Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-09-26
SPIRIT OF THE AGE.

devotion, and her lip would culver as she
thought Of his confidence to his friend Moore
but like a brave little woman she stifed back
the bitter feelings, and tipped off to perfect
her plans. The grand piano, silent for
months, was opened, and the linen covers
taken from the furniture, Lizzie thinking,
"He shan't find any parlors more attractive
than his own, / arm determined"
Tea time came, and William cam with it.
A little figure, in a tasty, bright, silk dress,
smooth curls, and OIL such a lovely blush
and smile, stood ready to welcome William,
rs he came in; and tea time passed as the
mornings meal had done.
After tea, there was no movement, as usual,
toward the hat rack. William stood up be-
side the table. lingering, chatting, till Lizzie
also rose. She led him to the light, warm
parlor, in their pretty glow of tasteful ar
rangement, and drew him down beside her
on the sofa. He felt as if he was court
ing over again, as he watched her fingers
busy with some fancy needlework, and lis
tened to the cheerful voice he had loved so
dearly two years before.
"What are you making, Lizzie p
"a pair of slippers. Don't you remember
how much you admired the pair | worked
for you, OIL ever so long agof"
4 ~ remember black velvet with flowers
on them. | used to put my feet on the fen
4 dor, and dream of blue eyes and bright curls,
4 and wished time would move faster, to the
day when | could bring my bonnie wee wife
home, to make music in my house"
Lizzie's face saddened for a moment, as she
thought Of the last two years, and how little
music she had made for this loving heart,
gradually weaving it from its allegiance
then she said,
I" / wonder i you love music as much as
you die then ?"
sOf course I do. I often drop in at Miss
Smiths for nothing else than to hear the
music"
"I can play and sing better than Miss
Smith" said Lizzie, half pouting.
"But you always say you are out of prac
tice, when l ask you"
al had the piano tuned this morning
Now, open it, and we will see how it sounds.
William obeyed joyfully, and, tossing aside
her sewing, Lizzie took the piano-stool. Sh'
mad a very sweet voice, not powerful, bu
most musical, and was a very fair performe
on the piano.
Ballads, LizzieY
sob yes, l know you dislike opera must
in q parlor."
Une song alIeT anOtneT, With u nOCLuTIe, o
lively instrumental piece, occasionally, be
tween them, filled another hour pleasantly.
The little mantle clock struck eleven!
ELEVEN / thought it was about nine.
ought to apologize, Lizzie, as used to do, fo
staying so long; and | can truly say, as ] di
then, that the time has passed so pleasantly
l can scarcely believe it is so late"
The piano was closed, Lizzie's work put
the basket, and William was ready to go u
stairs; but g%lancing back, he saw his lit
wife near the fireplace, her hands claspe'
her head bent, and large tears falling fro
her eyes. He was beside her in an instan
Lizzie, darling, are you i'll What is tt
matter I"
"Ohl William, | have been such a b
wifel l heard you tell Mr.. Moore, last CIV
ming, how l had disappointed you but
will try to make your home pleasant, indie
will, ifyou will only forgive and love me
Love you? Oh! Lizzie, you cam
guess how dearly l love you'll"
AS the little wife lay down that night, S
thought,
II have won him back again Bet
than that, | have learned the way to Ike
: him!"