Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-03-28
gaaies' Department.
4feetioHately irseribed to the Young Lady reader,
Of the SPIRIT OF THE AGE.
THE MAIDEN'S RESOLUTION.
BIZ LoRA.


misdemeanor this evening, Annie, exclaimed
Edward Langdon lightly, as he stepped
acfoss the cosy little parlor of the widow
Bertrand 5 humble home, and seated him
self by the side of his afEanced bride, the
widows only daughter.
.An1 so you come to confession thus
speedily, that absolution may be the more
readily granted queriee the lady in the
same gay tone, whilst the extended hand
and the warm light which love lit up in her
soft blue eys,sgsse little promise OF eensurel !
for the act he had alluded TO-
Exactly, Annie. You guess we'll. And
now would you believe it, / really had to
take three glasses of wine with my old friend
Fred Asbury, before could get away from
him for my visit to you'
could indeed scarce have believed it
from other lips,' returned the lady, and
shade, it might have been of vexation, it
might have been of sorrow, swept over her
brow, and only receded therefrom to call up
faint but still deeper glow upon either
cheek.
We'll, you see the truth is simply this, |
had not seen him for such a long time
could not refuse, being in no wise pledged
against SO harmless proof of friendship
There was no reply to this excuse, and
the gentleman passed on to other topics
fascinating and full of interest to the young
lovers, yet ever and anon the dim uudefna-
ble shadow stole back to her brow and left
thoughtful impression legible about the
compressed lip, and in the fixed yet dreamy
expression Of her earnest eye. Time after
time it was driven away by tender words
and the glance Of unutterable love which went
down into her heart, filing it with silent
ecstacy, and her voice for the moment would
resume its old glad, joyous tone, whilst her
heart strings gave back its sweetest melody
TO the thrilling touch of hope and love alone
And yet as the evening wore away deeper
and more frequent fell the sombre shade
athwar: the sunshine of her hearts deep
} home, and one Or two random replies to her
companions remarks were so apparent, that
rising to take leave, he said still gaily, for he
had long since lost all clue TO her variable
j, mood, you must be weared or very sleepy
e dear Annie, for you do not seem gather
ing moisture cleaned in the depth Of hel
e eye, then trembled like diamond upon the
i. outward verge of her long dark lashes, ar
It rested his word, and with much blended
4 respect and tsa,asrness he took her hand IL
O his, and afterSa moments perusal of bel
p face resumed id an altered tone, what is j
n Annie something troubles you tonight
d which have failed to drive away. May
IS not know what it is clouding your brow anG
he IS
o Not tonight Edward, not tonight. In
IT deed cannot yet understand and arrang,
d myself these feelings of sadness which have
h come back time and again. Let me have
:, time to analyze and clear up the mantle o
@ gloom thus darkly shrouding my spirit
3 Good night now, Edward, we will speak O
e it tomorrow, and there was quiet frmnes
d in her air and words, to which he Responded
only by a gentle pressure of the hand b.
IS held,a subdued gooG NIGH, and amoment al
,e ter she was alone. Some time later, when th
e. moon had long since crept around to the win
i. dow where she sal. and woven tiara of pur
ID pale beams and laidit gently upon her bowe
ar head, she raised her face from her hand
Of swept back the hair which had fallen in di.
ID order about her temples, and gave vent i
,ir words to the thoughts which had so lon
of occupied her mind. Indeed, indeed it mu.
bit De right this conviction | cannot overcom
vn that should place my hand in no mans
in his wife who both in principle and practiC
sr- is not firmly enlisted upon the side Of tn
at great temperance reform. | know thel
I'D are other sins as great as drunkenness, b.
m none perhaps so utterly subversive of all soci
&C. enjoyment, SO forgetful of all domestic inf
to ences as this IN its gradual work oftransfor1
te, iEg kind and humane man into fright
he hend. As wife, my place would distinct
he be by his side. Through all storm al
sunshine, adversely and prosperity, evil al
in good, his stronger arm and stouter hea
tie should constitute the dependence Of n
nd whole nature ; but now before that relatio
it ship is assumed it is we'll worth while
,od contemplate that little but still portento
lay cloud which may eventually spread until
my envelop my life in deepest gloom.
les, True, my word stands pledged, but a
ith had never heard him say before that S
ping the wine cup was a harmless proof
be friendship. Harmless and yet. oh CT
out how many high and noble even as he is, a
on upon whom as much deep love was lavish
ap- as | have bestowed on him, have trod
'se, pathway from the rosy wine cups bubb
,od, wreathed brim down to the drunkar
1--WE loathsome grave. Such may not be
In course, but l cannot help this shrinking fir
ood the fearful risk of taking that solemn g
with one who looks upon it thus lightly.
able must speak to him seriously. earnestly a
eral yet kindly, for since we are all imperf
and creatures, have no idea of that love VII
seeks no Improvement in its object, and
must see-be must feel that it is the v
depth and sincerity Of the feeling bear
which imparts all the earnestness to my m
ot a ner and words. will appeal TO him as
con- educated, responsible man, to lend all
light influence of his talent and position to
EN- side Of consistency and truth. viii
but him of the opportunities which may nun
rap ously occur during his life to lead the err
ked, back to virtue and to God-and how
usic. glorious power will be shoru of its siren
d. if be in the face Of all entreaty and rem
Sec stance with others can still dare to lift
bis intoxicating draught to his own lips,
/ the pronounce the acl harmless one. He
deem it assumption, arrogance upon my