Spirit of the age., 1853-05-25
CbuitR Iitfraturt.
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From the New-York Organ.
LAURA NATHAN D.
pr xas. sAysBURr.
CHAPTER VIII.

In tho suburbs of the town, about half
mile from the Seminary where Laura still
conkpucd to spend portion Of the year, was
little cluster of cottages, occupied prnci-
pally by laborers. In one ofthem, however,
lived poor widow with number of small
children, and this family had been, for more
than year, the objects Of Lauras bounty
and philanthropy. Basides tie moro sub J
stantial aid she at timos rendered them, she, /
once, and sometimes twice each week, walk |
od to the cottage and spent an hour or more
in giving instructions to the little ones in the
rudiments Of education. And not only the
widow 8 children, but those from the surroun-
ding cottages we're invited to avail them
selves of the benefit Of her teachings. Often
she was accompa MED and assisted by como
ono Of her young companions, but the chill
dron always hailed Miss Maitland as the
teacher, and it was pleasant to see the little
band Of smiling happy faces gather about
that fair young girl In warm weather the
soft green grass was tho carpet and the great
spreading branches of tree in front of tho
widows door, was the roof of Miss Matt
land $ school-house.
One afternoon she was returning alone
from her mission OF love. Her way Law
through the fields, and along the margin of
n tiny brook, and the day being suItry, she
loitered slowly, pausing now and then to
gather wild flower, or contemplate tho
scenery around her. Suddenly she was a.
reused BY the distant rumbing Of thunder,
and turning she discovered black cloud RI
sing up from tho south, and rapidly over
spreading the heavens She fastened for
ward as fast as possible, but in a few min
utss the air was filed with thick, binding
clouds Of dust, and the wind came sweeping
along with such force that she was obliged
90 cling TO a tree, to avoid being thrown to
tho ground. Soon great drops of rain began
to fall, accompanied by vivid lightning and
loud peals Of thunder. Laura again started
on in the hope OF reaching home ere the fli-
ry of the storm increased, but it soon reach
cd its height. The winds howled, and moan
ed, and bent the tree tops toward the earth,
and the rain descended in such torrents that
objects could only be distinguished at short
distance. Laura thought herself Fortunate
in reaching an old decayel shed only few
rods from the Seminary grounds, and there
the frail girl stood beneath that frail shelter,
with clasped hands and dilatei eyes, awod,
but not fearful.
" To hOar the tempest trumping loud,
And see the lightning lances driven,
Where strides the warrior of the storm,
And rolls the thunder drum of Heaven"
While her whole soul was absorbed il
watching the terrific grandeur of the scene
sho, all at once, felt herself lifted by stron,
arm, and borne by rapid motion from be
meath her place Of shelter and, in anothe
instant the tottering tenement went crashn
20 the earth. With fervent ejaculation {
thanks, Laura turned to sec who was her dC
liver, and found she was supported by tn
arms of Lindley Morrison.
The young man had Witnessed her peri
GUS situation while watching the storm fror
window Of his father house, and had flow
20 her rescue, and reached the spot not
moment too soon.
Thank God | was not too late !! e,
claimed Lindlcy, while his limbs shook wit
the intensity Of his agitation.
But you must not remain here in til
condition, Miss Maitland. Allow me to taxi
you home In few minutes after Laur
drenchcd with rain and half fainting fro
excitement, was placed safely in the arms
her friends.
Next morning young Morrison. who,
this timo, was studying the profession Of la
in his fathers Office, called to inquire aft
tho health of Laura. She was yet pale fro
the effects other adventure Of the day
foro, but when her noble, handsome deliver
entered her presence, and as she met his ca
nest, tender yet respectful glances, the brig
blood mantled over her checks, and crimso
ed even her temples and forehead.
The reader is now prepared to expect
lovO scene, and regret to disappoint t
sentimental young ladies' who have follow
the fortunes of Laura thus far but, in r
opinion, no curious intruder should ever
permitted to enter the hallowcd sanctity
pure young hearts just bounding and exp,
ding into new life beneath the genial. insr
ing, glorfying influence of a first true lo
There is a love 50 sacred, and decp and ~
erful that m)rtals affected by it are lifted
FAR above selfish and soriid desires that III
become nearly allied to the angels above.
Laura and Lindley were formed Ivy natr
capable Of this exalted sentiment. They h
Of late, boon thrown together occas onally
company, and their souls met and blend
in harmonious union. and on tbs they f
whispered words Of love. Yet no vows /
beon exchanged when LAURA learned
startling news of the chan, in her mo.hc
circumstances.
1t was but two days subsequent to her
most miraculous preservation from de
that she received her step-fathcr's lettor.
from her mother an imperative comman.
Toturn homo at once. The command
unaccompanied by worl Of oxplanat
but Herbert L9igh's note was sufficient
enable her to comprehend fl!ly hOr posit
and the duties devolving upon her. Fo
few brief moments she sat bewilderel
stupc6cd then she rose up, locked her d
and knelt on the spot whence so often be
her earnest petitions had assembled for b
sings on those sho loved. She came f
from her orisons with spirit subducl
strengthened, and seating herself on