Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-11-02
Raleigh. u. c., Novnher 2, 1868.

transition from her quiet country home
to the brilliant position she now occc pied. :
was rather too sudden for poor frail hu-
man nature, and therefore She was lit
tie spoiled, and in danger of becoming
more SO, If something did not change her
course. The downward dsclivity ia at
hrst smooth and gradual, but still pur
sued, 1t becomes more steep and rugged.
until at last return becomes impossible
Mrs. Norton knew this and became re-
ally anxious to see Elsie marry and set
tie down quietly to the enjoyment of do
mestic happiness. Accordingly she be-
gan to hint to her the necessity Of MAKING,
a seleSion from among her suiforse
But Elsie had no idea Of putting her
little head into the siIken moose. and
only laughed at her sisters cntreaties.
and thus month after month passed away
with the little thoughtless beauty.
AT last the & bon ton. were elsctrifed
with the news that Elsie was going to
marry George Moreland, Mr.. Norton's
handsome fascinating, scepticaI partner
lie was steady, industrious, we'll educa.
ted and fluent in conversation, with good
pecunlary prospects. The world pro-
nounced 1t an admirable naatch-only
the thoughtful and rejecting part of the
community dreaded the fruits of infidelity
In after years. lie was a high-toned
agreeable gentleman, however. and even
Mrs. Norton appIsoved of the match, for.
as ne never spoke much On religious sub
jects, she did not know how strongly
sceptlcal his sentiments We're.
1t was love match, with no sordid
pecuniary motives on either side as
both could have married better, so ia as
money was concerned, and, being love
match of course they were happy.
.... What is the world to tbeme
Its ponlps, its pleasures and its nonsense all
Vino In each others clasp whatever fair
High fancy forms, and lavish hearts can wish s,'
Al tender, holy Joy Of welded life
type OF the mystic tie that binds the
church to Christ-why trails the surpent
still so oft about thy Eden bswers? WHY
is it that the purest drop of happiness
that heaven has ever distilled in mortal
Gus dreg, concealed beneath the purple
nectar sparkling at the hrim? 1t is our
the Lord, to win US from a great idola-
try-to WOO US to transport our treasure
to the Spiri:-land. And yet we knaw
that those whs live by faith in Christ
are rendered better, nobler and more pure
when kindred spirits 1ningle into one.
God has so ordained it, and it must ever
be that marriage is the greatest good, or
else the greatest curse of earth.
They left their home and it's dull rou-
| tine of cares, as soon as the ceremony
was performed, and fitted off towards
the North, upon the swift-winged mes
/ senger of steam. For months they re-
yelled in the charms of travel and stored
their minds with many rich and lovely
scenes, while quafing the sweet draft of
mutual love. But soon these happy mo-
ments, sped away, and brought them
once again to those they left behind and
home. ...
Elsie returned more radiantly beautiful
than when she went away, because q
softer. sweeter light shons in her eye
a richer, deeper tone fingered upon her
voice. 1t was evident that she was de.
voted to her husband, devotion entirely
reciprocatsd on his part; and Mr.. Nor
ton hoped they would Withdraw in some
degree from that society whose hollow
mockeres never satisfy the heart, and
find their chief delight in their own do
nestic circle.
Itwas animportant era in their lives
for much depended on the course adopted
by them. Whether they were wise ant
prudent in their cheice the following
chapter will unfold.