Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-12-14

The woman looked vacantly at the en-
blem, and motioned for him to put the re-
gala back IN the hat. AS her reserve wore
of, she, in answer to our inquiries, told the
story of her wrongs. She was born in al
home of fair means in Ireland, married with
high hopes, and for the first few years of
welded life, was happy. After coming to
this country, her husband took to drinking,
and since that time she had seen a world
of sorrow.
Many and many is the day when me
boy and meself are cold and hungry in the
winter times. But it's the whiskey that
does tits not Michal himself at all, at
ALL
While we were conversing, the husband
came in. He was intoxicated, sullen, and
bent glowing expression upon Us from
under his matted hair. To our frank sal
utation, he barely growled an answer,
throwing himself heavily upon the bed, and
calling for whiskey.
We will not take time to detail our two
hours struggle to reach that mans heart,
and win his confidence. Round and round
we went, but met with a surly rebuff every
time we approached him. He even told
US to mind our own affairs, and not be
troubling honest people.
Providence often works by slight instru-
mentalities. It all at once entered our
mind that associations connected with our
native land are strong and undying in ev-
cry race. We remembered the history of
sick regiment in Quebec, cured by the
bag-pipes, strong men dancing in spite of
themselves, as though they were stirred by
the hornpipes of Caledonia. We hesita-
tingly commenced humming an Irish mel
ody, hope kinded up in our heart, and we
saw the drunken man beating time with
his foot finally striking in and singing in
touching tone the familiar air. We had
found an avenue to the mans heart and
we pursued our adventure Talked of Ire
land-of the sorrows of her poor when they
begged for corn, and laid down without
coffin, shroud or grave.
'Yesp said he, tears coming into his
eyes-'and your agile come from over the
say, and dropped bread from his beak to
teed the starving ones
At last we ventured to present the sub
ject nearest our thoughts. For moment
he was sullen again, but we followed up
the advantage. To the objection that he
had neither clothes or money, we replied
that he could work for Us at some future
J1me. BY this ruse we secured his consent
to let US propose him to the Division.
By special dispensation Michael -
was proposed and initiated. Hardls yet
sober, and excited by the step he was ia
king, he could scarcely stand, and clung te
me like frightened child
And will he blind me? he whispered il
my ear, as | went out to escort him from
the ante-room.
He was initiated. He gave the respon
ses with an energy and earnestness which
thrilled all present.
Salute your Brother p said Mills, and
hundred hands were extended for the greet
ing, heart in every one. We stood lit
tie back and looked upon the eloquen
scene with full heart, the feelings swell
ed moment, and then ran over in foo,
of joy upon the cheek Michael -
was weeping and saying, God bless ye
as fast as he could between his sobs, th
tears raining unchecked from his cheeks.
where is Mr.. Brown-sure he has
hand to give me nowr be inquired, ha
sadly.
Here, my brother, ready to shake you
hand, if there is any left, Michael -.
God be praised, Michael - h:
hand enough for the likes ev ye to the en-
of the world = and he turned, taking m
extended hand in both of his, and bowin
upon, and covering it over and over wit
kisses, and fast-dropping tears and sobbin
prayers.
MY God-my God! I did not kno
that had friend in America. O, VIII;
change is this and Michael - will |
once more man =
I Near hundred men were weeping i'll
children over the lost man found All b
siness was suspended, and the spirit move
upon all. Michael was called upon to So
something, and got up. Silently, first vii
, one hand and then the other, he wiped Il
tears from his eyes. Not word could /
) say, and around the room tears might ha'
been heard falling, it seemed to us, SO de-
: was the stiffness.
} Let me go home r MARY must know
, this = at last burst from his swelling hear
e and he rushed for the door.
: Angels might have wept for JOY over Il
0 scene in that rude hut, when Michael aga
d entered it. It was one never to be forge
ten.
j. A cup Of oil, with rag in it, was t
b lamp, which burned dimly, and Mrs. -
sitting before the broken stove, her he
e bowed in her hands. She started, as
t. from slumber, as we entered, and not wit
l. out surprise, for several of the brotherho
II followed from the Division Room to t
e hut.
G Michael stood full minute, looking L
Ut on his wife, as if at an utter loss what
r. say. Slowly light kindled in his eye a
at his lips parted with smile, sad but sw,
and he said:
r., Mary
SO The tones were scarce above whisp
ed but they were thrillingly distinct and ri
er ly tremnlous with suppressed emotion
The wife started as she heard his vol
rs and bent her gaze wonderingly upon
op husbands face, and then inquiringly up
be those standing around him. Nought
nd heard bot the deep breathing of the
upon his cot of rags.
= tMdryP
ny The tones now throbbed with emoti