Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-05-04
# THE AGE-.Deyo ted to TemDerance, Literature and !


had several new members since you were
there; very agreeable fellows. You do not
know how we miss you. Come tonight
will you ?"
II will, cheerfuIly. Look for me tonight
at eight o'clock. Goodbye
Punctually at the hour, hisG1end arrived,
and they Immediately proceeded to the CLUB
room. His old companions gained for him q
hearty and joyful welcome, and Henry won
dered how they had done so long without
him, as they crowded around, and expressed
their pleasure at having him once more a.
mong them. Alas when he returned home
that night he was supported by a friend.-
The first glass of brandy he took seemed 70
set him on fire. Oh, appetitei that had re-
maines dormant for more than q year, now
sprang forth again with increasing ylgor,
and he drained glass after glass of the poison
which was once, and now again, so sweet to
his thirsty lips. They assisted him home,
laid him on a bed, and then left him ; not to
mourn over his shame, but to laugh and
sneer at his weakness.
Happily, Ella knew nothing of it. On the
morrow, when he awoke from the stupor of
intoxication. he went TO his wifess room, but,
as it was darkened, she could not perceive
the haggard look upon his face. He felt re-
preached and ashamed in her presence, and
resolved he would be more careful IN the fu-
ture, and restrain himself
The next night saw hfl1l Xgain with the
Club, and again, and again heswent, till each
night he became one Of the circle that me-
around the table. But he a0ds more careful
and though excited and flushed by liquor
was not strictly intoxicated.
Ere long Ella occupied, as of old, the cheer
full apartment, where we saw her soon afte
her marriage. For several evenings he re
manned with her, and felt happy to have he
there again, and very proud of the little Min
ME, who always laughed and cooed prettil
in the faces of her fond parents. Those wer
evenings long to be remembered and treas
ured in the mind and heart Of Ella, as anon
the happiest of her existence. Her husban
had tasted again the unhallowed pleasures
his Club room, and could not long renal
away from it. He felt not the happine!
in the pure, quiet joys of his home-life, as b
over. he turned to his wife, ELLA, my Low
! you will excuse me this evening. | ha'
: promised to meet a few friends. Do not
7 up for me-, my dear. 1t may be late before
return"
! A shade passed over her sunny face.
!. Must you go, Henry? | will be very lor
Z ly. But, never mind for one evening M
> Minnie must entertain me,n said she me
e cheerfully, as she turned a look of tend
y motherly affection on the little babe, W
lay sleeping in its crib beside her. And tt
t. began her sorrow. Evening after event
she spent alone, while he who should h;
h beguiled away the hours, was with his &C
panions spending them in carousing q
e. drinking.
g Alas! alas that man, formed by God,
E, like himself; endowed with all that can M
ca him noble and good; with intellect and so
s. should become the slave of such a master
rs Oh it is sad to think Of, that Gods mas
IS. piece should so degrade himself, as to bect
G. like the beast, a subject, nay, a slave to
g base, grovelling appetite for liquor, for
which destroys all that is noble and woI
II of respect in man.
(To BE c%oNTINUED.)