Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-11-22
, trembling, but bold hand, Thomas wilkins

lcoaHtenance, and weighed well your words.
I know you speak the truth. When I
bought that cottage from your creditors six
years ago I paid them one thousand dollars
for it. It has not been harmed, and is as
good as itwas then. Most of the time I
have received good rent for it. Now sir,
you shall have it for Just what paid for it,
and each month you shall pay me such a
sum as you can comfortably spare uutil it is
| all paid. I will ask for no rent nor for a
cent Of interest You shall have deed of
the estate, aud in return Twill take but a
single note and mortgage upon which you
can have your own tiaaess 3.
z A0fnaS W 7fkfns tfigE u thank The Old
man for his kindness, but he only sank back
into his chair and wept like child! and
while he yet sat with his face buried in his
hands the old man slipped from the room
and when at length he returned, he bore in
his hand.a neatly covered basket.
Come, come,' the captain exclaimed,
cheer up, my friend. Here are some titbits
for your wife aud children-take them home
and believe me, Wilkins, if you feel half as
happy in receiving my favor as do in be-
slowing it, you are happy indeed
20 od--God will bless you for this,
sir exclaimed the kindness-strcken man
and if betray your confidence, may die
on the instant
Stick to, ,your pledge, Wilkins, and will
take care Of the rest,' said the old captain
as bis friend took the basket. If you have
the time tomorrow, call on me, and will
arrange the papers,
As Thomas Wilkins once more entered
the street his tread was light and easy. A
bright light of joyousness shohe in every
feature, and as he wended his way homeward,
he felt in every avenue of his soul that he
was once more man.
The gloomy shades that ushered in the
night of the 3Ist Of December, had fallen
over the snow-cIad earth. Within the miser-
able dwelling of Mrs. Wilkins there was
more comfort than when first we visited her,
but yet nothing had been added to the furni-
ture of the place. For the last six DAYS her
husband had come home every evening, and
gone away before daylight every morning,
and during that time she knew that he had
drank no Intoxicating liquors, for already had
his face began to assume the stamp of its
former manhood, and every word that he
had spoken had been kind and affectionate.
To bis children he had brought new shoes
and warmer clothing, and to herself he had
given all she stood Immediately in need of
but vet. with all this, he had been taciturn and
thoughtful, showing dislike call questions,
and only speaking such words as were nces-
sary. The poor, devoted, loving wife began
to hope. And why should she not !? For
six years her husband had not been thus be-
fore. One week ago she dreaded his ap-
proach; but now she found herself waiting
for him with all the anxiety of former years.
Should all this be broken? Should this new
charm be swept away? Eight o'clock came
and SO did nine aDd ten, and yet her hus
band came not
Mother, said little Charles, just as the
clock struck ten, seeming 10 have awakened
from dreamy slumber, isn't this the las
night of the old year!'
Yes, my son.
And do you know what | have beer
dreaming, dear mother? I dreamed tha
father bad brought US New Years gifts a
be used to. But he wont, will he? He
too poor now
No, my dear boy, we shall have no 9th
er present than food; and even foI that W
must thank dear father. There, lay you
head in my lap again
The boy laid his curly head once more il
his mothers lap, and with fearful eyes sh
gazed upon his innocent form.
The clock struck eleven! The poor wit
was yet on her tirelees, sleepless watch
But hardly had the sound of the last strok
died away, ere the snow-crust give back th
sound of football, and in moment NOR
her husband entered. With tremblin
fear she raised her eyes to his face, and
wild thrill Of JOY went TO her heart as sh
saw that all was open and bold-only thos
manly features looked more joyous and MOI
proud than ever.
Lizzie said he, in mild and kind accents
[ am late tonight, but business has detaine
me, and now have favor to ask of thee
!, Name it. dear Thomas, and you sha
not ask a second time;' cried the wife as 81
l laid her hand confidently upon her husband
: arm.
l And will you ask no questions? cont
: ued Wilkins.
: No, will not
3 Then continued the husband as he be
over and imprinted kiss upon his wife
/ brow, want you to dress our children (
r a walk, and you shall accompany US. T
: night is calm and tranquil, and the snow
well trodden. Ah no questions. Rene
n ber your promisep
, Lizzie Wilkins knew not what this
meant, nor did she think to care; for a
), thing that could please her husband S
would have done with pleasure, even thou
At it wrenched her very heart-strings. Ii
D short time the children were ready, th
Mrs. Wilkins put on such articles of cloth
10 as she could command, and soon they W,
in in the road.
N The moon shone brightly, the stars pc
ed down upon the earth, aad they seen
n to smile upon the travellers from out of Ii
twinkling eyes of light. Silently Wilk
led the way, and silently his wife and chi
n rem followed. Several times his wife ga
into his contenance but from the stral
expression that rested there she could m;
9; out nothing that rendered to satisfy her.
gu At length slight turn in the road brou
to them suddenly upon the pretty white Gotta
where years before they were so happy
I'D The snow in the front yard had been sh
in elled away and path led up the piazza