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

leaves, the bright, crimson berries, each en-
crusted in q network of ice, sparkling and
bright, as if In every one lay a tiny rainbow,
as the bright sun poured its rays upon it
Silently yet quickly the children placed it in
good position, and then ornamented it with
the presents each had prepared for the moth
ers. Foolish Joe" was net forgotten, but
was literally rewarded, and invited to spend
abe day with them. But the poor boy had a
mother, and thou hlse priced the invitation,
and never ceAsedt to be grateful in all his life,
jet ne prefgrsfS 70 dine humbly with his
mother.
Twas q pretty and pleasant surprise for
the ladies, when they descended from their
chambers-that ~holly-bush, with its Christ
mas offerings-and all felt happier for it.
The day passed mer. lily. Willie Harley
spent the greater part of the day with them,
thereby neglecting company at home. But
ne had mot seen Minnief for so long" he said,
in excuse.
There was q large party at Squire Harley's
a few evenings afterward, and there was a
brilliant gathering. Among the visitors who
were spending the Christmas holidays at his
house, were Rose Seymore and Agnes Merton.
They very soon learned where Willie spent
so many hours away from them. and their
envy and jealousy of Minnie grew into hatred
for each had in her own heart secretly de-
termined to captivate the young heir of the
rich and aristocratic Squire. They deter
mined, though, to be wary and cautious: to
lind out on what grounds they stood, ere
they carried their designs into execution
VIZ: to injnre the sweet girl in the estimation
OF the Squire and his proud lady. if not that
OF Willie himself. They found Minnie to be
a great faverite with all the family, and on
an equaPfJoting inssociety. They were pug
zled how to proceed, but resolved in every
possible way to slight and mortify the sensi-
tive girl.
The evening arrived for the party, and the
hours fioated lightly onward, as they danced
and laughed them away. Each seemed hap
Ply and joyous; but how many were truly so
We cannot determine. We only know those
two proud girls, Rosa and Agnes, were filed
with chagrin and anger, when Minnie came,
and was pronounced by all to be 'the most
beautiful girl present" She was yet a child
Just fourteen-and had the innocent, guile
less heart of a child, therefore could not ap-
preciate the conduct of Rosa and Agnes
She wondered in her childishness, why they
SO dlsllked her, for she could but see they
did so. She felt rather grieved than angry,
and never returned their words of anger and
scorn. She did not love them greatly,-how
could she? poor childl But as all others
were kind and affectionate toward her she did
not feel much the effects of their hatred and
malice. Let US hope she may never do so
The Christmas holidays are over. They
had been msrrIy spent in sleigh-rides, eve
nlng parties and social enjoyments. Now
they were to- return to Rockland. Minnie
| of pnurco ptpvf o1co. #4nsrono-- L.. .4.l:zz
and remain till the end of the term-a Ions
session of six months. But her heart wa,
. somewhat relieved of its sadness at parting
by a promise made by Aunt Hannah and Ell
la of a visit in March. So they again parted
but with fond hopes and anticipations of an
other meeting ere many months should clos,
in.
Rosa and Agnes also returned to Rocklant
to school. They had, however utterly faile'
in captivating Willie Harley So were YER
bitter and angry towards Minnie, who ha,
certainly captivated and bewitched with he
beauty and sweetness, the poor boy. The,
felt she was in their way, and consulted wit
each other, how she should be removed GU
OF 1t, 'for she should be, certainly, in som
way or, other" Willie had left home
short time after Minnie, and attended schoe
at a distance, preparatory to entering Co
sFlege. Now, hsssWas1t to enter on. his collegiat
course, about the same time sshe.returned t
Rockland. He had sought to acorrespon
with Iee5s f PEAR Minnie has her studies t
pursue, and you yours. Neither will bay
much time for corresponding with YOU
friends. At the end of that time. if YOU sti
desire it, Minnie can write to you. She wi
then be more advanced in her studies, an
have more time ather command besides sb
will be older, and SO will you, Willie. Now
don't you feel grateful for that latter piece {
information %
So he was compelled to submit, for we'll h
knew Minnie took no steps without the cor
sent of her mother, and he loved and respect
ed too mich her character to even request he
to write to him without the consent an
sanction of her mother.
He departed for College, full of brigb
hopes of future renown, "a determination t
study increasingly, and win laurels-an
with a pleasing assurance 'that year, woul
not last forever.
(To@BE CoNTINUED.)