Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-12-21

,a;J DAext instant, the light form Of The
. - was lost ar4ong the columns, and her
lover looking hastily about, saw the shadow,
evidently that of man, cast on the pave
ment near him, but so instantaneous was
the disappearance, that it vanished ere he
was fully aware of the reality. He kneeled
and placed his ear on the stones, but all was
silent, save the short beatings of his heart.
The immovable features of the pagan idol
were dimly visible in the breaking day, that
stole through the portion of his temple,
while equally inflexible, the Priest sat at its
feet, his face hid in the ample folds of his
mantle, presenting only the underlined out
lines Of a man.
As the gray haze of morning yielded TO
the Strengthening dawn, the senator, with a
deep frown settled on his brow, walked in
and saluted the Priest who rose to receive
him.
Why here, and so early 2 demanded the
latter, could effect nothing in the short
period since we parted yesterday
"Iis not tor that | sought thee answered
the visitor.
'Then why this visitT returned the priest.
For vengeance!
Thou shalt have it, replied the priest,
gathering his rote about him.
Thou knowest not what mean, foolish
priest.
Still thou shalt have vengeance; ; and a
dry cough, like death rattle, sounded in
the throat of the priest-it might have been
laugh.
Silence said the senator, sternly laying
his hand upon The altar; the new made
laws have deprived us of our innate right to
punish our slaves with death-yet have a
slave that must die ?
An involuntary shudder passed over the
heathen priest, bus he pulled his robe more
closely about him, and the start passed uu-
observed. Armenius continued:
have niece, my brothers daughter.
She lives with me, my adopted child. This
slave has dared to love her. could let that
pass. but she, the daughter of a free-born
son of Rome, forgetting her birth, returns his
passion. | heard her swear it to him at the
last midnight That seals his doom, and
the slave shall die! Were it not that sus-
picon resting on me might blight my bril-
liant hopes, this hand had done the deed /;
but am unused to tricks, leave it to thee; /;
thy trade is craftiness, and thou canst lull
suspicion. That's but my fee he said, cast
ing Gag of gold upon the altar; my re-
ward shall make thee rich
IT'S well,' muttered the priest, how
callest thou the slave 2
'Agricola,' said the other.
The sudden start and half word which
escaped the priest, caught the others atten
ton.
why startest thou 2 he demanded
| started ? answered the priest, recover
ing himself and stretching forth an arm
much withered and shrunken, 'becausc thi
hand was never dipped in blood
A wise priest, said the senator, sco-n
fully, see the object; well, be it so,' anC
be threw another purse upon the altar.
Thy words must be my law said tb
4. priest, in low tone but away, the peo
pie come to worship.
The senator cast searching glance o
= the muffied face Of the priest; he drew b
robe about him, and casting a disdainfl
look on the throng which now commence
kneeling about the image, left the chapel.
When the worshippers had conclude
their devotions, they retired, and soon Il
priest was left alone with one person, wi
!. still! knelt at the altar. The priest bavir
3 carefully fastened the doors the deyotee ros
? and casting aside the gray mantle whic
:, disguised him, exhibited the fine form
!, Agricola, the slave.
- Father said he, Il crave thy blessing
Thou hast ever been kind to Agricola; b
ba iS moor and all that ba oan ra,,,rD
!. - now presents to thee, the love that sprin
~ ~ from his heart
- IT'S all ask cried the priest, casti
~ aside his mantle and embracing him; {
-, love of the good is the greatest treasure.
: But, my son, thou hast failed in conideu
g to me. and dangers beset thy path, rang
'n' thicker than the pixies Of the Macedonian
'er Agricola blushed, and sank his head up
: his breast.
ra. 1t is true he replied. that have 4
70. told thee all-but now
Mind it not now-I know all ,
ly, youth glanced incredulousIy into his fa
when the priest taking his hand continue
,ut yes, all-thou lowest thy masters daue
in ter, and she returns thy love. Is it not 5
are Alas. alas too rightly thou hast sal
ner answered the young man despondingly.
er, Say not alas cried the priest, his e
ore Frightening with delight, she shall be
it WIFE
in Ny wife 2 repeated Agricola, retirin
.ve, few PAGES, regarding the other with ast
{ lshment. aud [ slayep
Fear not! if thou wouldst be hap