Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-04-13

his wlfes words were not needed to add to
the reproaeh, which left to itself, might
have worked some good by producing a
quiet determination to abide by the more
sober councils of Ralph in'future, for Ralph
voice had been lifted against the very spec
ulation which had caused the joint failure
of the brothers.
Fretted and CALLED, and wearied of life
and life's struggles, Boydell knew not with
er to turn for comfort and consolation. His
father had been gathered to the dead his
brother? Boydell was too proud to be-
tray his lack of domestic peace to him
his children, initiating the bad example of
the mother, turned against him, and In
stead of clustering round him in the hour
of woe, openly blamed him for the course
he had adopted.
At last his mind, torn BY a. thousand
conflicting sorrows, gave way; lunatic
asylum became his hone, while his wife
and children dragged on lite of misery,
supported by the mere charity of relations.
Far differently Jared Ralph In the
humble cottage on the outskirts of the
town where he now dwelt-a smile always
welcomed him when he came home from
the city's toll and din, tired with the bust
ness of the day, heart-sick with its disap-
pointments-rest and peace and happiness
awaited him in that little home. His chill
dren-drawing their tone from that good
wife and mother-thought only how they
could soothe the tired wanderer who had
returned to them, and make him forget in
the placid JOY of the present the misery Of
the past
"Ralph," said his wife, one day, /"
would scarcely exchange our present lot
for the one we held when first l became
your wife. There is an earnestness in this
quiet life of strict utility which is lost in
the glded days of wealthy splendor. l
am as happy hese, Ralph, as if you had
placed me in palace-happier indeed
He stopped her as he looked lovingly in
to her gentle face.
mot happier, Lucy" he added, "not
happier, dear wife. Your nature would
carry bliss as perfect as this world can be-
stow into any phase of life-not happier,
Lucy, bat as happy either here, or there.
or anywhere on earth-as happy as such
a kindly heart as yours can and should,
and will be anywhere"
Ralph lived to an old age; his hair was
white, and his step tottering butthe heart
and mind were firm STILL. His children
were married, or otherwise settled in the
world wealth has fallen to the share Of
some, competency only to the lot of 9TH
ers.
But sorrow, keen sorrow, now fell on
Ralph. Lucy died; and as he saw the
mould fall on the lowered coffin until ii
II 10 ner WHO iay UrfcH~-- >-'r~~''-~'---~
loss is now, dear wife-Inev feltits mean
ing before"
Boydell also lived to an old age. 4
partial recovery enabled him to return t,
his home-but he was no welcome CUES
there. Unkindness and want of care ha
= produced the result that might have bee
;. expected-he returned to the asylum, hope
! lessly mad, and died there some years al
terwards to the very evident relief of h
h and children.
0 Now, in all human. probability, these tw
= women worked the seqnel to the fate
If their husbands. The. one by her gentl'
: ness soothcd the. wounded spirit, and
k seeking to bless him. sowed full harve
is of blessings for herself.
l. Ana the other! truly did she cast h
n seed upon the waters" and truly did 81
IS find it after many days" 1t was like tt
poisoned Upas berry, taking root al
e, springing up till the deadly tree cast
II Destructive inf1slence on those moor yretc
1r es who sat beneath its branches.