Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-01-21

much.
As the little brook, which quietly mur.
murs over its pebbly bed, il unseen, but
when gathering from every source it rush
es roaring river to mingle its waters with
those of the g Mighty Father of Waters, y
stands wonder of nature and proclaims
in stentorian tones-My creator is God SC
with Miss Ena's influence. Yes, though
the proud world appreciated not thy labor,
my long-loved teacher, though it placed not
upon thy placid brow green laurels to hon.
or thee; though it looked coldly on and
neverin an encouraging voice bade thee
God speed thy reward is sure as the ever
lasting hills for he who sitteth in the
Heavens and who cannot lie, has said
" They that turn many to righteousness
shall shine as stars forever and forever -
And in the memory of many thou art still
enshrined, as the embodiment of all that
is pure and lovely.
When the King of day had withdrawn
his glorious rays, and pale Luna, his lovely
queen, had lighted up with new beauty
earth's fair scenes, we would gather around
the piano and listen to Miss Ena's voice as
she sang some old song, which being associ-
ted with past scenes of happiness, would
awaken sad recollections of the past she
would bow her beautiful head and weep
long and feryentIy. How we longed to
console her but we could not and
wondered why she was so sad 1t was ev-
ident some secret sorrow was preying on
her mind, stealing the roses from her cheek
and JOY from her heart. But We could not
imagine what it was; so we wondered on
Her room was next to mine, and at the still
hour of midnight, | would hear her walk
ing the room, convincing me that sleep had
fled from hersgentle woeings and in hol-
low scpulchral tone she would murmur, 30
Father give me strength to suffer on calm
ly" The first time knew of this vigil,
| expected to find her i'll next morning; but
her countenance gave no token of inward
conflict. Tie same heavenly smile played
over her pale face. No one, except myself,
knew of the conflict, aud from whence the
gentle girl had received that mastery over
her spirits agonies. Full we'll knew how
her soul lad poured forth its longings for
submission, rest and peace, and not in vain
She did not bstray, save by the dropping
eyelid which hung heavily over eyes oft
used to weep" and an unconscious sirh.
that she suffered.
The long looked for vacation was near at
hand. Gay throngs of beautiful ladies and
noble gentlemen were gathered in the par
lor of Miss PalmArx < xhA bad. giYen party-
fN fkfso I'll
rapturcs, as Miss Eua was singing a low,
plaintive melody, I glanced toward the
door, as gentleman entered nnannouuced
and almost unpcrceived by any but myself.
Advancing toward the piano, he started
a mortal pallor oversprcad his manly fea-
lures and he grasped the chair for support.
Soon recovering his composure, he gazed
at Miss Ena with such peculiar look that
| instantly connected this handsome uH-
known, with her destiny. He was evident
ly not a stranger, to all, and must have
been an invited guest, from the cordial
greeting which Miss Palmer gave him.
He was standing with several gentlemen
conversing with apparently great interest,
and directing ever and anon, glance at
Miss Ena As she turned from the piano
her eye fell on him, and she gave him such
a look-even now, through the long years
that have glided away, l see it still. Twas
one of agony, trying in vain to conceal it;
then long, earnest look of love; and then
the placid face was calm as before and she
replied cheerfully to question from some
one near. thought only of the two; l
do not know that others observed any thing
unusual, but was completely absorbed in
contemplating the two who seemed to have
such an influence over each other. He ad-
vanced toward her. "Have the pleasure
Miss Clifford surely it is pleasant sur
prise to meet you here, quite unexpected" +"
"Not less to me, assure you, Mr.. How
ard, she replied with Indifference
81 have been such wanderer for few
years, that find few friends where l left
them. l have just returned from the west,
and directed my steps first to our native
town and expected to meet you there
Judge of my surprise when failed to learn
even Of your place of ofresidence. All could
learn was, that you left 4. some time since
Why, how came you such runaway" be
said, while a smile played gently over his
face.
"Have you not yet learned, Mr.. Howard,
that not many inquiries are made as to the
destiny ofone of sorrows children When
the sun of prosperity shines brilliantly,
friends are numerous but when the cloud
of adversely observes the MONDAY sun, It's
easy to forget; )" Miss L. replied somewhat
sadly.
" Has the world then been harsh and
cold to thee p
I" | have nothing to complain Of It is
better thus. | have been awakened from a
dream. have now learned to derive nv
true happiness f.om higher, holier source
than earthly friendship. The cloud which
for while seemed to obscure my pathway
has been dispelled, to make way for the
bright beams of religious truth"
Are you here on visit When viii
you return?"
"This is my home, Mr. Howard. an
giving music lessons in this Seminary"
My giddy companions hurried me ava,
to enter into their plans of girlish Joy, anc
} saw my loved friend and the noble stran
7 ger no more until the company were abou
! retiring. He whispered" Can | see yo,
e tomorrow, Miss G. 7"
. will be glad to see you" she replied
" | always like to converse with M
{ friends"
e Z" AT what hour?''
: Ten" she replied "I leave in tn