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

4
Which alters when it alteration finds
Or bends with the remover to remove:
y no IL is an ever-ixed mark,
That looks oil tempests and is never shaken;
IL Is the star to ever wandering bark,
whose worth's unknown"
SHAKESPEARE
William Blakemore was the son of wealthy
and aristocratic parents Born in luxury
and nurtured in prosperity, he was entirely
unacquainted with the ills of life AMI the
blghting consequences of adverse fortune
Ills father was rich planter in the vicinity
of B, and had young William pos
sessed all-the gold of Ophir and the cattle on
thousand hills, he would not we venture.
have goried more in the "nom de plume of
+. f. V.-than he did.
William was the only child of his parents
then living, and on him was concentrated
and lavished all their parental affection. But
as May Melville, in preceding Chapter, has
remarked, : he was disspa ed and immoral.
Alas this was too true. He revelled at the
iestal board and participated in the mid
night orgies, devoted worshipper of the
Rum god! yet riches are mantle that can
cover and hide multitude of faults, at least
IN the eyes of some people,
William Blakemore had not been denied
any OF the advantages of life. From early
years he had had the privilege of attending
! y,
and dissipated conduct had been "a barrier to
the attainmsnt of knowledge. But his school
days were now over and he gloried in the
thought-he scorned profession and said
the poor should act alone in that sphere
Victim of fortune! May the eternal sun
shine which now gildS thy heart, shine on in
Its glory and splendor forever. 1t may not
be so, however-for who can scan the dark
and mysterious future?
Mr.. BlakemCre had been for some time on
terms of intimacy with Col. Leory, and was
constant visitor to the house. Yet it was
evident to May that the love he professed for
her was cold and heartless-thlt his p1eten-
sions were all assumed and for these rea-
sons she had discarded his addresses, and re-
ceived in lieu therefor the censure of the
money-oving Col. who seeing the preference
she exhibited for the poor young lawyer
as he called Frank Clayton determined to do
something y, which the fOii''Sina .urii4-',
by May VIII explain:
AT HOME, July 90, 19-.
Dear Frank Father has gotten in the
notion to go to Newportto spend the remain
der of the summer, and will take mother and
me with him. Mr.. Blakemore will also ac-
company us thither. l do not know when
we shall leave here-perhaps tomorrow eve.
Call after Tea Ever thine,
MAY.
Frank Clayton was busily engaged in le-
gal affairs in his Office, when he was surpris-
/ ed by uncle Tom at the door, who after many
efforts at politeness handed him the above
note. After reading it. he wrote an answer
politely accepting the request and handed it
to the bearer.
4 The Co.. has suddenly gotten in the no.
E ton to visit the Springs, has he not uncle
. Tom P
a Yes, Marsa Frank Sudd'ly made up his
g mind. old Massa has-don't khow what makes
i'm do so. | heard Missus MSy say dis morn
r ing she didn't want to go much, though
They will be absent several weeks, will
: they not ?
; Yes, Massa, long time Massa Frank, why
Y don't you go too !? .
NY business demands my time. But un
4 Gle Tom hasten back and give Miss May my
it response
% Yes, Massa, nell do dat--nobody els'
D. shall see it sartain,' and uncle Tom hurried
off as if performing delightful task.
of The day had passed, and twilight had reign
s, ed Ger earth. 1t was one of those calm, love
" ly nights of which the poet delights to sing
ce The stars were lit in the sky, and the morn
at smiling complacently as a sunny bride at tn
ne altar, flooded the earth With mellow glory
TX Scarcely cloud strayed like lost travele
nr through immensity's azure vaults, and tn
u passing gale laden With the perfume of rip
on flowers, scattered its precious burden throug
on the grove and wood
lid OH what lovely earth, canopied thu
in the festival beauties OF a summer night
re. Methinks if was an inhabitant of yon brigt
rn beaming star, | would, in my fairy air-boa
ir- steal away to o.night and on the wings OF tt
tanning zephyr descend to earth and vie
ay the gorgeous landscapes mantlod in grec
aid and bathe my Silvery garments in the gu
IN Cling tide OF yon sequestral rivuletP
do How beautifully the tall trees sing the
nd weird songs in cadence to the balmy breeze
be and how enrapturing the wind-harps 9oli;
i'm wailingsr Franks arrival at the residen
fec of Col Leroy, suddenly terminated this rha
ow sodical flight of the imagination.
ord The first sound that fell upon his ear W
irit the chaste and beautiful song,-'W w hen 9th
ess, friends are around thee which was bel
fe's played and sung by May. lie rang and W
so soon ushered in the parlor By a servant, wh
to the sweet player greeted him with s.
and smile, and at his request concluded the pr
5 OF ular stanZas.
this Il sent for you tonight, Frank, said Ma
and ito say farewell We shall unavoidably
absent from the village for severa, weeks, a
and | could not go without at least informing y
nys of our departure
re- Many thanks, dear May, for this testir
ank NAL of regard" returned Frank. But "
ons, exit seems almost abrupt; you have me-
no. spoken Of going before
Nay MOI Father has suddenly determined
ess- CO. land May blushed deeply, for she kn
use. the cardinal object of the tour was to estral
orlj her from Frank, and encourage her un
Il with William Blakemore.)
re- Frank wishing to relieve her embarr'
the ment said, | hope your stay will be pleass
e Of Yet remember when thus absent dear
'sed that
Others may fatter your gentle face,
al Acting the traitors part
ace They may lay gold At your feet dearest,
H. would lay down my heart
.ncy Mine is no wild enthusiastic love, sweet
ain, that smile can enkindle, and frown OBJ
Is in rate 7