Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-11-11

a formal demand for the hand of his daugh-
ter. OF her feelings toward him he had no
doubt-they had interchanged vows of love
too often.
"Florence," said he, while Fanny contin-
ued playing, "how unfortunate it is that we
can seldom see each other alone now
Does chance, or your father SO arrange it?''
81 know nothing about it." she replied.
"The truth is, when we were in the habit
of seeing each other daily, and at all hours
of the day, We did not appreciate our hap
piness at its full value. Clouds have inter
vened to make US estimate more highly the !
rsnnlight'
"Oh well you know, Florence, that II
am always happy in your presence. But,
to tell the honest truth, ! would always de-
prive myself of that happiness rather than
only meet you in the presence of others
Of people Indifferent and unsympathetic,
who compel you to disguise your voice and
compose your features. Even now, with
only Fanny present, you can not imagine
under what constraint labor"
Florence smiled and rose "Charles,"
said she, twill you assist me in gathering
some flowers in the garden for bouquet?
| have commenced embroidering one, and
as the flowers of yesterday are faded, we
will get some fresh Ones"
Fanny quickly came forward.
'Florence," said she, giving her look of
intelligence, "you must not go out in this
cold and damp weather. Remain where
you are, and | will get you a nice collec-
tion," and she Immediately disappeared
through one of the windows that opened
on the grounds of the garden.
"Now, dearest Florence" said Charles,
as soon as he found they were alone, "now
l can speak unreservedly You know how
deeply love you, how long and devotedly
have loved you. | love you as man nev-
er loved woman before, as never could
love again. You are my first love, and will
be my last"
'Ah tell me this again," said Florence;
''tell me this thousand times 1t is so
sweet to be loved-so sweet to be told we
are loved-and by him, too, we prize above
all created beings. Oh +! tell me-" contin-
ued the young girl, with one Of those ten
der sighs that so much relieve the full
heart 'tell me always that you love me
for it seems to me, sensitive, foolish crea-
ture that | am, your love alone can make
me live" .......
"Well, then, dear Florence, since can
rely upon your affection, I only need your
fathers consent to make me happy for life.
But that consent-alas so much depends
upon it, that shudder at the risk L run in
asking it. Happen, however, what may,
shall write him tonight and ask for this
hand"
"What can happen" exclaimed Flor
ence, " but that the hopes of our childhood
should be realized? Since you have beer
| twenty-one and / sixteen, have we not told
each other we were destined for each 9th
er! Write, then, unhesitatingly to my
father, and you will see that he can no
refuse your wishes and my prayers
"But," said Charles, "he has latch
changed singularly toward me- Afte
having treated me fifteen years as his son
he seems suddenly to consider me mer
stranger; and | can not come into .th
house unceremoniously y without makin
you utter cry of alarm %
"Ah! Charles, that was cry of joy
Your presence, though hunannounced, did nc
surprise me, for | am always expecting you
But am so feeble, so nervous, so excita
BILE, that every sensation betrays itself i
some decided act. Do not trouble YOU
self, therefore, at such occurrences; bu
believe me when l say, am never happ
but with you"
"I do believe you," dearest Florence
"for should be miserable if [ doubted.
love you, Florence" continued he, takin
her hand and pressing it to his lips, I"
love you devotedly, passionately, madly
Just at this point the lovers heard
slight noisein thereon, and, turning rounC
? beheld Colonel Wentworth examining thel
= with severe countenance. Fathers hay
habit of coming in quite nealGpropos vi
on these occasions.
"You have not understood, Mr.. Beal
r fort" he said, after moment of emba1
RAISING silence, "why [ have intimate
! that your visits were too frequent at m
: house. 1t is not proper for young ma
! of fortune and position to waste his tin
! in trifing with girls. What is proper
twelve years of age becomes ridiculous
! twenty three. Besides, my daughters f
ture happiness, to say nothing Of yours
q though there never can be any thing
. common between you-may suffer fro
5 these perpetual visits"
9. "Colonel," replied Charles, in tone
e modest dignity, you do me injustice
d Florence understands the motive of n
Of visits and hoped you would approve
them"
10 The Colonel was on the point of int
n, rupting him; but looking at Florence,
ot exclaimed, "My God she is fainting, Al
J. you will kill her yeti"
rs In truth, Florence, quite overcome
e her fathers sudden appearance, angry vol
~ and language, had fallen upon sofa,
u, u, parently motionless.
j Colonel Wentworth sprang toward
= took her in his arms as if she had been
:" infant, and was carrying her into anotl
: room, where Beaufort attempted to foil
- them.
in "Stay where you are!' angrily exclai
81 ed the Colonel, pausing on the threshhc
de "Stay where you are. She is my dau.
70 ter, and I will be answerable for her
for covery, for this time at least" and the
i. upon closed the door in his face.
for Beaufort remained rooted to the ST
de- and Fanny, entering at this moment,
uld claimed,
rel "Why, Beaufort, what ails you9 w