Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-02
CHAPTER TX.

Among the numerous admirers of Mi |
nerva who thronged the draw ing rooms ofI
Mrs. Woodbyman, was young man of ex-
ceIent family, cf noble, generous, honor
able qualities; who had at first out of mere
curiosity entered the Lecture Room of the
Woman's Rights Association. The bril-
llaDcy OF Minefva's beauty and eIoquence
completely fascinated him, as it had done
hundreds besides. The more he drank Of
the poisoned bowl, the more he thirsted
for the intoxicating draught.
Again and again he attended her lee
lures. He became irrecoverably in love
with the brilliant beauty. He sought and
obtained an introduction. He was now
constantly at her side. He was himself
handsome, and Of fascinating manners
Minerva fell desperately in love with him.
He declared his passion and was accepted.
But how to make the formidable patron
ess acquainted with her attachment. Both
trembled for the consequences: but Miner
va most of the two. How terrible will be
her wrath, thought the agitated girl.
The lover volunteered to break the
news. Mrs. Woodbyman actually swoon-
cd: and but for friendly sofa which stood
opportunely behind her, she must have
had a terrible fall. Minerva was in the
next room, and flew to her assistance
The first words she uttered, when she open
ed her eyes and beheld her adopted daugh-
ter, were, Reprobate-ungrateful-a
bright star fallen!" After this she did
not speak again. She was taken to her
chamber, from whence she did not come
for three long days. In the last, she call
ed for Minerva, and as she entered, com
manded the door closed against all besides
AS the guilty girl approached her bed, she
averted her face for while, as if dreading
. to be charmed from her purpose, by the
! wiles or tears of the once beloved one.
n Minerva leaned forward and kissed he
c hand. This seemed to soften her. ShC
s wiped away tear-but remained SILENT
Y At last she spoke her fearful proposition
! Minerva wept.
d 'Minervar said she, have we not de
l. neunced matrimony as inconsistent will
t, the dictates Of our only God, Nature?-
- Glorious, wise Nature. Have we no
l. preached it? we must be consistent, an
IS practice what we preach, if We would ad
y vance the cause we have espoused. If yo
d take this man, it must be without the rite
l. of superstition! Have you not gloried !
+ this right of woman, to be race from th
" unnatural trammcls Of tyrant manr
II, Minerva was still silent.
g DO you really love this man? Til
st she said with a sneer.
10 4 do almost whispered the tremblin
in girl.
"' Then let me ask, by what mode do yo
u intend to appropriate his person to yot
weak self! Not by the silly rites of s.
perstition, | trust said she hastily, as
afraid of an affirmative answer. Miner'
of was still immovably silent, while her chez
tn was in glow.
y, That time-honored, ancient custom
ut, civilized society, matrimony, like an apps
on ling spectre, now rose up before the minC
re eye of this misguided woman-this DARN
5 blasphemer-and solemnly warned h
tn against the dreadful sacrifice she was th
le, contemplating, to the impious, debasir
nd misnamed deity SIZE so profanel y worshi
lh- ped II yet innocent maiden to the dem
OF of obscuritv. Minerva said she, list
ry' to what | am about to say. | had hop
ere had planned better things foryou. Y
an well know my plans, my hearts cherish
plans.
wv, 90! how, how nave you repaid all |
'ed pains! My gate of happiness and glory
gel, scarcely opened-and you have crue
ned closed it against meme, your best frier