Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-08-25
gaAits' 9tqartmtnt.
PAHHIe's BRIDAL.
ny JEANNE DEANS.

NOnlu nANl NJ ~ = jill ~
poor thing, was an orphan, and only spirit
parents could hover around her on TINS
great era OF her life.
The bride entered the large, sunny par
Tor, leaning upon the arm OF her stately
husband. Her white lace robe, and the
Heecy veil upon her head, foatcd cloud
like around her fragile, almost child-like
form. Peace lowered like a white dove
over her pure brow, aud a truthful earnest
ness dwelt in the meek brown eyes.
On one side Of the room nearest the bay
windows,
Where the sunset kept shining, and shining
between
The old hawthorn blossoms and branches so
green,
Stood the eight brothers Of the groom
all tall, dark, stately men, pride in every
black glancing eye; the same curl upon
every finely formed up, harsh upon some,
softer upon others, vet still there, tracing
the same blood through all the same in
hcrent qualities Of the father transmitted
20 the sons. One brother was a type of
all, differing only in pictures and copies
in the shade and touch.
Upon the opposite side were seated the
five sisters Of the groom, not so like one
another. One had blue eyes, another an-
burn curls, one a nose retrousse, a fourth
was fresh and rosy, u fifth round-faced
still the same pride had found a resting
place on some fine feature of each face, and
stamped il with the seal Of sisterhood.-
The same sap rau in all the branches, and
each branch put forth the same leaves.
The thirteen faces had been stern and
cold, but when their youngest brother and
and his fair bride came il, affection and
curiosity s%oftencd their eyes, as for the first
time she appeared before them. Some
thought her too delicate, others too young;
the sisters, hat llarwood conld have look
cd higher; but all felt drawn to that shrink
ing form and pale countenance; each
hand had warm grasp for Ecns, each cur
ling lip a sweet smile, aud the manly voices
softcneG TO. welcome her into their proud
family. Gracefully she received all, happy
and joyful as a child. But the first shad-
ow fell with the sunlight
brothers and sisters" said Harwood
plcadingly, "upon this nay wedding day
cast aside your bitterness of spirit forever,
and become as one-'
"Harwood :" replied quickly the elder
sister, "upon tllis-this h ,ppy day, we hide
all feelings called forth 10y the malice and
un-brothcr. like conduct Of our brothers
bat only for the present; we can never be-
come rcconcilcd."
A silence fell upon all; strange as it may
Al, lSyfnpu an nlHar and ctarna
than the brothers. A frown settled upol
every brow the lips curlcd with contempt
A storm was tossing the waves, but peac
breathed upon the waters and all wer
calm. The presence of the bride restrain
ed angry expressions Of feeling.
This was the first knowledge that Far
ME had Of the family feud tears stood
her soft eyes, and the rosy lips trembled
but her husbands bright glance, and gel
tie pressure of her hand, treasured her.
There was TO more warmth that day--d
ring the ceremony and the brief stay of Il
newly married. The sisters gathered
round the young wife, and the brothe
around Harwood. Occasional words we
nterchangcd, but there reigned an invii
Die barrier, that seemed to say 80 {
shalt thou come, Int no father"
When the carriage stood at the door al
Fannie and Harwood steppedin, shestretc
ed ont her pretty hand and bcckoned
the elder hrotherand sister; they approac
ed she took q hand Of each, saying in
trembling voice
you both breathe the same air, t
same beautiful sunlight shines upon "
you pray to the same God, both say If
give rs orr trespasscs ~ we forgive tn,
that trespass against u.s." Be examp
for those younger let me Join your hand
But the sister with a frown, threw as
the little hand rudely, the brother pres
the one he held, but laughed malicious
The carriage drove on, and the fair h
rested sobbing upon the shoulder Of
husband. Sadly did he relate to her
family feud, a quarrel Of ten years sta
ing, sisters against brothers, resting o
belief Of gnfairness in the disposition of
will of Il relation. The sisters passed
brothers upon the street without speak,
refused them admittance to their house
HARDWOOD being the youngest, was
young TO take part in the quarrel, and
UeFcI DeeH eApeCIcu 10 w 50.
Poor Fannie wept bitterly but t.
more bitter yet were in store for her,
PAR II.
Upon her return from the bridal I
no sooner was Fannie settled in her
home, than the family feud endeavore
draw her from her quiet course, to
part for or against. Numberless were
grievances related to her. All that C
I've said or done, to convince her that
sisters were "sinned against instead Of
ming" was brought forward.
"Well, Fannie" said the elder bro
one day, al met my immaculate eide
ter, just coming out of your door.
she been giving you a catalogue of fl
nal sins? She would not speak to u
She carries her head high. 1t mao
me u think how contemptuously W,
treated, and being food for talk besid
Fannie hesitated she could not
for Jessie had been venting a fit of !
moi upon him, and it was only addin
to the fire, to repeat.
"Say, Fannie, what did the old
say That it was a pity we were +
dead a. :