Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-05-04

Islcnder. willowy figure was ever graceful, and
her dreamy, unsuspecting character, gave her
the appearance of high-bred selfpossession,
so necessary to perfect grace of carriage. Be.
, ing passionately fond of music, she excelled
in the art, and of most accomplishments be-
came mistress. But her mind was not richly
stored with knowledge which tends to true
happiness. As a child can distinguish right
from wrong, so did she. but strength of prin-
ciple, she had not. She was easily swayed
by circumstances. She did not dream the
happiness of any other person depended on
her. Madame Leroy had never taught her
this. She had never told her Of the influence
which even the weakest of her sex exerts up
on the we'll being Of some others, and Ella
never thought of it herself
Allie Grey attended the same school, but
she had had a mothers care, till she was
twelve years of age, and had been taught by
her, the duty Of woman. That mother knew
she was not long for earth, and therefore had
taught her lessons in principle and duty,
which otherwise would have been deferred
till Allie grew older. Her disposition too was
different from Elias, and she did not crave
such food for he mind as did her friend, and
often declared she would rather solve the
deepest problem, than read zone of those tire.
some novels But they became strong
friends, and though in after life, their paths
lay wide apart, that schoolgirl friendship was
g. -of happiness thu untroubled spring,
Which time, nor death, nor absence can destroy
They together finished their studies, and or
the same night, made their debut in the gay
world.
Ella was speedily pronounced "the belle 0
the season." Many worshipped her fortune
and a few, very few, comparatively, really
loved her.
Among the snitors for her hand and for
tune, was a young lawyer, whose talents ant
praises were on the tongues OF every one
He had come to the city a stranger, but nj
family was known by reputation to many Q
the most distinguished men of the place, an
with their aid, and with talents Of no con
mon order, he rose gradually, but surely, an
promised to become a star in his profession
His fine form, intellectual face, and fascin;
ting manners won the hearts of many a low,
ly daughter of F.. He was, what tn
world calls, poor, but his talents already pr
cured him a fine income, and he bid fair
become both wealthy and renowned.
Can we wonder then, that our sweet Ell
:, Who was so much the creature Of circun
stances, was fascinated, and-but,
"It matters not, how day by day,
!. Love made his sure but secret way"
/; Ella, silly child, was fattered by the pr
v ference of one so superior to the many W
r lowered near her. To be sure she felt a
a tie awed by his superiority but when wi
l. his dark eyes bent tenderly upon her, in tor
}. sweet and melodious, he poured into her W
S ling ear, words o flove. Her blushing cheel
and trembling form spoke plainly his 10
l was returned. Alas poor child she
e ticed not that often his breath was tainted
it the fumes Divine. She was all too confidil
u too unsuspecting. Accustomed to see it
Is ly upon her guardians table, she did
dream there was harm in a simple glass
u wine.
y But there were a few, who shook II
heads and spoke sadly, when the news of
IN engagement reached their ears, Am
whom was Allie Grey. With a true frie
L course OF her lover. she r1au r1edloa
Il brother speak of times, not a few, W
Henry Forest had been assisted home f
his club, intoxicated; and she had not
ry often at social parties when mirth and m
ry t1oated gaily out upon the evening air,
be the red wine flowed freely-that he qua
III more than one glass of the sparkling lq
lat Certainly this made him more brilliant,
the crowds of the young and beautiful ass
lie bled there, saw nothing evil in this. I
la, men, with locks of silver browning t
SO heads, would have scorned the popular yo
ri, lawyer, had he refused a glass of that hi
We less (O beverage; for had they not beer
I'd, king it for years! and who could say
nd had been injured by it.
Do He was fine fellow was Henry Fol
DIS A brilliant, charming club companion. \
ur added entertainment so agreeable as h
a their nUanInU unaatinOc No ona oo,1I
such a toast, or such a ready repartee, or
ell such a song. Alas alas! But we will
o u anticipate.
on He loved the gentle girl of his choic
tu- well as one of his selfish nature could !
ng but would he have regarded her with
affection, if she had been ~penniless ? V
be. we will not judge him too harshly.
a We have depressed greatly, dear re;
Sut but let us now retrace our steps. TITS
to bridal evel The house was brilliantly |
nd. ed, and carriage after carriage rolled S
Tay to the door, deposited their richly DIRE
nd inmates, and whirled away to make roor
End others. Diamonds glittered, bright
sparkled, soft ringlets doated DER din
ful, checks and lily shoulders, and
~ can is in motion rings. and plumes, and
~ Are shining everywhere"
But nuSn! ana the crowd gives way
rth, the entire of the bridal party. The mir
RIM, steps forward-and now, they are maj
{ a Twas but a moments work, and yet,
her m~omentous in its consequences. Nobl
sion the happy bridegroom bear himself, a
her. looks tenderly upon his newly made |
the and then turns to receive the congratula
eer- of the numerous friends who crowd ar
me; them. Twas a brilliant wedding, and
pom Zip to lip was echoed, 'she's married '
Never had Ella looked so glorious
.eet, magni6cently beautiful, as then. Her
With white dress of costly lace falling grace
her over a rich brocade the bridal veil rea
Her nearly to her feet and whose cost
hose have made some poor widow happy for
fall. a day. The snow white pearls twined
re of the curls of her golden hair, and wrea
like her snowy neck and arms, made her a
han. almost angelic, in her pure lily like bea,
There were many who envied the
kind bridegroom his lovely bride; and he
his it. He would not have priced her IN
posi- it had been otherwise.
cited