Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-08-01
There was no bread nor tea il the house,

There was no bread nor tea ID the house,
and, worse than all, no money.
Surely, then, said Mrs. Dexter, look
ing earnestly in the sad face Of her hus-
band, There is no time to be lost : and
putting on shawl and bonnet she was pre-
sently gone from the house. When she
returned, it was with a gloWson her cheek
that heightened her beauty far more than
paint or powder had ever done. She had
beensellIng her diamonds, and had brought
home money enough to buy cottage and
ten acres Of land within few miles Of the
city where they had always lived.
A year went by, and as Mr.. DEXTER
looked about his neat, well-ordered house,
as he sat before the blazing hickory logs,
nf cea basin A 4ssais ag
apples on the table beside, and saw his
wife, in a pretty chintz, making the tea,
and his boy, bright-eyed and healthy, rock
ing himself in the cradle with look 9f
pride that he was already able to do some
thing for himself, he was surprised al his
own happiness, and exclaimed, Really,
my dear, T. should never have. learned half
your excellent qualities, and, consequently,
never have loved you half so well, but for
our coming down. =. ia.
Coming down, indeed ? size replied, land
putting down the smoking teapot, she
wiped the happy tears from her eyes;
was never 50 happy in my life. It's as il
we had removed great heap ofrubbish,
and had struck vein of pure gold; for what
were all our useless forms, all our servants
and equippa9e, but so many obstacles in the
way ofoar knowing each other? Then there
was nothing that could do for you-now
can do everything; and almost sobbing she
continued, if you call this coming down,
thank God for it, for it has, in truth, been
coming down to usefulness and happiness
With what our friends called misfortunes
we were the gamers every time. Was il
not pleasanter to ride in he open carriage
to see what was about US, and feel the ali
and sunshine, than to be shut up in the ole
numbering coach? And then to walk, an(
have the advantage of exercise as we'll a
air, was better still and now to work, anc
so get air and exercise, and be useful at tht
same time, is best Of all One room dark
ened another when we had great house
now the light and sunshine come in al
round. Our expensive furniture required
careful keeping; SO | had the care both 0
furniture and servants; now can keep tn,
little we require myself, and what was befor
wearisome is pleasure. l have no cererno
NOUS calls to use the time which can pas
in friendly interchange Of thought and fee
ing, with neighbors who come to see me
me, ny busb S8s7 We al b47sF aSSasa s5sy
to shelter us, and one that is withal tastefr
and pretty, and ground that gives us brea
and fruit, and water and fowers-all for
little work; and that is the blessedest of OF
provisions, for through no other means ca
we obtain rest
You are the best and nobest woman
the world exclaimed the husband mterrul
ting her, and but for you [ should ha,
come down in verify. Now | am convince
that while we maintain honesty and SCI
respect, coming down is impossible
It is sad to think of the great fine room
piled one over another, and darkening Oh
against another-too costly for use, and t.
elegant for the free tread and merry Taught
of inarti6cial joy-growing damp and MOI
) dy, and sending to the hearts Of their inmat
heaviness or stupidity, when we know th
might be set up separately in bright gre
: spots here and there, and make such litt
worlds of comforts. Pity it is that false n
tions oflife, or, perhaps, the absence of al
r notions at all, are so enfeebing and dege
| Grating our men and women! How sh
: I spend the time ? and by what proce
shall I beatou my little gold SO thatit sh
: display the most gIittering surface are t
first questions of the day. .-.