Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-06-13
JUNE 1s, 1855.

From bad to worse he succeeded, and
Eow, reduced to the last extremity, he had
retired to bis beautiful retreat, with the hope
that rigid economy and fresh application to
business would improve his rapidly sinking
fortune But his star was descending, he
had no security to offer, and the cottage
was sold.
Itwas bright day in autumn--the pur-
chasers were few; there was but little COM
petition, and the estate passed in,o other
hands. The purchaser gave notice that be
should take possession forthwith.
And what was to become of the lovely
child? His last home had been taken from
him, and that fair girl was motherless.
The heart Of the food father misgave him
/ when he seesises sin foriEatioE that the pre-
misses must be immediately vacated
He had been proud man, but his pride
was now humbIed. and calmly he resigned
himself to this last stroke of afflction. He
too, wept-it was fearful sight to see that
strong man weep!
But bis troubles were nearly at an end
The day following that upon which the sale
occurred bad we'll nigh past. The after.
noon was bright and balmy. The father sal
with his daughter in the recess of one of the
cottage windows which looked out upon the
high road. He had received a note from
the purchaser of the cottage, informing him
that he should call upon him in the after.
noon, for the purpose of examining the
premises more fully than he had opportunity
Of doing, They awaited his visit.
20, father!' shouted Charlotte, forgetting
for the moment her sorrows, look, there is
my darling little Jesse? and knock at the
door called her at once to recollection.
The door was opened by the once prince
ly proprietor of the princely mansion in
l. square. Before him stood curious
looking man, who enquired for Mr.. s.
That is my name, sir, and / have the
honor of addressing-.'
Mr.. Manly, sir now the owner of this
cottage. | have just received the deed from
my attorney, and with your permission shall
be glad to examine the estate
Walk in, sir, YOU are master here, and
L shall vacate as soon as your pleasure may
require it. My daughter, SIR he contin
ued, as the stranger entered the parIor-
This is Mr.. Manly, Charlotte, the pur
chaser of our little cottage
The person whom you once knew orl,
as the poor strawberry boy continuet
Manly, as be took her extended hand
My dear SIR said Manly, addressing tn
father, l am the owner of this cottage. -
Seven years ago had the happiness to re
ceive from this fair hand few shilIings i
payment for fruit which carried to the doc
of the then af1uent Mr.. s. of l.
square, was but boy, sir, and a poe
bov but poor as | was and wealthy as wa
this lady, | dared to love her Since the
| have travelled many leagues, I have end,
red many hardships, with but single obje,
in view-that of making myself worthy
your daughter. Fortune has not bee
niggard with me, SIR my cndeavors hav
been crowned with success; and [ CON
here to-day not to take possession of tn
lovely cottage alone, but to lay my fortur
at the feet of worth and beauty, and to off
this fair being a heart which exists but fl
herself alone
Charlotte loved, and shortly after ga,
her hand to Manly. They remained in Il
cottage, which was newly furnished an
many times afterward did she mount b.
favorite jesse, at the side of her fond An
devoted husband, and roam through Il
romantic scenes which abound in that fame
island