Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-03-12
KNIGHT OF THE RINGLET.
BY MoLL1E.

holding the uncut pages of the last novel.
De Ind ed the practical definition of happi-
ness, then EMMA LESLIE was to be enyied as T
she sat thus costly, one afternoon, listening
TO the animated discussion going on between
an elderly lady and gentleman on the oppo-
site side of the fire place. The discussion
ian on grave subject-a very grave subject;
one which has puzzled the heads of wise
men, and turned the wits Of weak ones.
But though the argument grew every mo-
lnent more cfOrc aa.al als.ast the far iissen-t
er had the audacity to laugh, In clear, sff-r
very tones, that told there was not one Sc
rious thought in her mind, as she said,
Nay, good uncle, truce to these gener
alties. IT, as imagine, all this talk upon
woman's duties has been for my special edi-
fcation, pray be more explicit and tell me
what part am to play in the general reform
you propose?'
The gentleman thus addressed looked up
at this interruption, and replied, in tone
slightly acidifed,
For your benefit also has been your Aunt
Mary's clear position of what woman may,
and should be- Perhaps you will profit as
much by her suggestions as you seem to do
by mine
Do not give me up as incorrigible just as
l am coming to be taught how to be good,
said Emma, with mock gravity. With re-
gard to this subject of temperance, Of which
you were just speaking, and upon which |
you say woman has so much influence, what
shall do? How can | reclaim the drunk
ard while | move in circle where the de-
graded creatures are not admitted. They
will not be influenced by person who has
no feelings or sympathies in common with
them, even were it proper for me to descend
to their level, in order to help them
That may be. The tide of gay and fash
ionable life sweeps over and buries in obliy-
ion the ruin its forms and ceremonies help to
make. Yet there are some you might reach.
Some who are just beginning to sink, and
whom men cannot influence because they are
too proud to own their danger
How less likely, then, would a woman be
to influence them,' replied Emma. You
know how men try to conceal their vices and
toibles from u.s.
True, but yet men do not suspect the
weaker sex of doubling their power to re-
form themselves, and are therefore more
willing to be advised and persuaded by
them to abandon their bad habits, which
have not yet become fixed vices. Woman's
intuitive perception Of what should be said,
and the right moment to say it, men rarely
possess and this gives your sex a superior
ity over ours in the work of reform. Yet,
.Salas how often is this influence employed
- the Yandering feet further and fur
-stl-sf virtue
fe. ? De., te, 9ncle, I'll have no SANDER re
piled Emma half vexed.
1t is not slandcr. How often have
seen you, Emma, with smiles and gay words
slipping that which, however harmless tt
you, is poison to some of your thoughtless
companions. Were you pure in word ant
H. ,.lo, lolo
how different would be your influence Ye
you refused to join the Temperance Society
[ am endeayoring to establish in our neigh
borhood.
But you know said Emma, with prout
curl of her ruby lip that am in no danger
Why should my name be mixed with tn
common herd?'
That is false pride, unworthy a trueheart
ed woman. To refuse to aid reforming
movement that will assist thousands, sim
ply because it will not benefit you, becaus
you do not need its help. l did not thin
you SO selfish
am not selfish You shall not call m
such ugly names,' replied the neice, strivn
to turn the conversation from the seriou
turn it had taken. You know very well
is only my humility that speaks. don
think women have any right to form socit
ties and make laws. All that honor an
glory am willing to leave to men, and onl
ask for my sex the liberty Of doing as the
please in the humble station assigned
them by the lords of creation. You ma
rule the world, and give orders, and wewill-
break them
Yes said her uncle, rising to 90, 'yo
will break them, indeed-break all laws
justice, honor, and humanity, in your gidd
course
Nay Emma said, rising and holding h
hand in hers, as he was about to leave Il
room,
Put down your hat, don't take your stick,
Now, prithee uncle, stay.
, | will not let you go, thinking me
naughty and saucy. Don't lookso soler, or
shall certainly cry and you know you hate su,
scenes / am really half convinced by yo
= arguments, but We're | to sign the pledg
what good would it do? have no desire
n 60 about with a sermon ON my brow, to |
n stow on all luckless wights who touch, tas
or handle. 1t is not genteel to scold, and
{ fancy they might think me impertinent we
to advise. Who is there among my
ouaintaince who would not resent my int,
, ference with their habits in this respect =
q There is your cousin, Edward repli
r. heruncle, seating himself again. You kn'
it we'll how to lead him in your train throu
n all kinds offun and folly; perhaps you mig
4 induce him to sign the temperance pledg'
But Edward is strictly temperate.
= rarely takes even wine.'
e True, and | don't think him in dange
a becoming less SO. But his position in soci
10 gives him great influence over the you
<; men with whom he associates and SO
E. who follow his example in refusing to s
in the pledge, are unable to follow him in c
A trolling their appetites.'
- There is young Saville, too,' said A
az Mary. 1t is whispered among his frier
ne that unless something arrests his course,
n will ere long be ruined
it. A flush passed over Emma's beautiful
nd as, in a tone of surprise and horror, she
lh claimed, What, George Sayille with
genius and eloquence-is he slave to
vice?'
They say replied her aunt, that m
os. of his fiery eloquence arises from the fu
ing of brandy, and the wit that makes him
nv delightful is caught from bubbles that di
ne on the wine-cup. When the excitement
A produced, passes away, he is dull and ST
less
Sne And will no one warn him-no one
'uld him ? said Emma, thoughtfully.
rted who can do it so well as yourselfp
her uncle. Is he not one of the worsh