Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-10-03
GRolCg LITERATURE.
From the Olive Branch.
E l. Y YN Fl ALL,
THE WILD ROSE OF EvANsH1RE
BY CAROLINE HOWE.

land, retired from the hustle of the town
and half concealed by the monarch oaks
that skirted either side Of the broad ave-
nue., leading up from the highToad; stood
Elvyn Hail.
1t was lofty, yet irregular structure Of
Norman architecture, showing traces in
deed of modern taste, yet retaining all the
marks of antiquity, as if the present pro-
prietor shared in the pride that characteri-
zes the English nobility, and shrank from
any innovations which would materially
change the stately mansion, where his an
cestors had lived and gloried in their un-
sullied rank and titles.
The interior of the mansion harmonized
we'll with this outward view also. The
Gothic windows of stained glass, through
which the light fell in gorgeous purple and
golden dyes, the richly carved oaken vain
scotting grown black with age, the magnif-
cent draperies the splendid chandeliers,
the massive furniture, all of which we can
not stay TO describe, but which accorded
so we'll with the external estimate of its
grandeur, combined to inspire one almost
with awe in traversing the lofty apartments
Here too, were blended relics and memo
rials Of the past, and the arms and the
crest Of the family were conspicuous every
where.
The prospect from the Hall was magnif-
cent On one side, green fields and shad-
owy orchards met the view, stretching far
away down to the noble lake that lay gilt
tering like silver at the base Of the sunny
slope. On the other, the cottages, belong
ing to the grounds, were seen peeping from
amid the luxuriant foliage, with the white
church crowning the hill beyond, aud Civ
ing one that idea of quiet contentment so
necessary to perfect landscape. While
on every side, the extensive park, the long
shaded avenues, and the richly cultivated
gardens, lay stretched out.like an enchant-
ing picture seen in the glorious light of a
june morning
II is not strange that Courtnaye Elvyr
should feel pride, a consciousness of pow
er, as he looked around and claimed all
this as his own. As for himself person.
ally, we will say, that finer specimen Of
manhood could not have been found in the
whole range of the English aristocracy.-
He might have numbered some twenty
the crimson couch drawn up before the
open easement, with the soft wind lifting
his hair aud revealing a brow white and
clear as an infants, he might have seemed
even younger. He had returned from
Paris the night previous, and his voyage
over the English Channel had been SC
rough as to completely exhaust him before
he reached Evanshire.
But now how refreshing was the breeze
from the lake-what luxury was this
repose-what blessing this quietude
after mingling SO long in the whirl of soci
ETY.. He closed his eyes, and yielded t.
his mood, passing hour after hour in tha
half conscious, half dreamy state, so deli
cious to one weary in body and mind.
There was light rap at the half-ope
door, but it did not arouse him; anothe
and another, and then it opened softly an
wide, and bright face looked in, yet sti
he dreamed on.
"Will the Master come 2"
1t was a sweet, yet timid voice that sal
it.
cha! birdie, is that youY Come here,
and the young nobleman stretched fort
his hand He was weary as | said, so
did not turn or open his eyes, but answere
as TO sudden voice in his dreams, an
waited for the little hand to fall into b
open palm as Of old.
He waited in vain however.
"Lena," he said after moments paus
/" Master y
The voice was 6rmer than before. The
was something in'the tone that was new
him, and this time he opened his eyes, al
half lifting his head from the pillow, turn
toward the speaker. A single glance al
he rose instantly.
"Pardon me Isitpossible?" ?" he ask,
involuntarily, as the maiden retreated
few PAGES with downcast eyes and heavil
bosom, evidently conscious of the admiri
glance fixed upon her, yet shrinking
meath it.
viii the master come y she repeat
in the same low tone as at first, but vii
out lifting her eyes.
Seldom had such flush been seen up
Courtnaye Elvyn's face, and never had
been more at loss for words. In Itali
cline he had wandered beneath the glo
Gus skies with maidens as bright as
morning; he had stood in the presence
England proudest beauties; he hadquaf
the rcd wine of France with her fair
daughters, yet failed to drink as deeply
the fount Of admiration and Scotlan
lassies," as lovely as when they insplI
the Poets song, had not won his hea
aud now this slight girl, whom he only
membered as a sweet fairy of child
years ago, had made him forget for Z
ment the relatiye distance between the
In the beautiful maiden he was losing si
Of rank and station, needing not that
was still Lena Grove, his gardeners gra
child-onLy has gardeners grandctild
II may be that her very simplicity
dress and manner, so in contrast with
noble ladies of his own rank, helped
r deepen the charm, for it seemed like a s
den vision to him. The graceful out
Of figure, the arching neck, the droor
lids, the faint color stealing over her fac
whena white rose is first looked upon by
sunshine, all these made her indeed a fitl