Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-08-11
Romance in Real Lite-The Dutch Cir

The Washington co. Register has cooked
up the following bit of romance and affirms
that it is genuine:
We have lately got into the possession of
some facts relative to a thrilling incident,
which conclusively demonstrates that beau
ty and worth, unadorned, are far more valu-
able than all the tinseled drapery of earth
Not over ten miles from Washington, on one
of those gently undulating farms that look
so pleasant when covered with the verdure
of June, is a pretty country residence, where
a retired trader and his wife live, with their
only son, in the enjoyment of wealth and
ease. As we are not permitted to give the
real names of the parties, we will call the
gentleman Mr.. Landen. Among the helps
in the house was a German girl who possess
ed remarkable beauty. There was an air of
superiority in her manner and address but
the Landens were somewhat a proud people,
and always treated her, like many folks Of
ten do hired girls, with distant hGuteur.
anu gcuJIcnfdII rIuu gurU To vIorU aArrFvrNa3
some miles distant, but Frank, being busy at
something did not accompany them. Soon
after the carriage was gone, Frank heard the
sound of music. Somewhat astonished, he
stole into the house, and pecped silently into
the sitting room. There sat Mary Gas we
will call herr with the guitar, which she
played with a skill almost artistic. After
executing a brilliant piece, she glided into a
sweet French air, and then, with a rich voice,
full of pathos, sung one of the chahsonettes
of Beranger.
The youth was entranced, and when she
concluded, he could not forbear an exclama-
ton of surprise and admiration. The girl
turned hastily, when she saw the young man
at the door, whom she thought was out with
his parents she turned pale with dismay
tottered and fell fainting on the sofa. Franz
- ran to her aid but was in a condition no
"uSH hiVH f"VrOHuSa ~-A-1-----~A-:a y
the family pride, and was of a shy, ~retirin,
disposition. Imagine the blushing, confuse,
young man, supporting with his arm tn
form of a lovely girl ina fainting fit! Franz
, had never before felt the power of beauty
but he was not overwhelmed, and, befor
sprinkling some drops of water on her face
he took a hasty thrilling, hesitating kiss
That kiss was fatal. Mary recovered fror
} the swoon, but Frank could not escape tn
effects of the kiss; study, amusement, every
: thing, was at a stand heseemed to be wall
/ ing in a dream, and buried in restless though
lie could have treated the girl with some a
/, %tention, but not a word, not a look could h
win from her; she pursued her occupation
( with her usual diligence, and acted as If ST
! had forgotten the guitar scene. Seeing n
1 other means, Frank one day took advantag
t of the absence of parents and candidly avov
r ed his affection, making honorable and fran
proposals.
: We have not space to describe the girl
!, confusion, nor the avowal the eager low,
i won from her of the existence of some vel
t tender sentiments in her own bosom al
i her ow narration of how she came, Wi
such requirements, in such a situation. H
father had been driven from Austria for Ii
eralism, and died poor and broken-hearted
New York. Mary went to Cincinnati al
J. then came into the country to hire out.
:" When all had been explained, she insist
on the whole thing being openly declared
/, Mr.. and Mrs. Landen she would be a par
i to no clandestine measures. The disclosu
~ was made the parents became indignal
10 and Mary was sent away.
ne Months Of despair ensued. Mary wou
10 consent tono hidden correspondence. Franz
Ike health began to fail and the doctor to sha
err his head. The crisis was irresistible Ma
ms was sent for, Frank got well, and they
now a happy pair, and Mary is the affectic
ate daughter-in-law of a couple who thi
nt, her the greatest blessing heaven ever 5,
Iui them. Truly, 'lowliness is young ambition
mi LADDER