Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-09-01

III TIC year 10, visited tne OprlngS
in W county, NC. | went there, not
to recruit wasted health so much as to re-
vive dropping spirits. l had Just been
"kicked" by the girl loved and felt that l
was
"a stranger in the world alone"
and that the merry crowd was the place
for me. This being clicked" is more of
a heart than arb breaking business. When
l arrived at the Springs, my spirits had
well-nigh leaked out at my boot-heels, and
l was prepared to appreciate the kind re-
CARDS of any, and to be completely carried
away with the first returning smiles of the
fair. The first night, / was introduced to
a number of ladies, among whom was Miss
Mary B. There was a fascinating
charm, and a b~ewitching smile about Miss
Mary, which at once captivated me, and l
felt instinctively drawn towards her. She
seemed to perceive it, and was not averse
to a better acquaintance. We conversed
about all the common topics of the day,
and took part in the amusements of the
evening. She had fine conversational pow
ers, a sprightly mind pretty well cultivated
and a pleasing manner-rather too much
"brass." She was ~"ine-looking," bnt not
a beauty. The night passed off pleasantly
and at a late hour we retired.
That night my sleep was disturbed by
dreams of a disappointed lover. Swee-
forms, dressed in snowy white, would stanc
before me, and smiling would invite me tx
their arms, and then would elude my grasl
and pass away with taunting words and in
sulting gestures.
At 'ten" next morning / met Miss Mar,
in the drawing-room. A walk being on
of the question then, | took a seat by he
side. Her manner, her conversation, he
smiles were as charming as ever. | begar
to love her; who could have resisted !
Time passed off | knew not how. Moo
came, and when dinner was announced,
conducted Miss Mary to her place and too
a seat by her side, of course. This attrac
ted some attention but what cared /?
wanted to sec the beginning of the end.
As the sun was sinking low i, the Yves
and soft zephyrs gently famed the chez
took a walk with Miss Mary. Our cours
lay along through the grove where til
beauties Of nature and art were on eithc
hand. Upon these my fair companion e,
patiated with much ~fippancy and seemir
interest. At length she asked me if ev,
smoked! Sometimes, was the reply. 1
this, she drew out of her pocket two tir
cigars, asked me to take one and reserve
one for herself. Now for some rich iok
thought l. But she drew out some match
and "fred up with as much sang,troid,
a regular customer. This took me
) aback. Who are you9 What are vol
I involuntarily asked myself. Have
been imposed uponG Or are you t
, young lady of standing and wealth !
stated by a friend. / went to my room
t doubt, | sent for young A. He as:
t red me that all was right-a strange fire.
t of Miss Mary's was all. But that cigar
: had kindled a light in my brain reveali
It things not so pleasant.
G The next day, Miss Mary, two other
II dies and myself met in the d~rawing-roc
ordered some ice-lemonade. It v
brought, the ladies each taking a glass
s. "Bill," said Miss Mary, shave You moth
y SWOR0' yOS, WALL. Drug III
mintjulep," she continued, cody. I
brought me to another pause. VIII
j. smoke and drink both Ican't stand IL
s. As o as a favorable opportunity affor,
returned to my room. There a thous,
OF and one questions were p~ropounded
lg dismissed, and new wave of difficulty !
IS. ed over me as if to mock me. l said
or more of Miss Mary that day. l could
K mix with the crowd. Early next day W
sitting in the portico reading a newspa'
| heard a voice at the window which
Is once recognized to be hers. "BiIl, h
you brought me that water 2" "No, m;
ss- not yet" "You d-m black rascal, |
lie, you half an hour ago, to do it! Do it
moment, or I'll whip you like the ID
p This was enough for me /; | took pas:
mt In the stage next morning, rejecting on
ed, strange contrast in human nature.
to = = r =
Ter Miss Mary has since married and is