Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-07-23
TIE BRTDAL.

A E FROM REAL LIFE.
The scene was one of mirth, and ioy,
and loneliness, and beauty. Two spacious
p%arlors had been thrown open in one of
the largest houses in Arch-street. Lights
had glitttered in the various chambers since
early sundown-carriages by dozens had
driven up to the door, each freighted with
friends or relatives-so that the world with
out found little difficulty in arriving at the
conclusion that some extraordinary scene
of f~estivity was in progress within the walls
of that spacious mansion.
1t was about nine o'clock when we en-,
tered. The two large p~arlors, brilliantly
Illuminated by gas, and glittering with
a rich collection Of young and beautiful fe-
males, each dressed in the most tasteful or
gorgeous manner, presented a scene truly
magnificent. Fora m%omentthe eye seemed
to quail before the general fash, while the
mind also grew dizzy; but these feelings
lasted but for the instant, as friends were
to be met on all sides, and we soon found
ourselves mingling in the giddy and trifing
conversation that too many of our fair coun-
trywomen seem to delight in on such occa-
sions. Still, as the first flash passed by,
we paused to contemplate the scenes in a
calmer and more meditative spirit.
The party was a " Bridal one; the bride
was the daughter of one of our most respec-
table merchants worthy, good hearted
man, who had devoted himself to hk bust
ness, and paid no attention whatever to the
frivolities Of fashionable life. The bride
seemed Cery young-not more than sixteen
or seventeen. She could not be regarded
as beautiful in the general appreciation of
the word, and yet she had one of the sweetest
faces that we ever saw. She had soft blue
eyes, brown hair, which fell over her shout
ders in ringlets, a pretty and expressive
mouth, with teeth that appeared to us fault
less. Hercomplexion was clear, but her face
ate-L-1~~AS4 paao, ulUuougn at times 1T be-
came flushed and ruddy as the rose. Her
dress was of the richest white satin, and
the ornaments of her hair and neck and
wrists consisted almost exclusively ofpearls.
Her frame was slight and full of symmetry,
and her voice was remarkable for the gen
tleness and amiability of It's tone. We ga
zed upon her calmly for many minutes, and
the thoughtpassed through our mindE"So
young, so delicate, so happy, and yet SO
willing toenter upon the severe responsible
tiles of the wife and the mother! Who"
we inquired of ourselves, "may read that
young creatures destiny? Doubtless she
loves the object of her choice with a wo-
mans virgin and devoted love-doubtless
she believes that the next sixteen years OF
her life will prove radiant with happiness,
even more so than the girlish and sunny
period which has but just gone by-and
doubtless the youth who has won that gen
tie heart believes that he possesses the me-
cessary requisites of mind and disposition
to render her happy. And yet how
often has the bright cup of JOY been dashed
from the lips of woman when about to quaf
1t! How often is he won from his home
and his young wife, whose heart gives way
slowly, but fatally and steadily, under the
influence Of such indifference and neglect p
But we paused and dismissed these gloomy
reflections. The nuptial ceremony was
pronounced for q moment all was breath.