Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-06-25

wicked 2" and Jennie sobbed violently.
That night Mr. Ashton came home late
a usual He found the house all in commo
ton, and two physicians there. Jennie
had been taken down with hemorrhage Of the
lungs, which they found it impossible te
check
Mr.. Ashton was seized with sclf-condem-
nation. Could it be that his refusal to re-
main at home that evening had brought on
this sickness
He sought the doctor.
"What is the cause of this illness, do you
think p asked he anxiously.
sSome sudden shock, [ think. Her
mother says she met with a great dlsappolnt-
ment tonight, and that was undoubtedly the
cause"
s.Will it prove fatal 2" asked Mr.. Ashton
in a low tone.
II fear it will. She is a feeble child,
and has very delicate constitution. Her
illness is very Frustrating one, which she
has hardly strength to overcome Stln' as IS
long as life lasts we shall not give up hope,
But the skill of the physicians, and the ef'
forts of the mother were all in vain, Jennie
never recovered, and in less than week was
laid beneath the willows in the churchyard
Her death seemed to affect her father very
much. He grew more thoughtful for the
welfare of his wife and remaining child,
working more steadily, and seemed less IN
der the influence of stimulants then former
ly.
As Mrs. Ashton noticed the change in his
conduct, she felt encouraged to believe that
he would reform. A thrill Of pleasure pass
ed over her as she remembered the happy
hours they had spent together during the first
years of their married life, and she hoped the
time might soon come when he would be the
afectiopate husband as of yore.
But he still continued to pass his evening
away from home, and Mrs. Ashton began to
despair of retaining him. Many a sorrow
full night had she passed when he came not
till near midnight.
But the truth was that he could not bear
to remain at home where everything remind
ed him Of his lost child The thought that
but for his neglect, she might still be living,
nearly maddened him. and he sought to di-
vert his mind from sorrow by mingling in
gay company But forgetfulncss came not
at his bidding
One Sunday afternoon in April, Mrs.
Ashton prepared to go out for walk. As
she passed slowly along the street, her mind
rested upon her child who had for more than
six months slept in the churchyard, and her
steps naturally turned thither. Then her
thoughts fell upon her husband. If he would
only reform, and be the kind and tender hus-
band he once was, how happy she would
be
She turned in at the village churchyard.
Passing by the humble church she took the
path which she had so often trodden, leading
to the spot where Jennie lay. The grass had
grown quite green, and formed velvet car
pet. Tears came to her eyes when she re-
membered that less than year before she
was walking in the same place with both of
her children at her side
She walked slowly forward her mind fill
ed with sorrowful thoughts. But as she
drew nearer she noticed man bending over
Jennie's grave Was it-could it be her
husband? Yes, it was his well-known form.
A feeling of thankfulness stole over her.
She involuntarily paused, with one hand rest
ing upon a tombstone and the other pressed
to her heart.
For several minutes her husband stood
there. Then he rested his head upon the
tombstone, and fairly sobbed, overcome with
grief.
Mrs. Ashton went towards him, and
placed her hand upon his shoulder.
Edgar" said she gently
He turned towards her.
"You here, Helen, to witness my humil
iation can never forgive myself for dis-
regarding my child's last wish !! What repair
alton can [ ever make %
80, Edgarr' exclaimed she, and her eyes
lighted up with new hope. eff you would
only stay at home with Willie and me as you
used to, we should be perfectly happy
Besides it was Jennie's ardent wish and
prayer, that you might yet be the same affec-
tionate husband and father you once were"
Il will, Helen, I will. And here bend
ing over the grave Of our loved child,
promise never to taste alcohol again, in any
form. If she were here to witness my prom
Use of remuneration, I should feel fully salts
fed"
"she is here, Edgar, can feel her in
fuence Even though we cannot see her
with these eyes, yet I feel she is with us in
spirit, conscious of, and rejoicing, over the
promise SO lately made by you, and which is
recorded above"
II trust that it is SO, and may the memo
ry of her give me strength to withstand
temptation, and assist me to be come pure
and upright man."
Many years have passed since the above
events occurred. Edgar Ashton's reform
was permanent, and he is now, not only
loved by his family, but respected and hon
ored by his townsmen, who have called him
to serve them in many Offices of trust