Spirit of the age., 1853-06-01
Cbuirt 1,iteraturr.
From the New-York Organ.
LAURA MAITLAND.
(CnNcLUpFD.
BY MRS. sASsBURY.

(CONCLUDED.)
The broad arch Of the sky had assumed a
deeper blue, and the bland air and soft sun
shine Of Spring gIaddened the earth, whe \
Mrs. Leigh and her daughter and son took
up their abode in the minister's house in the
pleasant village Of B. The invalids
slowly but surely, improved in that atmos-
pherc of love, where ministering spirits hoy
cred round them continually in the perform
Hnco of sweet Offices Of affection
The Spring months passed. and June's
sweet roses were blooming aud clustering in
vayiegated beauty all about the lovely par
sonage. Daily, when the weather permit
ted, Laura would lead her mother and little
brother abroad to inhale the fragrant air,
and as often as they felt inclined to take a
drive, a neat and comfortable carriage was
at their service. With tears oc shame and
penitence, Mrs. Leigh often reverted to her
formerselfsh and prodigal course, and told her
daughter she was fully convinced that far
greater happiness was to be found in the re-
tirement and sweet duties of home. Oh, il
my poor husband would return she would
say. could now he happy with him and
my precious children
And where was Herbert Leigh all this
whilel On the night he left his child, dying
MS he reasonably supposed, he few to the
house of Mr.. Ellis, and fortunately founc
that gentleman at home
Ellis he said, you have acted tie
part of true friend towards me, and have
como to beg one more proof of your kindness
Lend me- few hundred dollars. You shal
receive it back in few years, ifmy life i
spared, If it is not you will have the satisfac
tion of rejecting that through your means
desperate wretch was saved from suicide
perhaps .....
Ellis understood the true nature of tn,
man before him better, it may be, than an,
other person, and, without question, h
said--
You shall have it Leigh, and may Co.
bless you in the right use Of it, When h
handed Herbert the money, the latter calc,
for pen and paper
Your word is sufficient said Ellis.
But / insist on having ink and paper,
returned Leigh.
1t was brought. and Leigh drew and sign
cd u nv'o for Tire Uuiuuut received then
laying it on the table, he said to Ellis
Now | wish you to write pledge,
temperance pledge, and will sign that also
With moistencd eyes, and heartthrobbin
with hope and joy, Ellis looked on viii
his fallen friend, with a bold, firm han
placed his name beneath the tcmperanc
pledge.
There ? said Leigh, placing the two p
pers together Keep them safe, and see
they are not both redeemed See to n
poor, afflicted family, Ellis, in my absence
he added, and then with fervent pressu
of hands, the two friends parted.
Next morning the bright sun shone on
stately vessel gliding out of pert, and bour
for the new Eldorado of the West. II
broad decks were closely freightcd with
living, breathing, moving mass that sway,
to and fro to catch the last glimpse of wa
ing hands, and hear the latest echo OF far
well shouts on shore. Apart from the croy
ofadventurers, with his arms folded ov
his breast, and a look of stern resolve on !
countenance, stood Herbert Leigh, gaz
back on the smoking, tccming city he "
leaving.