Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-06-28
Cbpitt 9ittraturt.
WOMAN,s LOYE.

Who lS that very beautiful girl :. asked
young Englishman of his companion, rs
they leaned, for a moment, against one of
the marble pillars to contemplate at leisure
the enchanting scene which Partisan ball
presents to the eye Of the stranger Not
that an English ballroom is not very de-
lighlful sight, but the French manage these
things better Perhaps they are cons;itu
tionaIIy more lively nation but certain it
is that the spirit. animation, and joyousness,
the total abandonment of everything, as it
we're, to the spell Of the moment-will be
looked fOr in vain at our gravcr asemblies.-
Aud yet speak not in disparagement-for,
afer all, give me my own proud, solemn,
= lsigb.lniudsd, ana right feeling England =
But 10 rcturt % my tale.
The young girl alluded to was exqulsltelg
lovely, with petite and chiIdke figure,
fair. bright face, and pair Of the most mis-
chieyous blue ewes that could be imagined ;
although the Occurrences Of her present at
ttule made them appear softened, if not
subdued. Her head was bent a little for
ward and a profusion Of light, sunny curIs
fell upon her white shoulders, and contras-
ted strangely in their brightness with the
dark emerald hue Of her satin robe, the front
and sleeves Of which were clasped with dia.
monds Of ineslmable value.
By her side sat young man, aLtired will
studied planness although the turn Of hi:
hnely.shaped head, the FIRE of his dark, mel
ancholy eyes, and the troubled expression o
his pale, handsome features, rendered him al
object of whom one would wish to know more
1T is Mademoisele Verney,' replied th'
Young Count de Tours; the richest heires
in Paris, and on the eve Of marriage will
that solemn-ooking parsonage by her side
She must be very youngf said the En-
gishman.
She is scarcely eighteen, was the reply
and wiful as she is beautiful
And her loyerP
All there lies the disparity he ha
nothing-absolutely nothing--andisa as prou'
as he is poor Why, Lestele, with he
beauty and fortune, might have chosen he
husband among the noblest Of the land
but she is fond and romantic, and Monsieu
Aubertin, quiet as he looks, has had wi
enough to persuade her that she loves him.
Persuade herP repeated the Englishmar
Yes, for she is but girl, and will hav
changed her mind and repented doze
times before she comes of age. And as 70
Aubertin's having any real disinterested al
feclion for her, We know too much of tn
world to believe that, my friend ?
And the young Count laughed scornfully
as he drew his companion away.
You are i'll, Claude2 said Lestelle, anx
lonely, so o-,uaioI,od- she, ahangeA exnreSs
ION of her lovers face, and marked his haugh
tilv contracted brow and flashing eyes; hav
1 said anything to offend Z -.
'Will YOU forgive me, dearest, II cor
fess that have not heard word you haV
been saying for the last FIVE minutes { mu
INJURED Auberiin. abstractedly.
The young lady tossed back the curis tro' 2.
her white brow, aud put mp her pretty i
but she did not reply; and the long sien.
that ensued was broken, at length, by Claud
Shall tell you, LesteIle,' he asked, in
low voice, what the Count de Tours h
lust been saying about us! and he spea
doubtless from the common rumors and oP
ions Of society,"
AS you wilv replied Lestele, color
slightly, aud trying 10 speak with lndlti
ence.
He calls YOU fond, romantic girl, L
telle, and me an-adventurer r?
And can the idle words Of such as
have the power to move you thus my Claud
said I.estelle, gently; or DO YOU think, ;
added, with an arch smile that such pr
as myself is to be attained without eXclh
enyious remarksl That | am fond and
mantle, confess; ever since | can RENE
ber, in my dreams of young romance,
tufcd TO myself an ideal being whom co
love; but never were girhood's visions
allied as mine have becn--that is, if my
ro does not spoil all by his too scrupul
pride!
but have not told you all yet con
ued Auburtin, while his naughty frowr
laxed beneath the witchery of her. smiles
said, too, that, but for me, with your we
and beauty, you might have commanded
oflhe most splendid matchesin the kingdc
And would that have insured my
bness T. asked Lestele. oh that we ]
in the old time of the fairies, and th
might have one wish!
Aud what would that wish be 2 inqu
her lover.
That we might change situations
one another: that you could have all
wealth, and bo poor girl, blessed
with your affections! Claude, should
no humiliation, no gratitude in receivin
from you, for love would have equalizec
fear that your creed is rather the
ical than a practical one, my own Lest
said Auberlin, with a mournful smile.
IL could but convert you to its bel
think | should have nothing left to wish
replied the young girl, in whisper ;
there was no shade upon the open br
her lover, as he mingled ia the br
tbrong with his beautiful and devoted
tre4s.
The evening passed away as evenr
when we are most happy for, with
heartburnings,its appointments-occ
ed, perhaps, by the absence or coldn
the only one amidst thousand for
we have dressed and smiled-a bi
bright epoch in the lives Of the young
| shall see You tomorrow, Claude
Lestele, in a timid voice, as they ST
qether. waiting for her carriage TO dr.
sOf course replied Aubertin, glo
Il have received formal invitation t
YOUR guardians and the notary, to S
deed relative to the final settlement
property