Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-08-29

~ winch 10 ascertain Wnab bulS young idWyer
is in love with lie then unfolded his plan,
and when they parted. Minnie's face had
resumed something Of its old look of careless
gayety.
The first week of Walter Roby's : banislp
ment' las he told her he should call I'D had
not passed, when it was rumored that Minnie
Arlin had entered the shop of Mrs. Rand,
the mIlllner, as an apprentice, and when :
questioned, she had replied, She did not
wish to be a burden upon her father in his
present circumstances. There came also
lying reports of loss of property, which
seemed In accordance with Minnie's conduct,
and many people began to believe that Esq.
Arlin would be obliged to dispose of his
handsome mansion and fine farm. Minnie
continued her daily tasks at the milliner's
shop until the.two weeks had nearly expired.
Two days before the time had expired, she
despatched to her lover the following note
Mr.. Ro3Y-If you still entertain the
sentiments you professed at our last inter
view, l will give you my reply this evening.
MINNIE"
Walter had heard the rumors, and had en-
deayored to ascertain their truth. He trem
bled lest they were true, for he felt that he
could not make Minnie Arlin, if poor, his
bride. He was quite undecided VIVA to do,
when he received MinnicVs note but insme-
diately sailed forth, d~etdFmined to satisfy
himself as to the truth of the rumor, if
possible. Stepping into the Office of a ply
stefan, with WHOM he was upon terms of
intimacy, be said, after a few moments of
conversation, what is it doctor, about this
affair of Esq. Arlin ? Is he really so reduced
that Minnie is obliged to become a shop
grip
WE'LL replied his friend, Il thought at
Guok kIo.o ..,.A ~ roo,o ,,;e+oLo I,A boo,l
the old gentleman say this morning, when
some one spoke of Minnie being SO indus
trious, that Minnie Arlin would not see her
father reduced to poverty, and not make
some effort to assist him. So | presume there
is foundation for the reports. But, my dear
fellow, Mik1ie is a noble girl without her
property-if she has not so pretty a face as
some
'Oh,' replied Roby, carelessly, Il hope
you don't think I'm committed there. |
have been somewhat friendly with Minnie, it
is true; but nothing serious, / assure you.-
No trouble about the heart, and he laughed,
5 8 though added he, / should regret exceed
| ingiy to have them meet with reverses.' He
{ soon after took his leave, and returning to
) his office, seated himself at his writing desk,
f and wrote, sealed, and despatched the
: following notes
: My DEAR Miss ARLIN: During the time
: that has elapsed since l saw you last, my
> feelings have become somewhat changed-or
Il rather I have analysed them more closely
: and | fear We can never be happy together.
[ see now that | was somewhat prem allure
in my proposal though | still entertain the
warmes feelings of regard and friendship for
, you. Your cool reply to my proposal led
: me to suppose that your feelings were not
very much interested in myself-and perhaps
it were best for both that the affair should
terminate here. | remainm most respectfully
II your obedient servant, WALTER RoBY.'
IL Minnie shed some tears, when she received
II this cool epistle for she had hoped, az
al maidens sometimes do, that her lover might
m be tried in the balance, and. not founC
wanting But brushing the tears away, she
ae went to her father, and handed the note tC
him, saying, All, father, you've lost thu
re handsome, accomplished young lawyer for
son-in-law. He don't thinksyour homely
to poor Minnie can-maks him Mppy.'
Ie- Leaving the room, She caught up her stray
Ill hat, and went out to ramble in the woods t
ey a ~favorite haunt, hoping the sweet influence
re of Nature might soothe and calm her some
CHI what troubled spirits.
ed The scene was lovely, for it was tn
be sunset hour, and the dreamy, golden ligh
SlduC0u uOWH UGINcGA GLlS llllGEIdClIlR DOuHu
upon the soft green moss, making dancin
lights and shadows in every greenwood patti
The air was soft and balmy. No SCUM
broke the stiffness Of the forest shades, say
the signing, ~plaintive wind-harps, or tn
occasional carol Of a bird. Yielding to tn
:: lulling influence of the scene, Minnie seate
herself upon a fallen tree, and was soon lo
in a reverie.
In her musings, she thought how pleasar
ils' it would be to be loved for ones self alone
'ng and q voice seemed whispering in her ca
us with soft, thrilling tone, loves own cadenc
and dark eyes were gazing into her own wi
tender, loving look. She had wandered thu
: far into loves fairy dream-land, entire
a ~ unconscious of all around, when the cracklil
u eu Of a dry twig started her, and she spral
:, up in alarm but a pair Of dark eyes look,
S into her own, and q familiar voice reassure
and her. She laughingly greeted the intrud,
saying, Why, Herbert, how you start
'"y me! He smiled, and advancing to meet he
" replied, Il am sorry | occasioned you
fright did not think to find you here /
Ioe you are looking pale-are you faint = and
gazed / at her with SO much anxious s~olicitut
o that poor Minnie's equanimity was entire
o overthrow, and sinking again upon her Sc
she covered her face with her hands a
burst into tears. The feelings so long pt
up, and the tears that had been gatheri
% for several days, had at last found vent.
" HerbertCl Clayton had grown up with Min,
- from childhood. He had always loved h
l ae but had felt that a deep gulf separated hi
u . a poor widows son, from the only child
aus the wealthy Esq. Arlin, and therefore
~: compelled himself to worship from af
tnls He, too, had heard the rumors Of Esq. Arli
losses, and he supposed this was the ca
~ of Minnie's agitation. He could scare
: que repress the hope, sweet and faint though
IIlso was, that Minnie might now be his;
'l41h checking this feeling, he seated himself
Le her side to comfort and cheer her, if posi-
! ms Gradually she became calm, and then
urn impaired to him the story of Roby.
MI was indignant at such baseness, and led
I'M by his feelings told Minnie of his own
'eeks and hopes. His unselfsh affection touc
ln'eu her heart. Here was one who loved her
luent herself, and was willing to take her, evel
ms poor. But the wound she had received
u neF too fresh to allow her TO do aught but
not embarrassed, and though thanking Her
c.ueu with her eyes, to shake her head sadly.
form But that chance interview decided the
of both. The more she thought of Herbt
nlght disinterested offer, the more his chara
real rose In her estimation. Meantime, as
only had consented to receive him Us a friend
u ne often visited her and gradually esteem
that him ripened into love.
none One soft, summer evening, Herbert
peli tured to urge his suit again and this
4 the Minnie, though as embarrassed as be
1.1 -0E so " hH1~ 49, IL