Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-09-04

IOs0 iclttf, uuH, VI oOttetuin0 even more
mysterious and terrible?' And seizing her
opportunity, the laughing girl caught it
from his hand and fed from the room and
up the broad staircase.
Harry followed with all speed but with
his usual iHluck, fell up stairs, which gave
the little mischief time to run her eve over
its contents, before he could riseand recov-
er himself
"Come now Harry, up to my room, and
don't be angry, that's DEAR" said she
coaxingly. I've been mistrusting this af-
tair long time, but didn't suppose you
had courage enough to make the ayowal
that is implied in that letter.
N or had1 I, Hattie, and this is. why this
confounded me SO. 1t scgpedto be an
answers to my thoughts, but not to any
thing have ever written. For I will con.
less, now that you have dived into the
mystery, that do love Sarah Harper, and
nave thought perhaps hundred times
that | would tell her SO but | never have.
But somebody must have mistrusted nv
feelings, and written to her in nv name to
elicit such reply as this, or else this is a
forgery
We'll, | think know Sarah's handwri-
ting. Let me read it more at leisure and
[ will see.'
Dear Sir Allow me TO say that was
very mach surprised, and might say
pleased at the reception of your note YES
terday. That you regarded me with fa-
Vor L have sometimes hoped but that Won
would ever overcome that painful diff
dence that often pitied, and (pardon
me- sometimes sported with, enough to
ever tell me SO, | did not believe, till I re-
celved the proofs in your welcome letter.
Il | have really had any hand in producing
that bashtulness, am very sorry and
Will add that if can in any way restore
your sef-possession, am willing to do SO.
For IN spite of all your awk,oardness. dear
Harry, have always highly appreciated
your excellent qualities, your generosity
and real kindness of heart, ever since we
were to school together at the Academy.
lhls may surprise you for probably, with
others you have often thought me vain,
hckle and coquettish, and without even
serious thought. But if l know myself.
there is an under current 20 my character.
and motives, which, if you think it worth
your while to study, You can have the
privilege, by calling soon. And you may
assure yourself dear Harry, that if you
were not so a0arka0ard and bashtul, Sarah
Harper would not address you SO frankly.
and thus meet you at least half way.'
Yell this is a curiosity laassed Hat
tie when she finished reading lit. 1T is
certalry Sarah's writing, as l can prove
to you, said she, taking handful of that
young ady's notes from her writing case.
and comparing them. There, are you
not convinced, Harry! and who else in
the village writes SO beautifully
No one certainly; and the writing is
very similar
1t certainly is; and if somebody has
broken the Ice for you to catch fish you
like best, it will be funny
Well, 1t is surprising circumstance
any way;' said the amazed Harry, in ra-
ther an agitated tone. And what in the
world shall | do Hattie ? Sarah will ex-
pect reply
do, why follow up your advantage like
a man, and if you love Sarah Harper, as
you say you do, don't let this opportunity
of securing her slip on any account. But
don't tell her you didn't write the letter
she 1t seems received, until you are per-
fectly secure of her favor; for if you do.
she will surely refuse you out of shame for
the regard she has professed to feel for
you without being asked
Perhaps you are right. But Hattie
how can get courage enough to visit or
write to her! My heart is in my mouth at
the thought of it. l couldn't say word
to her if my life depended on it,
Pshaw +! you'll find it as easy as it is
for water to run down hill, when you once
get your awkward mouth opeD,' laughed
Hattie.
AT party few days after this Harry
met Sarah Harper; and if he had any
remaining doubts of her agency In the
affair, they were remJved by her bushes.
aud evident confusion at meeting him =
And, strange as it may seem, in her agita-
tlon, he lost his own; and through the
whole evening, to Hatties surprise did not
get upset, step on any bodys toes, or cut
up any dido to attract particular attention
ana when they were going home seeing
Hattie was provided with company he for
the first time in his life offered his arm to
Sarah, and was accepted
But now Harry's courage failed. His
dithdence returned in all its force, and he
would have walked a mile without a word.
and with his heart beating like tattoo, if
Sarah, out of pity had not laughingly ask
ed him what had become of bis newly ac-
qulretl courage, and confidence.
1t is returning grasped Harry quickly;
AID 1T remlnds me of the deep debt of
gratitude owe you for your kind letter,
Sarah
| should have been unworthy the re-
gard you professed for me in yours, had I
been less kind, aud true to NV feeling
said Sarah, 10 slightly agltated tone.
Oh Sarah you cannot imagine the JOY
you give to one who has for years treasur-
ed your very look and tone iu his heart;
and felt his own awkwardness and deficien-
cies SO terribly responded Harry, in
deeply agitated voice.
But tell me why it is, dear Sarah, that
one SO undeniably awkward and uagainly,
can find favor in your eyes, when those
who have beauty and grace are striving in
vain to win it.
For the reason that | value true and
noble heart, higher than all earthly things
said Sarah, and try as | wouldsI have
rever been able to find much but selfish
/ ness and ronitu l.. Il ono hearts IL.