Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-23

The happest there, from their past-tme returning,
At sunset, will weep when thy story is told.
LALLA RooKH.
!" Where art thou I? Thy once loved flowers
Their yellow leaves are twining,
And bright and beautiful again,
That single star is shining
But where art thou"
Rev. PEABODY
Frank was now subjected to pleasant,
thous III to some trying ordeal-that of nur-
sing the sick For the sickly season had
commenced in Pensacola, and many already
had been summoned from the gay scenes of
earth to eternitys while the mourners went
about the streets For days and weeks he
stood around the bedside of his mother and
only sister, Ida, and tried to comfort them.
though tortured with relentless disease Yet
he mourned for his father. Oft he would
steal away from the presence of the sufferers
and like strong tree yielding to the furious
storm, would wildly weep, praying God for
faith to say Thy will be done
Ida was soon convalescent; but it required
the utmost medical skill to arrest the cpl
demlc, which had fastened itself on the fraiI
fering, health came again and reigned in the
household. They all mourned the loss of
their benefactor yet christian fortitude upheld
them in this their time of sorrow.
Ida and Frank were thes only children of
their parents, and during their prosperity had
shared all the advantages of education and So
ciety. Ida was sweet girl! Only fifteen
summers had shone on her b ow, but still she
was pensive and of melancholy tempera-
ment Her deep blue eyes and golden ring
lets contrasted strangely with the dark locks
and flashing eyes of her brother Frank.
1t was evening! The hazy beauties of In
dian summer everywhere met the eye, and
the bright fields of corn smiling on the honest
yeomanry verified the Biblical preeept: He
that soweth, shall reap A blazing fire was
burning in the parlor Of Mrs, Claytons cot
tage, and the bereaved household, forgetful
of their past troubles, were talking pleasantly
of the mighty future before them
'Ohl | have never told you,' said Mrs.
Clay ton, addressing Frank, of the good news
Ida and myself heard just before our illness
No, you have not said Frank. What is
it?
You doubtless remember my brother Hen
ry, whose mysterious departure from here
about twelve years ago,was source of mortifi
cation to his people and of gossip for the com
munty for several weeks after
Yes, | remember Uncle Henry, well, moth
er. 1t was generally believed that a love al
fair made him leave Pensacola, and that h
had embarked for Central America. Bu
have YOU had any tidings of him recent
mother.
Yes, Francis, Immediately preceding you
arrival here, and Mr.. Cayton's death, W
received letter from Henry, post marked
Sam Salvador informing us-ef his succes
in life and of his intention to return to hi
native land
'Oh that he would come to-night-th
lovely and beautiful night exclaimed Ida
{ | have yet the presents he gave me when
tiny child, prattling on his knee
Yes, | long to see him, said Frank. e
could weep with us around the grave of a hu
band and fatherr
Henry had kind heart added Mrs. Cla
ton; and no doubt we would find true syr
: pathizer in him.
IF the savage people with whom he b
been associated have not made savage of hin
, continued Ida.
4 They have not done that my birdie,
: dare say, said Mrs. c.
' knock at the door broke up this conve
sation.
S That's him now, Til wager said Fra
r and IDA. The former going to answer
6 summons.
S Can remain with you tonight, good p,
n ple,' came from the lips of the traveller wht
# clothes seemed much soled and travel wo1
D. : 1t is traveller who wants lodging, sh
| admit him mother ? asked Frank.
:, My Son, be careful to entertain strange
'e for thereby some have entertained angels
d awares,' said Mrs. G.
" At this appropriate response, Frank eper
the door and thetrsEeler- entered
o. Mrs. Clayton silently scrutinized the str
IT ger, who soon said, hope, friends, Twill
er be trespassing on your charity by remain
the over night with your I have been tt
to cling for some time and feel very much
W tigued with the journey
ge 1t was evident that the traveller had S
1n much of the world-his demeanor and
guage plainly indicated this. He was '
U.s. coined by Mrs c. to whom, strange to
IT. it did not once occur that this was her !
y, absent brother, aad that he had disguised |
self to surprise her. She little thought
the sun burnt countenance, long hair
shaggy whiskers of the traveller before
were those of Henry Sullivan, her brothe
How long have you been in the Gil
he, asked Frank.
te. During the evening only, sir. have
arrived from Central America.
her At the mention of this name, Mrs. c.