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

On the western side of the Hudson.
some miles from the city of New York, is
the neat and picturesque little village of
II, a perfect spot of rural happiness
aud tranquility. As You walk along the
road, on the bank of the river, you perceive
a number Of beautiful cottages, around
which there reigns an air ofpcrfect comfort.
But there is one dwelling which stands on
a slight elevation, and which cannot be
called a cottage it is a fine, large, coun-
try house, with the adjoining grounds
~tastefully aud handsomely laid out. 1t is
here that Mr.. Howard resides with his
wife and niece. On returning from Ven
ice, the previous year, he settled up his
business, and purchased this beautiful
abode, Tesolying to spend the rest of his
days amid the beauties of the country.
IL is a charming morning in the month
OF June. All nature is dressed in her
guyest robe, the trees are covered with del
ieate blossoms, and the green grass bcneath,
IS, here and there, dotted with various
bright colored flowers. Indeed, n could
hardly sec the village of R under
more pleasing circumstance than the pies
ont.
But bark what bell is that which rings
outsoloudly and merrily? The sound seems
90 proceed from that grove OF trees, Just to
the left Of Mr.. Uoward's house. Let US as
ceni the hill, and sec it We are right in our
conjecture. On, yes Cor there, in that little
hollow, stands the village church. How
peaceful and tranquil is all around. See
that small white wooden building, erected as
4. L.. - .w...L.- A.. a. II -. -I.A.
and holy IL appears. with that evergreen ivy
u%linging to its sides. Oh, that we mortals
would cling as this plant to the church, and
then would our lives be also green.
IA We walk along the little path, which is
bordered on either side with the beautiful
elms and maple trees, up to the church door,
we perceive all arouud US, scattered amid
the green grass, pure white Marble slabs
There they stand, u testimony nf the affection
Of the living TO the memory Of the dead.
venerable looking man Of three-scOre years
and tens SEQ him as he stands, his hands
bldci peacefully before him, his eyes closed
aud his thin, silver white hair falling down
his neck. while both heart aud lips arc utter
ing n prayer 70 God. lie prays for the two
WIN are now about to be joined together in
the holy bands of wedlock-for the ynath and
the maiden who have come to take upon
themselves the vows which death alone
should sever-and also for those kind rela.
tives who received the young girl in their
arms when she was but a helpless infant,
and who have watched over her, through her
childhood and youth to the present moment
with q care and love equal to that Of n pa
rent. THE prayer is ended. The pastor
turns and addresses the couple before him
There stands tire bride, dressed in pure
white in her hand she holds n bunch o.
white roses, and her hair, which ~ Of a gol
lien color, is braided and wound taste
fully around her head. from which, almost
sncircling her in its thin. gauzy folds, falli
the veil, supported in it's place by those bri
dal buds, the orange blossoms.
All, that sweet face is not now strange t
me-! | have gazed upon it before but never
has it appeared so beautiful as nj the preseni
moment. Formerly, that light hair fell il
careless cnrls. and those blue eyes sparkle,
with girlish m%erriment now, those feature
wear An expression Of quiet dignity tn
mniden is about 10 become a wife.
Those whom God has joined together, lie
not man put asunder !" sounds thrilling upot
mine ear, from the lips Of the aged pastor
sThe final blessing is given-the FREUD
crowd around to offer their congratulation
land then Constance Melsill, for it was she
leaves tue church rs the wife Of our forme
acquaintance, Mr.. Sc. Clair.