Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-01-20
CHAPTElE

GHAPTI a
It was dark and fearful night that Ed
ward Lucy met Mary Rogers at the house ofa
friend, and as matter Of course he offered
his services to accompany her home. t.
was indeed gloomy night heavy fog
had settled down upon the city, and the
lamps afforded but feeble light. But
few persons were abroad, and save the cries
of the watchman proclaiming. the passing
hour, all was still. With hurried steps
they hastened onward, and as they entered
into the street leading to Mr. Rogers house,
their ears were saluted with the cries of
revelry from some dozen men, who were
coming down the street.
"Mr. Lucy" said Mary, suppose we
take the opposite side Of the street; by do
ing so, we may escape observation"
"Certainly;" )" but no sooner had they
done so, than rush was made simultane-
ously across the street by the party, while
one exclaimed.
"Ha boys, here's petticoat- let's af-
tori
One who seemed to be more sober than
the rest, then addressed her in voice of
mock sobriety.
Henry said Mary, shame on you for
this insult | shall inform my father of
this. Let us pass
Astonished at finding himself addressed
by his name, he scrutinized more closely
her countenance, and said
why bless me is it possible my pref
ty cousin Lord this won't do Here take
my arm, and let this goose-quill 90 home
by himself;' and as he spoke he seized her
rudely by the arm.
No longer could Lucy control his feel
ings, and stepping before him, he said in a
loud voice..
That lady, sir is under my protection.
She shall not be insulted. Stand off
'At him, Harry said one Of his compan-
ions; don't be bluffed off, show him science
But no such commands were wanting,
for passion ragged wildly within him, and
with yell, he few at e lward like a mad
man but he stepped quickly aside, avoid
ed the blow, and at the same time seizing
him by the collar, threw him PROSTATE to
the earth. What might have been the
result cannot be surmised, but a cry of the
watch is coming soon dispersed the party
and in few moments all was gone. Wher
4 they parted at her fathers door she owned
her love and promised to be his, and when
he impressed upon her lips the seal Of his
love, he was happy as man could be. Blu
soon dark clouds arose, and hid fora season
the sun of happiness On the evening at
ter the occurrence above related took place
he was sitting alone in his lodgings, medi
tating upon the future, and It's gloriou
prospects. While thus engaged, he wa
surprised by the appearance Of his antago
mist OF the preceding night, and two {
his associates, who, walking, in, seate
3 themselves without saying a word Ga
zng at his visitors with some surprise, bu
still with slight suspicion of their erranc
! he inquired,
" 70 what circumstance am | indebte
for this visit 2"
"You struck me last night, sir, and
ceme to demand an apology 2"
= "But suppose I refuse q
= "Then, sir appoint friend, and me
! me at some convenient spot to-morro
. morning"
( 81 shall do neither" replied Edwar
: : firmly.
, ''You insulted lady. l chastised 20
: : So far we are equal, As to meeting yo
" 1T is out ofthe question; my principles forb
it, my Bible forbids it, and common sense te
: me not to make my body target for yo
!. diversion. You are answered:
you are coward" exclaimed his Q
! !, ponent, in a rage. "You are a coward
! Talking is useless fools assertions a
not taken for facts. lam no coward B
- enough of this-walk out, sir"
- - "Then you refuse By the living Go
y [ will brand you as a coward, and have
= men pointing the finger of scorn at you.
= Come, let US 60" and beckoning his frienC
~ ~ they departed
= 1t may be well to mention that Hen
= Bee was nephew Of Mr.. Rogers, and |
= ing foiled in his attempt to gain Mary
- ! his wife, he had resolved to effect the ri
" of his rival. To accomplish this, it "
necessary to undermine his employers c.
= fidence in the integrity of Edward, but
strong were the convictions of Mr. Roge
~ of his honesty and worth, that the t.
seemed impossible.
How long Henry might have scheem
it is useless to surmise, had not most t
- tunate event occurred. By some me.
10 lie had obtained note addressed to
ward, and this was the instrument NJ
/ which he rested his hopes of success. {
~ - evening he hasted to his uncle's house, Z
'u after seating himself poured in the old ma
ears his slanderous tale.
I '"I "No, cannot believe it, at last said
mm mm Rogers +" what he whom have trea
"a - as my own son-haye raised from ohsc
90. ty, thus to deceive me-to become an a
e., G ciate of vagabonds, and to haunt dens
'ar . infamy !'
htv "But uncle, it is all true; we have,
been deceived in him." replied the by
.og- crite. "See, here is proof" and gl
bat ofmalicious triumph shot through his c,
low tenanee, as he handed him a cruml
,wn sheet
What Dear sir, Pray do come to night.