for you my child"
said the lady, approaching, and Virgin
, ia bent her fair head modestly to her bid
, ding, and then, hand in hand, they de-
Y scendcd to the drawing room. Many ol
e the company hal arrvcd-ihc doors that
let 10 thair SOON ha been thrown open
q and virginia was almoS, dazzlci by the
. splendor of the scene into which she was
thus suddenly usherei. She hlushe be-
: meath the eyes that were rivctcl upon
her as she passed. -.
:, can angel ~" grace -" muse :!
h whispered the gentlemen TO each other
" There was one among them-a noble
chiyiaric young man-who did no
,. sneak his admiration. An undcGnab!
u something in the hcavcnly y beauty o! tha
5 face had touchc in his soul choir
'e which had not vibfatcl for many year
a before. Virginia knew him at once. Th
II rich chesnul curls Of twenty had now as
u su'ued a darker tinee, the eye some
- what softer fire, and flexible grace ha
d, given place TO manly dignity OF mclr
O. but there was 40 miStaking the scquc
IN in the glance of Russet Hartley.
~ And Virginia was decidedly the bel!
i" of the ball. Gay, but gracefully 50, lc
lie her sportive mool was sol'ened an" r'
stained by charming tlmi ity that CT
IT. hanccd her lovliness tenlold, she lool
o. ed and moved like one inspirited.
at She had met Hariley's a!miring gaz
Us she was almost sure he would ask an il
PRODUCTION, and she felt as if her feet an
'' heart were suddenly gifted with Wings
She noaled down the dance like a pc
though the air, and then Russell al
''n preached and was introduced.
l. The sunny smile Of the little mate
let girl shonc in he' eyes, as she acccpt'
II" his arm for IA promenade. "Sufely
w. have seen that look somewhere" he C
'ei r claimed, half aloud.
o' "Matchcs! six for fp!' murmur
2n' D.: Virsinis, looking a,chly up in his fac
''[' AMI the mystery was at once expla'nc
e', Imogene Grcy's diamond neckla
'"' was worthless dross in comparison wi
SSy' the wreath of autumn leaves, and oil h
nc, brothers. costly offerings could not ha
ma purchased the smiles which accompani
Ln. ! the gift. ,
"c' Reader, if you ever come to Kontuck
come to me for letter ofintroIucton
Mrs. Russell Hartley. She is looked
to, rcspec,cd,and | am Sure you will
Joy her graceful and cordial atlentc
and the luxurics Of her elegant hon
IAN all the more for remembering that
eld DISTINGUISHED and dignGed woman
AS whom you are making your very best b
for was once the lltle mach girl of my S
the w