Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-08-27
Nmmber SO.

miliar, and shortly after he, with Miss Ar
cher, took leave. Kate could have cried
with vexation, as she thought of the sar-
castle and ludicrous description of the
scene which Emily would delight in giving,
butshe controlled herself. She was a kind
hearted girl, aud could not forget the visits
she had paid her dear uncle aud aunt Ad-
ans, or BeD's u%ntiring efforts to make her
happy, when at his fathers house. She
resolved to repay him now, and her gra-
ciousness Of manner quite fascinated poor
Ben, as she made all sorts Of inquiries
about the old farm.
Ne sooner had Richard Warren, with
Miss Archer, left the house, than she be-
gan, with all her powers of sarcasm, as
Kate had foresoen, to ridicule the scene
they had witnessed. Mr.. Warren smiled
but.seemed absent.
at had no idea that the Bennett's had
such vulgar relations" continued Emily,
knowing well that the fastidious Richard
Warren would consider this a serious OBJ
lection TO the woman ofhis choice. "Not-
vitbstanding all Kate Benefits elegance,
there is a certain something about the
family that betrays low blood"
eyes" returned Warren, hardly know
ing what he had said, and feeling that she
had gained one point, Emily walked on, in
the best possible spirits, internally trium-
phing over the discontinue Of her rival.
That evening at the opera, %ho should
be at Kate's side but cousin Ben, dressed
in taste, and evidently much interested in
the performance, while Miss Bennett lis
tened with polite attention to his frank
and sensible criticism. At parties, too, he
was her attendant and this open acknowl-
edgcment of her relations, quite blunted
the point of Emily's %satires. Mr.. Bennett,
assisted the youth to a situation, and very
speedily his r%usticity wore off, He had
both good looks and good sense. Under
his cousins juiicious training, he very
soon did her no discredit, even among the
crowd Of Gle gentlemen that surrounded
her.
Emily Archer saw all, and bit her lip in
vexation. She could not but acknowledge
the superiority of Hates strategy, and she
had triumphed in the event which she
hoped would humiliate her.
From that time Richard Warren was
her constant attendant, and ere long he
b had openly acknowledged his preference
by Offering her his heart and hand.
"Katc," he said, shortly after theil
bctrothal, al shall never cease to thanl
Cousin Ben for giving me my bride. .
admired you as n belle, but his coming ant
your reception of him proved that you wer
something better than a mere fine lady
that you were true woman, blcst wit
the greatest Of all attractions, a heart
Confess that you owe him q debt Of graft
tude."
Many years had passed. In the sobC
matron, Mrs. Warren, one would hay
hardly recognised the dashing belle, Ka
Bennett.
Blcst with wealth, a cheerful home,
fond husband and loving children, she hi
led a happy life, and time had but incres
ed the attachment Of the welded pair
But cloudless us her life had been, a stoi
was gathering. Herhusband, always CHI,
full, grew moody, restless and unhappy.
She tried in vain to discover the cause
his gloom, but he only made e%vasive
plies to her inquiries, and could only gu
at his troubles that they were connect
with his business she imagined. Her 5
misses were correct.
He entered the room one day where
was sitting, and exclaimed, finging h
self on the sofa
"Katc, we are ruined. In vain | h
struggled for weeks past it is useless
attemptit longer. To-day | shall be knc
as u bankrupt-penniless, and worse t
pcnniless. In trying to double my fort
1 have lost all. You and my children
beggars."
why should loss of wealth trouble J
Richard" saidhis wife tenderly, appro;
ing and taking his hand. "That is a
all but Il triAing misfortune. While
are spared to each other, bIest with he
and children, why should we repine at
mere loss Of fortune 2"
The husband groaned.
All, to be dishonest, Kate" he s.
fear to look men in the face, becar
am Il bankrupt-unable to pay my d,
Kate, the very idea of this drives me
ly mad. To avoid this, what have
done? Ihave passed s~leepless nights
anxious days, but all in vain"
With soothing words the wife tri
comfort him but alas, he paid little
to her efforts.
just then a servant entered, saying
agentleman wished to see Mr.. Ware
"Tell him that l cannot" reptile
master; 81 will see nobody
"But you will" replieda cheerful
and a gentleman closely followed the
want as he entered.
How is this, my dear Dick p he
"you are in trouble, and did not apl
me that was not right"
"And of what use would it have be
returned Warren. 81 am weary of
rowing Of one friend to repay the
day after day. Even that has failed
last, and | have come to hide myself
the prying gaze of those who will SC
talking of my disgrace"
81 had heard rumors Of this, Dicl
went to your Office to see you as yc
not there, | followed you here. Yo,
two hours yet before bank hours arr
Here is u blank check; gil it up yo
and it shall be duly honored. Re
your convenience. No thanks; it
q loan. ] know your business we
that in a little time, with perhaps
assistance, all will be right again"
Totally overcome, Richard coulC
grasp his friends hand, while his e,
cd with au unwonted moisture.
HIow can we ever thank vou