Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-02-21


ings after the ball, that Irene sat alone in
tho conservatory. Alas the witchery of
that soul-subduing hour shadowed forth no
pleasing vista OF remembrance to her; for
ON her fair brow the deepest contraction of
mental agony seemed TO rest-her pallid
lips parted, lit was iu vain to bid the wa
ters Of memory be still, when she poured
forth in the silence Of solitude the full tide
Of her souls deep emotions.
Tomorrow Earnest comes exclaimed
she, wildly crushing letter in her trcmb-
ling hanl. Goa how terribly the plough
share Of sorrow hath passed over me since
that fatal and never to be forgotten ball,
and now the dcadliest bitter will soon be
added to my already brimming cup of mis-
cry. How can /, how shall meet him,
when | have so wi5atiy yielded my heart
to u perjuring weakness?'
The announcement of Earnest's speedy
coming had been made in the parlor by Mr..
Irwin, and Irene unable to bear the scruti.
ny Of any one, had sought refuge in the
conservatory to give vent to those overpow-
cring feelings which, from having been so
long smnthercd and controlled, she felt,
when thus finally tested, would Ovcrwhelm
her with their terrible force. Eugene was
present he had witnessed her agitation -
his look Of deep penetration, one so full Of
meaning, haunted her Hind-how could he
fail tn conStrue her evident terror and dis
tress? Wuald it not tend to increase his
vanity by confirming his already aroused
suspicious, which Amelia had pronounced
more than merely premonitory? As such
humlliating reflections were thus harrassing
her mind, Irene was startled by the sudden
entrance Of some one. How soothing to
her painfully excited nerves, when her
aching eye greeted the benevolent face of
her uucle.
| suppose, said he approaching the
window where she sat- your happiness is
too great to bear the gaze Of curious eyes.
So you have come hither to indulge in
sweet reveries'
lie spoke tenderly, and passing his arm
around her, looked anxously into her agi-
tatcd face
Snc answered. not, lgurng 90 bctio, tl.e
terrible bitterness of her feelings even to
one so affcctionatcly beloved, and in whom
she had ever confded without reserve.
Irene, (his voice was changed, my child
for TO me you have been as one Of my own
love- pardon what may now venture tC
say-but the veil must be rent away this
il no time for concealment-l cannot for
bear expressing the fear that you do no
love Egrncst Malcolm, aud that this yer,
moment you feel as if tomorrow bring
with his coming the death-warrant of you
happiness. Circumstances have recent
conspired tO enlighten my mind respecting
the real state of your affections-nay, star
not--but am convinced you love another
aud that other is Eugene Mansfield
Irene's head sunk upon his shoulders
when he PAUSED, then, in trembln
voice, she replied Spare me, dearest Ut
cle-my best Of fricn Isl have been weal
but not irrccovcraby betrayed. Oh di
you but know how | have struggled again'
temptation, you would indeed be leuier
towards my weakness. However,, contil
ued she, raising her face, and hastily brus
ing away the tears from her check - q
though in heart | have erred, yet new
have in word or action compromised n
truth Alas my father, how little perha
did you dream that your last wish won
so fcarfully seal the misery of your daug
ter 2
{ If such be the state Of your mind, it
incumbent upon me to disclose the tru
to Earnest ere you meet, aud thereby pr
pare him for the disappointment of
hopes. Believe me, Irene, so long as +
a..,o NT,nsG,ll rnfaine III, exyoyy O,-or No
heart, he never could with honor or prop
city claim your hand
'Oh nor exclaimed she wildly, 'betr
me not. once believed | was warn
loved by Eugene, but his love Was so co
ly repulsed, and now it is entirely estrar
cd, for he loves another
Do you repent your rejection, and il
were possible would you retract your dec
ion 2
Irene seemed to be in state Of stu
despair, for it was some time ere she rou
herself; her reply was as if-uttcred by
dreaming
No, were he to plead again his s
with the renewed ardor of an uuconque
bic passion-never would | swerve fl
fulfilling my cor to Earnest Malcolm
Think you if Eugene has ever beer
ware Of your love for him-he could reg
you spotess aud true to another
All it would avail me little now
question his opinions, said Irene prou
though with some emotion-' and ha
for mc, that he has changed. Earnest
noble, and worthy of love truer thai
could bestow, yet every power shall be
ercised on my part to make him happy
Your philosophy is dangerous, and
prove fatal to your peace, my child
swercd Mr.. Irwin sadly, as he rose to |
her. 'Woull to heaven that Earnest
cupied the place in your affections, W
Eugene even now does, aud God grant
may learn the difficult task of conque
one love, by wooing another
She was alone how fervently her
echoed her unces parting wish. Uni
ed wore the hours away The night
one ofcalm magnfcence. Loves bri
queen walked her jeweled heights, su
in solitary grandeur alone over the 5
of earth. Her azure court needed no T.