Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-03-18
NINA.
BY MRS. N. E. ROBINSON.

HlaFKaDle HlllaI aHecLOn ulsplaJCN ~ b
French women at the period of the Revo- b
luton Happiness, liberty, and eyen NE, /
were willingly sacrificed for a loved moth q
er or an honored father. How such a sem !
timent exalts tho human character! How !
forcibly it speaks to us of the total forget
fulness of self Undismayed, young girls
c~ourageously fronted the inexorab)e Trib-
unal, entreating withtears and supplications
the lives Of parents, greaning in wretched
prisons. This knowledge undoubtedly
bluntedthe arrowsof misfortune, andweak-
ened the sense of calamity. It was mott
morbid, fanatical zeal that inspired these
heroic women to deeds Of sublime disinter-
estedness, but a whole-souled devotion to
kindred, a never-dying attachment, which
peril only strengthened, which danger new
er lessened. Through this fearful ordeal
the feminine character preserved its grace,
sweetness, and dignity; attributes which,
it has been said, seldom accompany cour-
age. This is a mistake sympathy and
gentleness are incentives to fortitude
modesty and virtue are often its hand
maids.
Nina de Erois walked swiftly through
one of the darkest and narrowest streets
of Paris, at a late hour in the evening. A
fine rain was falling, and a thick mist rem
dered objects almost Invisible, though here
and there a lamp burned dimly. Reach
ing a small, low house, evidently occupied
by poor people, she paused and knocked
softly. 4 mlddle-aged female, dressed
coarsely put sldliy, opened tne aoOI.
Ursula g said the young girl IN low
voice.
Inc woman ooked earnestly at the ng
ure before her. !,
/ Don't you recognize me- asked w
speaker, l~eosening the large hood that GOV
cred her face, and throwing on the heav'
cloak size WOKE.
Mademoiselle Ninap, exclaimed tn
woman.
Hush GOOD Ursula. We shall b
overheard p
In silence the door was closed, LOCKED
and both entered an inner room, faint
: lighted by the fire on the hearth.
9 Alone IN the street at this hour Ho
I'll dared YOU. mademoiseIle? n pursued grsul
Il hanging the wet cloak and hood beside Il
chimney. aI fear you have been impr
:, dent. Did you not know that
III know that l have everything to fes
: nv friend" interrupted Nina g but ! ha
A courage to brave all. Storm and darkns
al are not the most fearful things that c
oYertake us"
:. That's true they are small evils. 3
&. what has happened Why are you hel
"A You tremble /; your cheeks are pale. Y
~ are ill.,
"A "No, I am not ill, my friend; but I
~ unhappy-very unhappy, Ursula" m
mured the girl, affected by these X
words. My mother is dead; I have
sisters and / have sought you. Ads
q me, assist me ; my father is in danger
g He is not
,oe mo, Ursula nes e, nosyetf ms
nd ed Nina, wh1is an involuntary shua
nd passed over her "bus others aiei !
i'm may not my faIher. Y, my mend, 7 7
ais me TO conceal my iatner, ana uoo van ?
nd you for the act
BE calm J bcoalml What Lean, 1 81
to do willingly. The Duke de Frols hasb
nth kind to me, and you are as dear me
INV child, mademoiselle."
,oee 81 believe you. You are good J
e heart is warm and generous you can {
pathize with my fears. Let me go for
rs1. father at once, that morning may not
pose him to his enemies"
a. Nina spoke passionately; heavy sob.
itated her bosom, and she closely pre-
the hand of Ursula, who listened to
lon with glistening eyes.
! 81 "Not tonight, not tonight" she
firmly. You are excited you will nj
prudent and cautious. Your eyes arr
=. brilliant; constant anxiety has made
@ i'll. Remain here until tomorrow ; the,
can ARRANGE the matter"
aAnd You aOiU save him 7" cried
me- impesuous Nina.
n aIfI can, my child. But / am a
1 woman | can do but little"
nj The young girl arose, and drew OF
ss.l hood and cloak.
@ lyon are not going.w said Ursu'
s1ees surprise.
man aYes, my friend. NY father will
:han me, and become alarmed. Do not fe
shall do very well. l shall come aga
osssI morrow"
y !, Ursula pleaded the hour, the dan.
coulu such a lonely walk /: bat the Young OH
ueNcIlA