Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-02-14
VOL. VI.

taste In dress is often subject to the ordeal
Of criticism. Not long since, heard Mr.
Mansfield wonder that she should ever
wear blue; he pronounced her bewitching
In her black velvet and pearls-for they
coDtrasted so beautifully with her uncom-
mon complexion. But really, Irene, you
do so continually wear the chilly air of In
difference about everything and everybody,
that | do not wonder the flower of Iove so
oft lies bleeding when it is laid votiye Of
fering at your shrine. How free must
you be from the many weaknesses and
frailties incidept 81 assr splislgs sest' = n
- IrenSs qaivering lip was Compressed, as
if to hush with the effort some rising emo
ton but it was only momentary, for she
calmly replied
o. Truly the heart knoweth its own bit
terness, and proud should that heart be,
when it can preserve such knowledge from
the unsympathizing eye of cold misjudg-
ing world
1t was only in the bustling crowd that
Irene had met Eugene since their last and
well-remembered interview, and when he
called for Amelia, the many changes which
had narrowed her mind since then, could
not fail to throw into her manner painful
degree of visible constraint as she returned
his salutation.
Speaking of fashionable dressing, con-
tinued the gay Amelia, reminds me of the
late style of jewelry, but Mis addition of
apparel Irene always seemed averse to
wearing, excepting her cherished diamond
brooch. How often have you repented
that act of unrcfecting generosity, and
sighed to look again on its brilliancy-for
even De Cotz would find difficulty in
producing its match ?
Not once, answered Irene quietly, 1t
was not q gift of needless generosity, or
of prodigal charity. never had a passion
for jewels Of any kind, and as you say. al
ways wear them with aversion
But you really priced and admired your
brooch, interposed Ola methinks too
you we're aware that its brilliancy enhanced
the glossy darkness of your hair Now
confess your regret at having parted with
it2.'
Most certainly, had have had my
purse, or any other valuable about me, |
would not have given it as donation !;
and do confess there was some slight in
ternal struggle, because of the many en-
dearing recollections connected with an
ornament so highly priced. Bat when l
reflected that he is not really charitable
who makes no sacf:Gces, all hesitation van
ished, aud with its departure ceased every
regret
Miss Carlton might probably ransom
it, as necessity will no doubt convert her
gift into something more substantial to the
Polish orphans suggested Eugene.
put my veto on that interrupted
Ola, for the sum expended in a ransom
would purchase an ornament moro fashion
able. Nobody but one of Irene's fastidi-
Gus, antiquatod taste would have worn the
brooch so long, merely for its ancestral re-
membranes | am sure I would have
pawned it away long ago.
Pawn away family relic, Olia-my
fathers bridal gift to my mother, merely
for some more fashionable gewgaw! The
greatest poverty of my wardrobe coult
; never have induced me to commit such ;
sacrilcge.'
All p replied Ola, laughing-'T veri
ly belive | should adopt Charles Surface
logic respecting all family pieces-and d.
: as he did with his library, part even will
Z learning, which had been an heirloom il
! the family for ages past, because of som
: : fashionable requirement or necessity
/, eWcll,' added Amelia as she rose to dc
! part, tomorrow night will decide ques
! tion as important as beauty adorned, o
: Uice OerSa, inasmuch as your humble ser
y want will offer the latter contrast to yo
: two, in your rainbow brilliancy. Au revoi
: until then
Mademoiselle will please say wha
! style she wishes her hair dressed to night
= said the obsequious, complaisant coiffeur
: !, the abstracted, sad looking Irene, as sh
= seated herself to undergo the torturin
? process of fashionable barberizing.
Look, soz,' said Ola, entering tt
) room, her face beaming with animatic
1t and delight, CIT this beautiful tiara
!, Jewels l selected for you, from De Cotz.-
|, How splendidly these flowers Of prismat
, tint will correspond with the rainbow sati
le l will see you triunphant in novelty t
N night, for nothing Ike this will be ther'
:, Madcmoiselle's hair would look super
~ arranged a la Eastern, with this tiara re-
Ia ing on her fair brow said Monsieur Ma
~ vim, holding up the flashing ornament
: = Ireno's pale brow.
u Don't thiAk me dissatisfied with 20
G taste Ola, when | insisingon your weari
IN IN it-nor fckle, when | tell you have IL
~ aside the rainbow satin for another tim
:, as do not feel brilliant tonight, it wou
az % be absurd mockcry to appear So i.
to. Olia's eyes opened wide with astonr
of mcnt as she exclaimed
mt What, expend so much IN buying
10. dress, and then not wear it, because
M. feel little disiraa You surely are
Of ting?
nc Indeed | am not so, Monsieur, J
/ i will please remember the tiara is for N
, in Twins bright hair, and arrange mine
my the very plainest fashion.
ues- When the cousins met in the parlor
tired for the ball, Ola gave an admir-
lpon look towards Irene saying
rfect No wonder you are Indifferent alb
now your dress, for although you have on t
it is oalo1s black velvet, and those often W
onia night
her ,tt ana all that's ofdark and bright
ared ''s aspect and thine eyes,
er, But 1t was evident that Ola vas
much enamored with her own dazzling