Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-04-13
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THE DEATH BED BETRoTHAL.
IcoNrINUxD FROM OUR LAST

I
On New Years Day Ellen completed
her nineteenth year. The night before
her husband brought home valuable
suite of pearls we were invited to large
party or the second OF the month, and he
desired her to wear them then This cold
kindness completely ovcrcame her, and
she left the room in tears. For few min
utes he walked moodily up and down the
floor, then came and stood before me.
"CSn you explain Mrs. Liyingstone's
strange conduct, cousin? | have done eyo-
rything for hei that money can do, and
now sho is not happy. Do you suppose
che wanted some other article of jewery
If she did, she shall have them. Any-1
thing at all that she will ask for, she shall
have; and all ask in return is that she
will be happy. OF all things in the world,
l hate to see woman in tears. | prom
ised my mother to make her happy, and |
will do so if can.
"Then you need give her no more jew
els, Edward, for they are only valuable in
her sight as your gifts. Bcstow few
more smiles upon her, stay at home, and
read or talk to her, instead OF going so
much to your club give her more of the
love for which she is pining, and less of the
splendor which sickens her; and believe
Inc, you will soon see her look happy"
Edward heard me through, then said, in
an impatient tone, "Pshaw, cousin, that
has always been your mistake! You
judge Eicn's disposition by your own -
1t is probably something she wants, and is
too proud to ask for, that makes her fret.
But don't wish to be annoyed so any
more"
Mrs. Trevor's "at home" was a mag.
ri6oent fFi-~ l-..',--l.----ls---.----.:--
riyalled in taste ard splendor, and heI par
ties had always been the admiration of the
circle she called her own.
thought Edward introduced his wife
with more than usual satisfaction, and that
the lady appeared rather surprised at the
beauty and grace of the fair Mrs. Living
stone. Certainly no woman in the room
could compare with her, the dress of pal'
blue satin suitirg admirably her delicate
complexion and light brown hair, whll
pearls were the only ornaments which eve
became her. wore dark lavender an
black lace, tho gaycst dress had put o
for five and twenty years; but it was Ed
wards wish, and loved TO crafty him.
After promenading for short time, EC
ward left us together in one of the dee
heavily curtained windows, and as tt
rooms filed, the scene became very inter
esting. Here, undsturbed and unseen v
could watch the rest, and enjoyed it un'
party came and seated themselves direc
" before us, aud where we could not avo
hearing all they said. They had scarce
got themselves seated, when buzz at t
other end of tue room announced NJ
arrival, and escorted by several geptiemt
and followed by large party of ladies,
saw beautiful girl advancing towards !
From the heavy braids Of her dark hair
the belt which elapsed her slender wa
she was glttering with jewels; they spa
led from her neck, and circlcd her hc
in glittering diadem. She wore r
purple satin and with the heavy fo
sweeping the ground might wcIl.have b.
mistaken for some royal queen.
"Who is it?' one of the ladies bcf
us asked her neighbor.
... "Why, don't you see! 1t is Miss
phia Vaue."
l started involuntariy, and Ellen loo
at me, bat l could not remove my
from the proud beauty on whom all
were now turned.
81 hear she is going to be marie
said the first speaker.
"Ycs, to old hr. Lincoln, very N
to his ncphew's annoyance for he VI
certainly have been his heir. 1t is
quite surprise to Miss Vane's friends
YOU know since that affair of Edward
iugstoue's, she has hirtcd dreadfully,
they really thought she would never
ry" #
"Well, to tell you the truth, | neve
understand rightly about that affair," !"
"You didn'tl Well, you see they
home from Calcutta together, and of c
Sophia would not loose such. an opp,
nifty; so at last Mr.. Livingstone was
head and ears in love; and as soon
landed, went off to get her consent,
pears. He only got there tue day
died, aud she made him promise to !
n girl she had picked up somewhere,
u tors daughter, or. something like t
believe. a homely little rustic, |
heard them say she was, and that's ii
son she does not so ont more, l