Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-12-04
From the 81. Louis Bulletin.
THE INEBRIATE-WOM IN
CONSTANCY.

| 1t has been said that truth is sometimes
more strange than fiction. The circum-
stances we are about to relate are in point
and as there may be derived useful lesson,
we have concluded to give a brief sketch
of melancholy affair, the circumstances
of which, we are well conversant.
| t W was school mate of ours
in New York. We were also classmates
in literary institution, in the town of
C, in New Hampshire. Being
nearly of the same age and disposition
from the same town and neighborhood,
we of course were warmly attached to
each other. At the age of. sixteen, we sep
aratcd. We were a long distance apart
and of course as time elapsed, our cores
pondence gradually died away, and some
two or three years passed without the least
tidings from our friend and youthful asso-
ciate When we separated, young W
was enjoying undisturbed health, and be-
ing possessed of unusual native talent and
genius, well cultivated mind, good moral
| habits. Industrious, warm heart and mild
temper, the brightest prospects were shad-
owed forth. He was indeed envied for his
superior intellect and accomplished schol-
arship.
Seven years had passed, when we acct
dentally met our old friend and fellow stu
dent, in southern city. We were pass
ing along one Of the streets in Mobile,
in the winter Of 1875, when toIerably
well dressed man. but evidently victim
of ntemperance, accosted US by name, and
before we could recognize our unceremo-
neous friend, he had hold of our hand,
giving death-like grippe and frantic with
Joy in meeting his ''dear old friend once
MORE"
What a change in seven short years.
The once fair and healthy W, NOW with
haggard visage-a bloated drunkard.
We could hardly believe it possible for
SO great change to be wrought in per-
son in so short space of time. BUTT
was so. After recurring to old times, to
our old sports and boyhood pleasures, the
following brief history of the unfortunate
young man was elected. He related as
follows, as near as we can recollect:
SHORTY after we parted, and in my six
teenth year, I entered into the employ
ment of respectable merchant in the town
of c., where l applied myself to my
business with perseverance and assiduity,
insomuch as to give my employer perfect
satisfaction, which he oft-times expressed
in terms of unmeasured appreciation. l
saw nought but bright prospect of future
happiness beaming before me. The corro-
ding shaft of care had not entered my
bosom-cach bright and rosy morn that
dawned on my existence, but added new
visions to my dream of future bliss. For
nearly four years my bark foated thus
serenely on the chrystal lake Of happiness,
without a wave to disturb its quietude,
or mar the placid vision that floated around
its course. became intimate with large
circle of acquaintance, among whom was
the young and lovely ANNETTE D..
Alas !! the sole cause of my present I'M
happy condition. 1t is needless to go
through with detail of the many events
which took place during my acquaintance
with Annette. will then merely tell you
that in my twentieth year, was introduced
to her in a circle of friends and acquaint-
ances at her fathers house. She was young;
and beautiful as the Houries, all well do
remember that placid smile which played
upon her lip, when she accepted my prof
fered hand in the dance, on the first even
ing of our acquaintance; well do | rcmcm-
Der the radiance of her soft blue eyes as
they turned upon me at intervals during
our conversation on that evening.
The hour had arrived for departure to
our homes, and as babe her adieu, she
invited me to continue my visits, which
invitation | gratefully accepted, and then
set out for my employers house, about two
miles distant That evening sealed my
fatel On my way home, my whole thoughts
were turned to Annette; her form flo2ted
before me wherever went; her voice
sounded in my ear like the soft melody of
Eolean strains, even during the hours of
dreamy sleep. In short, l could think of