Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-06-04
ORIGINAL PAPERS,
Written for the Spirit Of the Age.
DECIL ARLI n G I ON +;
INDEcIsIoN
LContinned rom our last.l

BY MENU.
Continued from our last.
Thus the months rolled away and Ger
aids work was half accomplished. Mr..
Arlington had more than once remonstra-
ted with Cecil in reference to his neglect
Of studies, but he always laughed it off
aud continued to pursue his ordinary
course.
To Evelyn, this winter had been sea-
son Of delight. Moving in the most fash
ionable society of the city, she shone eve
rywherc an acknowledged star, and all ad-
aired and loved her, who came within the
influence Of her sweet smile and lovely, un-
affected manners. When the session of
the University was at an end, Mr.. Airing
ton determined to return home after CIV
inc 10 Eva a ball, with which none of its
predecessors should compare in splendor.
Accordingly the appointed evening came
round, and the saloons blazing with light
were filed by the elite of the city. Forms
of glorious beauty moved there, decked
with costly gems whose sclntillatlons almost
blinded the beholder, but among them all
none might vie with Evelyn. Elegantly
attired and in the most perfect taste, she
was the cynosure Of all eyes, and Cecil
smiled in mingled delight and admiration,
as she passed him, resting her small gloved
hand lightly upon his fathers arm. just
then Gerald's tall, majestic figure moved
slowly to his side, and Cecil leaning towards
him, whispered i" Come let us get a glass
or two of wine, need it to bring my spir-
its to the right point for to-night's pleas.
ures." Gerald laughed as he followed
him, lightly repeating the words of the
Teian bard:
d" pray thee, by the gols above,
Give me the mighty howl love,
Aud let me sing in wild delight,
| will will be mad Tonight"
Soon they both returned to the saloon
Gerald calm and unexcited, for a smal
quantity of wine took no effect whatever
upon him, whereas single glass was suf
fcient to cause manifest change in Cecil:
actions and conversation. The music was
sounding and preparations being made fol
dancing and soon fair forms were gliding
through the bcwitching figures of the CO
tillion, or floating round in that most grace
full Of movements the waltz.
Cecil danced the FIRST cotllion with Eve
lyn and the couple speedily attracted gen
oral attention, and were followed by nu
Inerous expressions Of admiration as the.
moved gracefully through the figures. IL
talked to her with new animation, an
she looked with surprise upon his beamln
eye and speaking countenance, but neve
dreamed Of any other cause for this sudde
flow Of spirits than the excitement of tn
occasion. Late in the evening, Evelyr
wearied of dancing promenaded slowly wit
Gerald around the saloon. In the mid
of one Of the animated little groups, th'
were laughing and talking round then
stood Cecil Some one had spoken dispa
agingly of Byron,-of him
who wove his garland Of the lightning
wing,
And with the thunder talked as friend
friend"
and Cecil, his face glowing with enthu'
asm had undertaken to defend his favorit
From lips that seemed " touched with Il
living coal" burning stream Of eloquen
rolled forth, that held those around mu
and spell-bound as by some wizard s char
Evelyn stood moment forgetful of Sc
gazing upon those handsome features ligh
ed up with the fire Of genius, and prou
happy smile rested upon her lips. Gera
saw that smile, OWNED its cause and da
cloud fell upon his brow. The next III
ment he bent down his head aud whisper
in tone of concentrated bitterness,
hold the power Of wiRe :"
Eyelyn's hands grew cold as ice-t
smile fed from her lips, aud her cheek
sumed an ashy hue, but recovering in
moment her composure, she merely repll
"let us sit down, | feel faint and wish
rest few minutes" Gerald led her t
seat and Mr.. Arlington joining them,
rose and walked carelcssly away.
ooh! Mr. Arlington said Evel
q Cecil is under the influence of wine
81 hope not, IL hope not, was the
ply, "hc has never to my knowles
touched a glass in his life"
The guests now began to depart,
soon ofthat largeassemblage none renal
except Mr. Arlington, Eva, and the
Young men. Cecips father looked seal
ingly at him, as he wished them good-ni
and retired with Gerald from the ro
and became painfully aware that there
something unusual in his demeanor,
he made no remark and having pressC
kiss upon Eva's pure open brow,
sought their respective departments.
The next morning Mr.. Arlington S
moned Cecil to his study and asked
whether he had drank any wine on
previous evening Cecil blushed aud
itated as this pointed and unexpecte'
auiry met his ear, but, unable to S
aught save the truth, he finally confc
that he had.
"And was that the first time, or
long have you been indulging in this
nicious habit y
Cecirs face now burnt like living
as he replied Some friends induces
to take glass Of wine, soon after we
to Baltimore"
And / suppose" continued his ia
you have since then acquired the
Of drinking without the induceme
leave me, Sir, am bitterly disappO
in you"
Cecil instantly left the room an