Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1855-10-18
] e A L o U S Y I.

'1hank Heaven for my safe returnn was
the ejaculation that escaped my lips, as
stepped from the deck of the Crescent City,
and once more found myself in the great
commercial emporium of our western world
Three years ago, | left this very wharf, IA
poor udventurer in pursuit of wealth amid
the gold mines Of California, and although
thousands have fallen victims to pestilence or
have been sacrficedto the malice and cupidy
OF man. vet | have returned in health and
possessed of suflicency of the 'slterng
dust tn enable me to pass the rest of my days
in atuence.'
Twenty-lour hours subsequent to the above
reflections, found myself at country inn q,
near the interior of the State, awaiting the
arrival of the stage coach which was to bear
me to the next town. While at sacramento
| had forwarded few hundred dollars. in
care of firm in New-York, to my widowed
mother but on my recent arrival learned
that It had not been ordered by her This
gave me some uneaslness, and was a cause
OF Fastening my departure from the city, as
| had vague apprehension that some calam-
ity had beiallen her during my absence. -
Still confess this was not the only cause of
uhalC W ItHCH NY IHllVc low VII 4.
1t was there resided the loved one Of my
heart-the bright divinity of my SOUL whose
image had been with me through all the varied
and evenlful scenes had encountered since
my departure from R.
In the midst of reflections like the above,
the diligence arrived, and was soon on my
way to my native town. One passenger was
my only companion-a tall, genleel, we'll
dressed per,onage, apparently about my age,
with whom was soon engaged in conversa
tion. Being somewhat communicative, he at
length informed me that the place of his des-
tnatlon was the same as my own.
Are you acquainted in r. inquired of
with only one two families, sir, was the
reply.
DO you know widow H. inquired |, with
some anxiety.
She that lives next to Squire Gilmore T."
'The same
Il have seen her while on visit to the
'Squire's.'
This answer in measure relieved me from
the anxiety had felt concerning my mothers
safety. After short time, however, it began
to awaken in my mind somewhat perplexing
inquiry. Why, said |, should this young,
genteeI appearing man be a visitor at Squire
ElImore's? considered the subject, aud
the more considered it, the more perplexing
became the answer.
You are acquainted, then, at Squire ELL
more'sr said |, with affected Indifference.
'4es, sir, was the reply, that is the place
of my present destination
This answer, certainly, did not tend to
allay my growing uneasiness Yet as to
entertaining any feeling Of jealousy-psI,aw! q!
the idea was absurd Still considered
there could be no harm in continuing my
inquiries.
A very pleasant and agreeable family,
that of Squire ElImore's, observed |.
You ave quite right, sir, he responded;
'the Squire and his lady are a very agrcea-
BILE old couple; and as for Miss Julia, she is
perfect model Of beauty and excellence
Now all this knew to be true; bu, what
right had he to know III Could he be rival
in Miss Julia s affectionsi Nonsense! In
possible! knew her too well to doubt her
constancy for moment Yet the thought