Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-05-04
Raleigh, II. O.. My 4, 1868.
Leighton and Lena could only weep over


the poor creature. He remained in an un-
conscious state for several days. The ply
sician began to fear that reason would never
gain ber throne in the mean time Leighton
hau gone to C to get tidings of the fam
lily. Carrie and Charlie were indeed dead
Fannie, the beautiful, dark eyed Fannie. we
can't tell any thing abou she went off on
- street to find home. and Sure So sweet
a child found it," said an old ladv Of whom
Leighton inquired He found the street
ana alter long and painful search, found
Fannie Despite the matted hair and tat
tered garments, he knew her by her resem-
bance to her father. He took her to his
nome, and Lena soon had dresses fitted up
lot her; anu she watched by her father day
after day.
One afternoon Lena and Fannie were seat,
ed near the couch of the sufferer, when he
slowly opened his eyes and gazed moment
on them, then closed his eyes; again he
reused and said Fannie are yoh here, or
am dreaming"
:. Not dreaming Papa" she said as she
gllded to his side. "These kind friends mt
Tor me, and wo shall be very happy here"
The poor man burst into food of tears,
pressed his daughter to his heart, and as soon
as ne could speak, requested Mrs Leighton
to call her husband and little Eugene. They
came Wilbar raised himself slowly, and Mr.
Leighton supported him, while he spoke -
Friends, my more than friends, you see be-
lore the wreck of the former Wilbar. The
worthless wreck of as noble form as
ever encased soul. Rum has done this
hum has destroyed my fortune, my boy, my
wife and myself. And still my unsatisfied
appetite calls for rum. God only knows
how cravejust one glass; but surrounded
as | am by angels of mercy, will no: get
it-no. will not take it. Tear my VOW
said he, raising his voice: 81 will never, no,
NEVER again touch any spirituous liquors -
God hears the VOW, and in His strength l
will perform it. will spend my last breath
in advocating temperance"
Eugene ana Fannie, will you, young as
you are, promise TO do all in your power to
dethrone king alcohol?''
. | will" replied Fannie, firmly.
81 have made such promise already, y
gaaz .
" God bless you," continued Wilbar.
''Now to you, my former friends, turn !;
will you direct my Fannie's mind SO that sho
will never tempt young man, as was
tempted"
"We will" answered Leighton and Lena
in a breath, land you my friend,"' continued
Leighton. ''wil remain with us, that Fan
| ME may have a mothers care"
"You are too kind" sobbed the poor man
"God bless you my friends, | shall be prouo
to have daughter trained by such being
as Lena"
| The poor exhausted man sank back on bis
couch and wept long and passionately. His
friends were rejoiced to see his tears, feeling
that they would surely relieve his overbur-
dened heart.
= * Years have passed Wilba
has kept his VOW. His home is still at Judg
Leighton's, but little of his time is spen
there, for he goes into the world to preach
temperance. He is an humble follower o
Jesus and has won many souls for heaven.
Fannie and Eugene loved each other il
childhood, the fame Increased as the year.
few by, and in 1850, Eugene and the beau
tiful Fannie were married. That was brigh
day for them, and those who loved them mos
Mr.. and Mrs. Leighton would not consent fo
the "young folks" to leave them. 1--WE Ca
not spare both our children at once," sal
Mrs. L. when Eugene spoke of removing
his elegant home.
, One year of happy married life passe
happily away, then came the parting Eu
; gene must go forth to battle for his countr,
The patriotic Fannie would not have him r
main at home if he wishedit. With bra'
!, but sad heart he bade her adieu. And tn
? noble Eugene forgets not his mothers teach
. ings. The men in his Regiment are not a
il. allowed to drink the accursed beverage.
Lena, Lena see your influence! Eve
! in the army! 1t will spread from there
the homes of those braves. Who can tt
" the good that it will dos