Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-11-07

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fume. c
Seldom had the radiant night queen look e
ed upon a fairer spot than "Melburne place." i
the home of Engenia. Surrounded by the /
rich bloom aud beauty of a southern summer, S
1t had much of the imposing, ancestral APP
pearance, which marks " the stately homes
Of England" Tall oaks stood in silent
grandeur around the stately dwelling. The
wide o~usprea1 park, with its thick shrabbery,
and long, dim walks, where the Myrtle and
Magnolia. mingled their branches overhead.
The spray Of playing fountains, and the gen
tie murnur of waters, made it a most en-
chanting spot at this bright moonlight hour.
Serenely looked ewes starry watchers upon
the fair scene, and stiffness almost felt, rested
over the beautiful grounds. Soon, however,
the stiffness is broken by approaching foot
steps. Two young girlish forms, arc seen
walking si,ie by side, one with a light, gay
step, is hulding Il thin evening dress a little
aside, that it may not brush the dew which
sparkles upon the grass, and thus displays a
tiny foot, which seems scarce to touch the
gravel walk, SO lightly does it tread. She
raises "A sweet face to her somewhat taller
companion, and the evening breeze sways
back her golden cnrls. The queenly tread of
the other, SO Ii light, SO graceful, would tell US
at once, that it was Eugenia Melburne, if
the silvery moonlight did not reveal so clearly
her beautiful face. In playful conversation,
with q frequent musical laugh, the young
friends seated themselves upon q rustic
bench, beneath the overshadowing trees.
This is a magnificent scene, these sur
roundings, and this palace home of yours,
Eugenia," said Lucy DeLacy-' fate is par
tial to her children, and did | love you less,
l might almost be tempted to envy you your
fair heritage."-
And wherefore Lucy would you envy
me-are you not happy too?"
All! yes, most happy. But, am l not
an orphan 2" and the lip Of the speaker qu!v'
erred" no father, no mother, no home, the
sole thing have to love, save yourself, Eu'
genia, is my noble cousin. Upon that shrine
| have laid all | have of earth to give, save
love for you. How different your lot. A
fathers tenderness, a mothers love, ant
more than all-the strange charm, which
draws all hearts towards you. You are In
docd to be envied my friend. See to 1t yo'
do not abuse these i~nestimable blessings"
Dear Lucy, you are sad this evening,
said EuSenia, putting her arm caressingl
around her young friend. ~ hope | priz
us | ought all the blessings by which | ar
surrounded. But most Of all the 'strang
charm to which you have referred, since
has been the means of gaining such a heal
as yours. Bat tell me, Lucy, Of this cousin
who has won your love-your cousin Fred
l believe you call him.. Are you not happ
in that love ?"
"Ah, yes! that is the bright spot in N
otherwise clouded path. My love for Ere
eric Allison is no idle dream, no ideal fame
r 1t has 'growh~with my growth until it h;
become a part of my existence. And aoeU,
e know he loves me, in return. He says b
a year more and he will call me by the S
cred name Of wife,"
n Thus calmly spoke Lucy DeLacy. whit
quiet happiness which marked her nature.
n Hers was one of those characters we SON
times meet who seem too cold, too calm,
g love. Who seem to have less of earth til
X heaven in their cold, impenetrable purity.
h Who seem to feel but little, even when
ID storm clouds Of life overshadow and dark
their brightest hopes.
Where is Frederic ?" asked Eugenia "
ID a smile, as she thought how calmly and co
Is ly Lucy spoke of him.
ly " lie is in Vermont, his native State. |
collegiate course is nearly at IN end. Wo
mt that he could spend his vacation, amid s,
err scenes rs these. He does solove the beauti.
er "Why should he not Write TO him
lit bid him come. Doubtless he will be v
pleased to make a pilgrimage to your
en- SHTlile. Dlu ulU come In the name OF
ror gcnia Melburne."
ms Dear Eugenia, how shall / thank "
sw you are the very spirit Of goodness itself.
lot W'H write 10 FREDERIC IN your falr name
ell bid him GOMEZ" and Lucy bounded a.
de- with IN eagerness, that looked remark;
to in one generally so unmoved. An hour a
- she might have been seen bending her s.
no ing face over a letter, and tracing line a
ms. line, with blushing cheek. Perhaps I'll
led were loving words, and endearing ma
oh traced there but n woman's letter to
no lover is, or ought to be, a sacred thing, 81
ish will not intrude. Eugenia looked lovil
after the graceful form of Lucy as she boz
nd, ed away, to perform her pleasant task.
inc in the affection Of her noble heart, murmu
few Dear Lucy, how sweet it is to give
pleasure. / hope this lover cousin OW CT
uty if it be only to give an additional thrC
pleasure to her heart"
"a She cast her dark eyes around upon
n, n beauty which surrounded her, up at the
half starry sky, upon the dark shadows of
4 in trees, and time passed unconsciously a
hat How beautiful she was in her white II
tch, which looked snowy beneath the silveryu N
nre light, which fell in titfnl shadows over her
us her p%rincely home. But even while she
fled cd around upon that scene which was not
saw beautiful, or dear, because of it's flmilia
: If the subjects of her late conversation see
and to linger III her mind.
VI GLOW calmly Lucy speaks Of her lc
ON Mayhap he may prove false, and then
,eek cheeks, and wan smiles, will ensue. /
eui. but little faith in the truth of man il
lrls slant ever should be traced, in woman's
upon every brow. Lucy loves Frederi
and lison, and should he prove false, or brea
troll, vow to my gentle friend, why l would
nan him as the meanest reptile on earth -
yn. a proud flush crossed her cheek, ant
most beautiful mouth was wreathed moment
a with tho marring influence of that indor
/, the BILE pride, which slept like a hushed tel
with within her breast.
Damp dews were falling, and Eu
cars catching up her long white robes, cast
,alls. gering glance upon the scene Of beaut
their was leaving, hurried along the graveled
taste nor paused until she stood by the beds
tv of the sleeping Lucy.
Il Eugenia turned her eyes from a seal
ter upon the table, directed in Lucy's de
chirography to MIR. Frederic Allisor
ave. her calm, sleeping face, so still, so bea
in its repose. STOPPING, she pressed
Iuoe- upon her cheek. Lucy's lips moved, ar
of murmered, "you will so love Eugenia, L
Eugenia smiled thoughtfully, as she |
vcrv again upon her sleeping friend, and LEI
low. What a strange thing is Destiny! The
mars moments in life, when we seem to hol
Co fate in our own hands, and %oftener TIL
,boso suppose, by some fortunate, or unfort