Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-11-02
CbuitR GitRruturf.
LILLE sTANHOPE.
A nnME ECTT1 CTOpV


such that he cannot accompany his wife to
the first ball of the season, have no doubt
that Mr.. de Montreuil will be happy to es-
cort her, and he will, undoubtedly, prove
most gallant aud polite cavalier, turning,
as spoke, to Victor, with one Of my most
winning smiles
"'You do me great honor, Mrs Stanhope,
and most happy shall be to serve you in
any way" replied be, gracefully bowing.
Ernest made no reply; he knew that l
understood his wishes, and he would not
repeat them. After few moments con-
versation with Florence on different sub
jccts, he rose from the table, saying, as he
opened the door, that he should be obliged
TO leave the city that morning, and should
return in the last train of cars on the fol-
lowing night. The door closed, and he was
gone.
'Wearily, oh how wcarliy, passed the long
hours Of those two days. n weight of sad
ness was pressing upon my heart, weighing
it down as nothing but remorse can do
Fearfully, fully, and oh how darkly, fell
the shadow of the coming evil, and my
wayward spirit already had began to repent
of my proud GOODNESS to my noble-hearted
Ernest. II seems strange to you, my
child, and you may think that | did not
love him as you love Harry but God
knows how deeply and passionately my
whole soul went out in its affection towards
him. was not always thus cold to him !:
mine was the nature of the spoiled, willful
child, vexcd if its least wish is thwarted
when the dresses for the ball were sent
home, it was found that by some unaccoun-
table oversight, the nuns dress had been
made for Florence, while the Gipsey garb
only fitted me but as both were equally
becoming it made no difference in our ar
rangements.
Evening came, but I felt little in the
mood for acting the part of the Andalusian
maid, and earnestly pleaded to be allowed
to remain at home, but neither Florence
nor Victor would consent to this. And
VIC stood in that brilliant ballroom, where
costly jewels flashed, and eyes sparklcd
with a greater radiance. The scene was
enchanting, and / could almost imagine
myself in fairy-land. But neither the gay,
silvery voices, nor the sweet music of harp
and Lutte could drown the memory of my
cold, proud tones to him in whose ear my
lightest accents should have been tuned 10
melody.
Il could not stay; and never was / more
delighted with my home than when l laid
off my ball dress, from which now turn
ed with an utter loathing, and seated my
self by the pleasant fire in the library.
sat long gazing into the blazing cmbers
Frightening, glowing, and then fading a
way, as if to say how dreary darkness of
succeeds the most radiant light.
my revcrie was broken by the lcttini
down of carriage steps at the door, and di
rectly the wel.known football of my hu:
band was heard in the hall. He pause
as he passed the parlor door, as if about
enter, but with sigh which | heard in tn
dim library, he passed on, and rapidly as
cended the stairs. started up, and wa
about to follow him; but, said l to my
SELF he will return Immediately, and the
all will be we'll How very happy sha
we be again, and never moro shall the spil
it of my noble Ernest be panied by colo
ness and waywardness from his wife,
Presently heard him descending til
stairs, and my face flushed and my hea
beat wildly. | knew not why. He pas
ed hastily through the hall, but instead
entering the library where sat so anxiou
ly awaiting him, he opened the street do
aud descended the steps. A few has
words to the driver, and the carriage roll'
over the pavements, down the streets
way. I knew not whittier, and he, my hig
souled, sensitive, loving husband, was 60
from me forever.
Il spoke not--I moved mott scarce
breathod but dim, mysterious sense
evil brooded over my heart. did L
dream that he had left me. That idea,
dreadful, never for instant entered I
poor bewildercd brain. I only knew ii
| was very, very sad-that more long, W,
ry hours must pass ere | could feel
breath upon my cheek-his lips upon !
burning brow-his arm closely wreath
around his crring, bat repcntant and fol
ly loving wife, ! did not weep; was
wrctched; the fever of my brain had DIR
up the tcar-fount,
The deep-toncd bell tolled the no,
one, two, and still sat there The fire
the hearth had burnt out, leaving OF
light ashes and few black GOALS
watchman's tramp was heard again and
gain upon the pavement, as he pursued
accustomed round, and ever and anon
'Alls we'll fell upon my ear, o wha
mockery, what satire, in those two wol
so often heard in the darkness and gloo
Again the hall-door was opened
was Victor and Florence returned from
hall.
They entered the library where l
efFectually concealed from their view |
large easy chair. uttered not a sylla
for did not care to have them know
was waiting for my husband at that
hour, and presently l caught these W
from Victor.
Il fear our plot has proven conn
failure. If we could but have manage
have prevented her leaving So soon, tn,
would all have ended finely
Well, well, interrupted Florence, q
TO me; she is 50 fearful of seeming
missive, that l forsee no difficulty yet.
Their tones were then so low Il
heard ne more Of their conversation,
they shortly after left the room.