Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-16

so much enamored Of the fair girl that he
was never satisfied only when in her So
ciety. When Walter reached his home
that evening, supper was ready. He seated
himself at the table, and after eating a
scanty meal, rose from the table and
went into the piazza, walked up and down
1t for few moments, then seated himself
in rocking chair and was soon lost in
thought.
The queenly moon threw her silvery
beams over the landscape, and the twink
ling stars were bright aud beautiful, vet
they remained unnoticed by Walter, for
he was thinking Of Agnes Lee. | have
been called woman hater, by some, said
the young man, and | must confess that |
once thought / could never love nor re-
spect another lady, but certainly am in
love with Miss Lee and | do not know
who could refrain from loving her, for she
Is decidedly the most facinating woman
that | ever saw. And then she is most re-
markabIy intelligent l nope that she does
not know that get drunk sometimes, con-
tInHed the young gentleman, for it would
be quite useless for me to address her if she
is aware Of it. must stop drinking for a
while, at.any rate and when in her socie-
ty, pretend to be good friend to the cause
of Temperance. But would it not be a
pity, said he, after moments reflection,
to deceive the dear girl, for | do not sup
pose that she ever saw any trouble, and
consequently could not bear much. Though
| love her and am determined to make her
an offer of my hand and heart.
Walter continued to visit Agnes very Of
ten, and in a short time they became very
intimate. He would very often send her
a beautiful boquct and frequently present
her interesting books which she gladly ac-
ceptcd, for she was passionately fond of
reading, though Agnes did not have the
slightest idea of Walters addressing her.
for she did not consider herself worthy of
him, as he was very wealthy, and sprang
from family of such high position But
one evening when they were alone in the
parlor, he took the little white hand within
his own, and in low tones said-"Dearcst
Agnes, from the first time that [ ever gazed
upon thy sweet face, became enamored
with you, and have ever since loved you
feryently and devotedly, and am in hopes
that my love is returned by you"
you IS SAID y ths ahitei6I 6Id.h"s h''ss SiT sn4t~~ " ~
Then, dearest, will you not consent to
be mine 2"
"No, Mr. Seaford, fear we can never be
one"
"And why not, fair lady9" asked the
young man.
Because there is too much difference
in our positions. What would your aris-
tocratic friends say, were you to marry a
scamstress? Why they would rcnounce
you forever" said the purc-mnded girl
F before Walter could reply. Il am sorry
Walter, that it is so, but you must strive
to forget me, and seek one who is worthy
Of YOU"
81 can never love another, Agnes, ant
if you reject me, | shall not wed any one
, but spend the remnant of my days in soil
, tude.'
A tear stole down the cheek of the fai
!, gill, but she quickly brushed it away t.
prevent her lover from seeing it. Boil
E were silent for moment or two, but !
- was not long before Walter broke the 81
lencc by saving "Agncs you have ac
knowledged that you love me, but you
!, objection for not wishing to marry me j
. because my Citations would be opposed t.
it,"
- Agnes replied in the affirmative, sayin
4 that she had too much pride, too much il
! dependence to marry man whose famil
:, would treat her with contempt, only be
6 cause she was not rich.
~ 81 am very sorry, Agnes, dear, that yo
/ are under that impression, for know til;
y my friends would be perfectly delighted
= for only a few days ago, Flora, who is til
~ nearest relative that | have living, told IN
o that she thought you an amiabIc and il
y. tcIIigent girl, and would be proud to cIai
~ you as her sister. And now, dear Agnc
~ ~ after seeing how highly my friends respe
~, you, and how dcvotcdIy love you, wi
- you not be my wife,
-. YES, Walter if what you have told II
" is true, which believe, am thine"
I'd Walter was now a happy man; ; he toe
pt the little soft hand and was about to il
in print warm kiss upon it, but the lady {
cr tered her check, thinking OF course the
e was not any impropricty in doing so
V they were engaged.
Id In a few months they were happily ma
en- ricd, and after short but pleasant brio
nd tour, they returned to their home. But
lat WAS not many years before Agnes beg
Ell; to look pale, care-worn and detected,
at she had discovered to her sorrow that s
My had become the wife of a TOPPER, and c ot
ed never expect to see any happiness.
er, would very often return home in a state
i'm intoxication, and though he would do ey,
on thing in his power to prevent his wife FRI
de- discovering it, yet it was impossible fol h
,alI to conceal it, Mrs. Scaford would ne,
me rebnke her husband for drinking to such
ess excess, until he had gotten quite sob
ted then she would go to him while the te
Thy would roll down her fair checks, and
iod pIore him to sign the pledge, telling |
that he certainly would have to fill a dru
was ards grave if he die not. But her tC
mes and entrcaties were all in vain. We,
bat months years passed away still he did
stty reform, but spent nearly all Of his time
hito the grogshop. He spent his money f
ned ishly, and was with all gambler, aud
'her these means soon squandered the vast
liter tate which he once possessed. The sp
her did house in which they resided was 5
ing. and they were compelled to live i'm uui