Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-07-20

looked more stern and severe than the Wild
DIV had seen him.
If you will call tomorrow, sir, will con
suit my son. and be ready to make final
arrangement
Tomorrow the old story. Folks that
can't pay their rent always talk about to-
morrow. For my part, am sick of the
word. 1t is to-day with me-
But what shall l do, Mr.. Flint ? and
the poor widow trembled with emotion.
Do! why, pack up and be off,
| will move on Monday
You must pay the rent first, said Mr..
Flint, in firm and decided tone.
1t is utterly impossible, sir
Then must attach your goods
Mrs. Rayner had never thought of such
thing, and the landlords purpose was too
apparent to be doubted.
Very we'll, Mr.. Flint, replied she, strug
Cling to suppress the tears that rose to her
eyes : cannot do more than l have done,
and if you choose to beggar me, I cannot
help it.
Annie, knowing nothing of the details of
business, was appalled, at the threat of the
landlord, and though she did not clearly un-
derstand the nature of such an attachment
as he menaced them with, mingled her tears
with those of her mother.
Mr.. Flint rose and approached the door,
his hand on the knob, he paused to consid-
er, but believing the food of anguish in
which he had plunged the poor females,
would best subserve his interests, he bade
them hasty good morning, and departed.
Mr.. Flint was a man of business. He kept
his conscience for Sunday use, and never al
lowed it to 90 about with him week days
In his pew at church, he could feel for dis
tresses of the window and orphan, but his
business policy and his christian philanthro-
py we're not intended to be used at the same
time. One was worldly thrift the other a
convenient system ofphilosophy, whose sub
tlcties absorbed the sins of its coordinate.
He could rob the widow of her last penny,
and compound for the deed by sending mis-
sionaries to Otaheite and Siam.
The landlord departed, believing that he
had produced proper impression upon the
mind of Mrs. Rayner. He had given her
an example of business decision, which he
hoped and trusted would procure the pay
rnent of the debt.
At the door he was met by Giles Morton
If the antipodes of human nature ever met
they confronted each other at the door O
Mrs. Rayner's house, on this occasion.
Giles glanced atthe landlord he saw the
cold twinkle of his eye and in his great, man
ly soul, he despised him. Passing on, ht
entered the sitting-room.
Good morning, Mrs. Rayner gooi
morning, Annie-what, in tears All, SCI
it all"
You Gpa avs~ "; n utyfhg nef tears.
They had been perceived in the very ac
of weeping, and however willing they Nigh
have been to conceal the cause of their pres
ent misery, it was now impossible.
see it all, Mrs. Rayner; that misers
ble Flut has been here
He has, indeed; but we ought not t
blame him.
Blame him the miserable william = sal
Giles warmly; he deserves good smaI
cow-hiding.'
Nay, it is our fault; we could not pa
him the rent
The scoundrel he is rich man, an
. threatens-but no matter, Mrs. Rayner
understand it all !; your long illness has en-
barrassed you. But you must let me /
~ your friend. How much do you owe him
Annie was mortified at the situation
which her lover found her family-morti6e
= at the thought Of his offering them pecunia
assistance, and she was obliged to retire
conceal her confusion.
Don't go, Annie, said he, approachil
g her but she had gone.
= Poor girl, she feels it deeply continue
he, but no matter, it is all over now. Ho
: much do you owe him, Mrs. Rayner 2
1 cannot consent to receive assistance fro
- you, Mr.. Norton answered the widow,
=, solved to check the unpleasant forwardnt
:, . Of the young gentleman.
~ - Poh +! madam, you must consent.
=. Never, sir
= : Why, Mrs. Rayner, l hope you are 7
;, ;" offended
: No. sir; but cannot accept money fri
~ ~ YOU
to Giles stopped TO think moment, alb
or it was not habit to which he was very mt
tv addicted but then Giles was shrewd, a
J. single fash of his ready thought disclos
It. the occasion of Mrs. Rayner's scruples.
suspected he did not mean well by her dau.
ter.
or Poh :! I'll fix that all right Silly
woman, to think any such thing thou.
d. Giles, ash complacently seated himself
her side.
ID Mrs. Rayner, love your daughter,
said abrubtly.
wo feared it
You feared it am l monster, that
1ly should fear it ? Annie does not fear it,
tie think me villain, or heathen.
ich She IS young, Mr.. Morton.
nd She is eighteen, | am twenty. We
already discussed the matter, and with '
isb leave, We LOOK forward to matr,non
that's plain talk, ANYHOW