Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-04-27
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FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.
WCMAN'S INFLUENCE.
A TALE OF LOVE AND PRINCIPLE.
FOR THE SPIRIT O
By ERAT0.

ClOuueu bloH IIpCtS Oi l%dIS hclE NtStOlC
on her fair check Yes, must, | aoiU do
it this very evening" exclaimed the beau
tiful girl. as she clasped her hands con-
vulsivcly together 81 will discard him this
very night it is my duty, if my heart shall
break" continued Lena, as she rose to sum
mon her maid.
"Why Miss Lena ~ exclaimed the maid as
she entered the apartment, you look jist
lack Mr. leighton were dead"
Never mind my looks. Chloe ; be quick
or shall be late al Mrs. Vickson's. | have
already DELAYED too long, but did not know
it was so late"
"Shall l curl your hair in one or two
rows, Miss Lena" you know Mr.. Leighton
will! be there" :,
just curl my hair any way, don't care"
"Why Miss Lena, that"
"Stop, Chloe, don't wish you to talk to
Inc tonight"
The maid curled Lcna's beautiful hair in
1.-two. rows" and Lena was indeed truly
beautiful. as she left her room; her beautiful
dress falling from the pure white shoulders,
that were half concealed by the jetty curls
that fell over them.
Lena Clements was indeed a lovely girl,
not only in person but disposition. She
possessed all those graces that SO adorn
true woman. Her mother was thorough
woman OF the world; her father was noble,
kind, generous and manly. She had lnnerl-
ted her fathers disposition and character
Firlnness characterized her actions. Sue
was his sunshine" his only comfort In
her he found all the affections that should
have been his wife's. Lena had more than
once incurred her mothers displeasure by
discardlng young gentlemen who in world
ly affairs were her equals; butELena's OBJ
lection to those gentlemen, was " moderate
drinking" Her mother coold see no harm
in taking a glass Of wine but Lena thought
and linen there G0ds.
In 1889, Mr. Clements carried his wife
and daughter TO a celebrated watering place.
While there, Lena formed the acquaintance
of Young gentleman from Georgia. He
was handsome-oh he was the very per-
fection of nobleness his deep b'ue penetra-
ting eyes, his full white forehead, the ex-
quisite mouth and curling hair--all or either
would captivate any woman! Ills every
move spoke of nobleness and grace, and
when he sat, as>hc often did, with bis hand
pressing his brow in deep thought, Lena
would think she had never before seen per-
fecton..
He loved Lena and was not long in
telling her of his passion for her. She dio
not spurn him she loved him tondly, pas
sionately-oved him as woman loves but
once. Many were the pleasant hours they
passed together. Yet Lena had made nc
promise Young Leighton would not press
his suit erthcr then. He knew that he die
not love in vain, and SO he was lneXpress
bly, happy.
The G" season" being over, the Clement;
prepared to leave Leighton did not wish
4. L r., hr, had M
field in which to display his cloquence. II
conversation with Mr. G, he expressed
wish 10 locate where there were few of hi
profession. Mr.. c. gave him cordia
invitation to visit W. This was pleas
ant TO all parties, and Leighton accompanies
the Clements home.
1t is not necessary to mention the man,
attempts of the bellies of W, to g catci
the Young LAWYER" He was great favor
lite with "Mamma's" who had marriabl
daughters. The girls wondered at his cold
ness: the "MammaS" blamed the daugh
ters, but all to no effect. Lena had won tn
heart of Leighton and he was noS to b
drawn of The young lawyer pleaded elo
ouently at the bar and was successful; W
need not wonder then, when he asked Lena
hand in marriage, that it was not rejected
She rad some misgivings in so early bestoN
ing her heart on the talented stranger
But" said she, smilngly, " the possessso
of such truthful orbs, cannot deceive. ID
must be all he Processes"
She had known Eugene Leighton shol
twelve months; had been his bethrothe
five, when our story opens. and we find Ler
in tears! Why Lena you who were so 500
to have been bride Threatening to dis
card him, whom you have SO often callt
.struthfulness tselfl' What has the nc
Bile Eugene done? We shall see.
Lena had found that Eugene was l." mos
erate 6rinker" She asked him if he drar
often? "Oh, no, dearest Lena, not ofte
only with friend occasionally and beio