Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-11-16

nevertheless she had good education, tor
when she attended school she learned rap
idly.
Ida Stanly, after her fathers death, de-
clined going to College-not wishing to
graduate $50 much is expected of gradu-
ates," said she, ''that have no desire to be
one-besides am so very dull that should
be compelled to remain at College many
long years before / should be entitled to a
diploma" But she finally consented to go
to a fashionable boarding school; and af-
ter remaining there several years, returned
home quite an accomplished lady. She
possessed not the attractions Of beauty
but though lacking comeliness, she had
many snitors; and among those who wor-
| shipped at her shrine, was Earnest White,
WHO was most remarkably fascinating
man though he had some bad traits in
his character, which caused him to be
scarcely respected by anybody, save Ida
Stanly, who thought him the beau ideal of
gentleman. He visited Ida frequently,
and it was rumored that they were engaged,
which caused her friends much trouble.
Mrs. Stanly had never mentioned the
subject to her daughter; but one day see
ing Ida in the parlor alone, she took her
work and went in. Ida was reclining on the
sofa, apparently engaged with book. She
soon arose and took seat near her moth
er, who commenced conversation by asking
what kind of book she was perusing p
Ida Informed her that it was a copy of
Shakspeare's works, loaned to her By Earn
est White-remarking at the same time
that she found it very interesting, and had
become very fond of reading it. 81 was
informed few days ago." said Mrs. Stanly,
"that you and this Mr.. White were going
to be married! Is it true, Idag"
J, mo, Ma, it is not true. ! have not the
most distant idea of ever marrying him"
, "Well, my daughter, hope you have
spoken the truth" said Mrs. Stanly, "for
) you would disgrace yourself and family by
marrying such a man. He has by his dis
f sipation and extravaganza squandered the
! estate his father left him, and is now, l
/ suppose, seeking another fortune to spend.
! Do you suppose, Ida, that this Mr.. White
E would ever have addressed you, had you
been penniless girl 2''
S Il am unable to say" replied the young
! lady.
e swell, am able to say what firmly
, believe, and that is, he would never have
n known such girl as you were in existence
! "You must excuse me, Ma, for saying
n that | do not think you would have formed
50 bad an opinion of Earnest if he were
:, rich now."
ar You arc naughty girl, Ida" remarked
h Mrs. Stanly, 'for asserting such thing =
n You are a young lady of high standing il
in society, and it is my desire that you shoul,
H. marry some one worthy of you; thougl
I'd you appear to be under the impression tba
n | would be perfectly willing for you t
:. marry man of bad character, SO he wa
,e' wealthy"
nt Ida, thinking she had offended her motl
nd er, was about to ask her forgiveness, bu
or was prevented from doing so, by the er
,e- trance of Eugene Stanly, who was now
dignitied looking man, of twenty two. H
- was small in stature, but nevertheless of az
- : mirable proportions, with fair complexion
ro I,0 large hazel eyes and brown curling hal
" and most winning manner of address,
III III He entered the splendidly furnished apar
~ ~ ment where his mother and sister we
.@' sitting, and after conversing while too
~ book from the centre table and began
n read.
NJ NJ In few moments Mrs. Stanly left Il
80 ~ room Ida went to the piano, swept b
,r 40 fingers over the keys, and after playil
~ ~ several airs gGded across the room to whe
0i her brother was sitting.
CONCLUSION NEXT WEEK.