Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-07-26
EaSies' RECRUITMENT.
EVELYN Or,
he DISAPPOINTED BRIDE

@R8N - ~ Gg&tNAES NV NAAA Y ri -
no less certain, th4t in every species Of temp
tation a r~csolute determination to overcome,
and a firm reliance on Divine aid, are sure
harbingers Of victory. 1t is even 80 in a
large portion of those disappointments and
Affections over which a majority of mankind
and womankind sigh and complain in such
pathetic terms. When losses and Affections
befall us, if we resolutely look the evil in
The face, calmly surveying its magnitude
with a firm resolution to overcome, the sup
posed giant soon dwindles into an insignif
cant dwarf, and often he is charged with
some valuable gift, if we have but. the cour
ageto face the pigmy and.wrestit from him
We recollect an early friend who was a
fine illustration of this sentiment. She was
a lineal descendant OF the Pilgrim fathers,
and inherited that ~indolitable spirit which
has ever characterized the sons and daugh-
tiers Of New England. Had she lived in
the troublous days of her ancestors, she
would have been the heroine Of many tale
Of Indian foray, or, perhaps, the intrepid
leader iS sotle marvellous escape from cap.
tivity; and yet she had all the soul and
tenderness ola highly intellectual woman.
Old Doctor Richmond had but two chill
dren, Alonzo and Evelyn, and being well
known as a wealthy man, his children were
naturally regarded as "eligibles" in the
matchmaking world, especially as their
worth consisted not halfso much in their
fathers deeds, AMI bonds, and certificates
Of stock, as in the nobility of mind and the
energy Of character they inherited from him.
At tho age of nineteen Evelyn was consid-
cred the most accomplished girl for many
miles around, while nature had been no
niggard in the beStowal of personal attrac-
tions. So that what with her education,
her fne person, her amiable manners, and
her prospective inheritance, it is no wonder
that she had plenty Of woocrs, or that she
should uneonsciously excite some jealousy
in her own sex and some rivalry in others.
At length it became evident that James
Maynard was the peculiar f~avorite. 1t is
true, Evelyn's friends did not quite approve
her choice, but since her election was made,
consent was obtained, and preparations made
for the celebration Of the n%uptials in true
Yankee style. 1t could not be denied
that James had been considered a little
wild, hut a changefor the better seemed t.
have come over him, and much was conf
IDENTIFY hoped from the influence of such al
one as Evelyn Richmond.
One fine evening late in autumn, Their,
were signs of unusual hustle in the Doctor
house. Every apartment was lighted up
guests kept arriving, and at length good oil
Mr.. Even alighted from the Doctors ow
carriage, and entered the house. For man
years he had been the reycrcd and estim;
bic pastor over the flock. of which the Do,
tor and his family formed a part, and hi
presence in any house at this particula
period of the day was considered a sure t.
ken Of a wedding. Within were abundal
76 81 Sa AHa Btf6vg aaos dRaasRtESar. and In Il u
reception rooms there was plenty of title
ing and halfaudible whispers, and sta
Jokes, still no appearance of bride or brid
groom. The moments stole by, some
the conpany grew fdgety, old Sally Colli
began to wonder at the delay quite audibl
groups of gossips were busy in private di
!cussions, messengers were gliding abo
from room to room, the Doctor himst
looked furried, yet still in q remote apal
ment sat Evelyn and her trademarks, 8
rayed in a more than orthodox quantity
laces and white satin, but where was t
"laggard" bridegroom ? Where was
who before this should have claimed t
fair hand which, enveloped in the stainIe
glove, lay l~istlessly on the table ? AT fl
the gay laugh and the witty rejoinder we
merrily round, but as time stole on and
bridegroom appeared, an anxious silen
pervaded the room, and in spite of Evelyl
efforts the large drops welled over fro
her eyes and followed each other quick
over n face lately so radiant with happine
Just then Alonzo entered the room a
hurriedly desired to be left alone with
sister. " Evelyn" said he, " 1 know y
are a true and high-souled woman, but
you fnd you have been sought unworth
have you courage to be true to yoursel
Summon all your womanly dignity nc
and silence once and forever every COS
among them ALL"
You speakin riddles" faltered Evel,
Dwell, then sister of mine, listen cal
ly. / started early to accompany Jan
Maynard to this house as my brother,
the husband elect of my only sister.
passing drinking saloon 1 was startled
hearing your name shouted in a scene
drunken reyelry. A strange feeling ca
over me, and | went in-there | saw Jan
in the midst Of an uproarious, half-drunE
group OF young men, Boosting of his
preaching marriage with you with ma
lin exultation, and Dragging Of his ant
pated Inheritance. Evelyn, even then
pitied him, for | knew these Young n
had enticed him in, and thought it a g
joke to send him drunk to his iuten,
bride but | have learned these are
quite new to James, skillfnlly as he
concealed it from us-nay, more, that
is involved in debts which he relies on y
inheritance to pay" Evelyn sat like
transfxed, and Alonzo thought, ~irresol
Zone thing more, sister when James
sought your hand he was solemnly pIigE
to another, as young, as atfectionate,
not SO rich as YOURSELF
Say no more said Evelyn l will
whatever you direct, only allow me a
moments to collect my thoughts and reg
composure.'
Hers was a strong mind, but it was |
wise full of love and tenderness, and f
moment her feelings were paralyzed,
she we'll nigh sunk fainting on the fl
but this weakness lasted not long-heI
solution was taken. Soon, ~learing on
arm Of her brother, she stood amid
crowd of expecting guests, and before