Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-02-06

DEAR GIRLS: Many long and happy
months have rolled by on the s~wift-winged
wheels of time, since last l held communion
curtin CcrI
you all that has transpired within those
heeting months? Yes l fancy you all
respond eagerly.
Well l have stood at holy wedlock's
shrine, and offered up my all of earthly
love upon its sacred altar-have been trans
formed from a dreaming maiden into a
thoughtful matron, have taken a BRIDAL
ToUR-not to Europe, no, no-but thro'
the most beautiful part of my own proud
native State--aud above all have bid adieu
tony own loved childhood's home; and forth
from its sheltering roof have flown a timid
ledgling upon the strong pinions of wo-
mans love, to share the home and heart of
one who is gifted, noble, proud and good.
But oh! the deep, wild anguish that wells
up in the young brides heart. when she
bids her first alden to home! How the
tears will come and your heart throb with
a sickening sensation, as you wander thro'
the long passages and old fashioned rooms,
and reflect that the home that has long
sheltered you from the cold storms of earth,
is yours no longer--and your dear Mother
looks so pale and sad, tho she tries to
wear a cheerful smile and turns away from
you to hide the tears she cannot press
back into their deep fountains, and your
father walks about with a quicker step
than usual, for you we're his frst-born, and
sorrow is in his heart as he bids you adieu,
and your fond sisters and brothers gather
around you with fearful eyes, for It's a bit
ter thing to part with BIG SISSY and
think what home; will be without her-and
ever the kind old servants brush away a
glittering tear as they pass about preparing
a lunch for you on the way, and your heart
is almost bursting all the while. But the
time has come to start, and your kind hus,
band is waiting on you, SO you go for the
last time to your old room and feel like you
would, if it were possible, take the whole Of
the old homestead up in your arms and
press it to your aching bosom, but It's all
over-you have pressed u last kiss on your
mothers brow, aud with a bleeding heart
have turned from your home, and are nov
rafting along upon the road that leads t.
your husbands beautiful cottage. Fol
awhile your griefis almost insupportable-
but gradually it subsidies, and you listen t
the rumbling of the carriage wheels anc
think there is a plaintive music in it, anc
watch the ever varying scenery till YOU
heart grows calm, aud your husband in
kind atfectionate tone tells you of the beau
ties of your new home, and how Aun
Dolly, the kind old housekeeper, will wea,
a broader .friW on her cap and a specte.
smile on her face than nsual-to welcom,
the young BRIDE" On and on rolls til,
carriage wheels, until, at a sudden bend il
the road, you catch a glimpse of your cot
tagc home,-peeping out modestly thro
the autumn-dyed foliage-and sure enough
there is aunt Dolly coming down the gray
Ell walk to meet you-and with a warn
shake of the hands aud q hearty " Coz
bless you," jumps right into the only va
cant corner in your heart, and your hus
band, in a polite though tender manner
installs you mistress of his heart and home
and you love him a thousand times bette
than ever. You take his arm and wal
about through the yard and the d~ieren
rooms in your cottage, till the bell ring
for tea, and then You steal away to you