Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-06-01

among them. There were, however. a few
exceptions, some who instantly felt envious
OF her beauty, and evident triumph. As vet
these feelings were but on the surface, they
had taken no definiteform but who can tell
where they will end, or what will be the re-
suit
Recess came, and those of the scholars pre-
sent who has before formed Minnie's acquain-
lance, clustered around her, and introduced !.
bert to- MAJ. re papilsa Soon She felt al
most at hsp.- sslong them, and was engaging
in their IN slf9 She was an sacnuisi- :.
ton there Many who had often sighed for
an encouraging word, and were too proud to
ask it, bad no hesitation in telling Minnie
their troubles and seeking help from her
In every game at play minnie Forest was
called for but in the hours devoted to study
none were more attentive than she, and thus
found her teachers. They saw in her they
could place confidence, and repaid her by
their warmest love.
Weeks passed thus. Engaged in study.
they flew swiftly onward with Minnie. She
had but little time to pine for home. siie
supplied her mothers place, and the children
loved and claimed much of the spare ing of
"Cousin Minnie" Oh! those w.r. ;oIden
moments, halcyon hours, which were to shed
lustre on the whole life of her who thus par
took of their glory.
With an intense thirst for knowledge, and
an ardent love of study, Minnie entered zeal
ously in every task. Botany, which she had
SO onged to study, was now a ~favorite. She
spent hours looking for some new flow
er, which she with the aid of her teacher
would analyze and classify. Her berbarium
was the largest and best among the pupils
for, as we have before seen, she was q wor-
shipper of flowers.
Music seemed lntuitive, so rapidly did she
enter into its mysteries and overcome it's diff
f~culties. With a voice sweet, and of great
compass, she excelled in singing, and was
known as the "Nightengale Of the Glen,'"
the name of Mrs. Durand's residence. Not
only dds she overcome these accomplishments.
but in richer stores of knowledge also excel
ed; gaining the admiration and respect of all
who loved her-and envy, even hatred of the
few who disliked her.
Among the latter were Resa Seymere and
Agnes Merton, with a few satellites who ever
clustered around those girls, knowing them
to be of proud, aristo0atie lineage, and pur-
ses ever filled with gold. Rosa and Agnes
were staunch ~friends-so far as such eharae-
tiers can be-and conceded in everything. to-.
annoy others, or bring disgrace upon any Of
their fellow pupils. They were naughty.
conceited and unaniable, little loved by Mrs.
Durand, but were treated by her with kind
ness mingled With frmness. They eoald rot
appreciate this, however, but endeavored i'm
every way secretly to give her trouble. She
was not entirely blinded, but for the sake of
their position, she bore with them, and
sought by example and preeept to make them
better. Had she known them, however. as
they really were, she woald not have had
them there shedding an Upas-like influence.
on SO many of her other pupils. But though
these proud girls sought to irJure Minnie.
} they were unsuccessful. Too well was she
loved and conGded in by both teachers and
) pupils.
Many were the letters from Home" to
Minnie, giving encouragement and bestowing
: happiness-psnned as they were by loving
: fingers, and indited By tender hearts. Who
has not experienced thatsxee sensation when
f away from 'tEe loved ones at honae.n we.
receive a kind, affectionate letter, entering
? into all our pleasures, cur duties, and breath
, ing tender interest IN all that concerns u.s.
t Such letters add to- the sum of happiness
give sunshine to the heart, and keep alive all
the better impulses of our natures. Thus it
, was with Minnie. After one such letter from,
:. her mother, the intricate problem seemed
= more easy to solve,-the chemical apparatus
lost its p~uzzling tendeneies-and all her stad-
. les seemed as if Of themselves they were be
Christmas was approaching, and MinnTers
5 face grew even brighter, for then she was to
60 home for two weeks. How eagerly she
e counted the weeks, aye, the hours and
thought them $50 long" SO longingly did she
: look forward to that time.
And at home. Ella and aunt Hannah were
e busily preparing for her arrival A pretty
little room was put in order, fos Ella said,
r"She must now have a room to herself
Twas fitted up with neatness and beauty,
S and looked just suited to the sweat little maid
en- who was to occupy it, with 5as snowy cur
tains and bouquet of freshly eaaed flowers
c placed there on the morning shs was expect
l. ed. Allie, DR.. Walton and the children were
to accompany her, and a merry, happy
n Christmas was anticipated. Only when a
thought of her husband cana Ger Elias
mind, and a wish which daily grew more in
tense to see him once again came upon her
this alone prevented her from Being entirely
happy. If he had been there Is he eace was,
unstained by crime and u~npealated by vice,
then her cup would have been arinning o'el
I. yi4hj icy o.e FIT Hose oa~ su r'isss s' ,nS cs east then lei,
heart to bleed and grieve while vet all else
was bright and joyous.
Aunt Hannah" and Ella were aEf m. a bus
he tie on that morning, now plaaiag 8 chair ir
a a new and better position, then, adjusting tbe
cover Of the handsome piana whieh Aunt
Hannah had purchased for a paeseat for he,
beloved Minnie.
They came and all was ha spigaess. Min
ME flew from room to room, liAe some freeG
h bird, all joyous and gleeful TO be at home
again. She was delighted, charmed on see
ing the piano, and pressed kiss aftsr kiss or
her aunts lips in thanks.
1t Christmas morning was ushered in bv q
Is joyous shout from the village boys. and sounc
h OF firearms. 1t rose clear and BRIGHT. very
is cold, and snow upon the ground, which prom.
ised nice sleighing. The village was soon al
alive with merriment, while each home wa,
astir with glad anticipations and bright faces
At the first peep of rosy day, Msnnie was
awakened by a knocking at ass door. fol
lowed by a subdued "Chfistmas Gist. p from
a boyish voice, and she knew Hasry stood a
the door. Come, Minnie, get ap. / wan
f. you to hell me in a matter of irn2 ortanee.
The means were e~ffectual, so ere long Min
ME, with lutte Ella, appeared bs}ew, all ca
Is ger and anxious to hear the den saensnx.
m You know, Minnie, Mama was vishins
to yesterday for a holly bush all hung 18th Der
IS ries. Well, know just where oas is. for