Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-12-30

them, rs though they had never been, OBJ
iects for the memory, subjects intangible
but by the unbounded never-dying mind
The last Office WIS performed, and father
and brother were once more in the house
together know not what passed between
them during their short absence. Certain
/ it is they had spoken. The partition thai
had previously separated them was broken
down, and communication, if not of the
most friendly character, was at least UNI
reserved. In spite of the evident attempts
made by my father to appear at ease, awk-
wardaess and anxiety were manifest in every
word and movement Once having adj
dressed Frederick, he could not remain for
an instant silent, but returned from one sub
Jet of discourse to another regardless of
connexion or relaxation, as if silence was
impossible TO bear and the least repose
brought with il peril and alarm. Freder-
| lex, on his part, was taken by surprise and
by degrees regarded his parent with kind
/ ler spirit than had ever ventured to expect
from the imprisoned boy. He listened to
his fathers questionings, and he answered
with respect A ray of Joy stole across my
heart, and for the moment, | hatered my
self with years of unmolested happiness-of
harmony aud peace. Not word was said
OF the sad occasion that brought us again
together That was avoided studiously.-
But Frederick s future prospects were spok-
Ell OF and the nature of his employment ex-
planned to him. lie seemed pleased with
the pursuit, aud eager for active, profitable
life. Notwithstanding, however, the favor
able aspect which matters had assumed :
Notwithstanding the bright CLEAN that pass
ed through our home lighting il up with nm
accustomed ustre, did not lose my timiditv
nor wholly rely upon the sudden and violent
reaction. ! fingered near father and son.
and as though filled with the presen,ment of
what was soon TO happen, could not for an
interval lose sight of them without anxiety,
and an oppressive dread of danger
The dinner hour arrived. We had no
visitors. My father, Frederick and myself
sat down to the meal, and the previous con-
versatlon gave place to heavness and I'M
graceful silence. The solitary decanter of
wine was on the table My father drank
from it sparingly, but Frederick empted it
with greediness. 1t was melancholy TO be-
hold the family sin taking possession of his
soul so early in life; and would gladly have
persuaded myself that a desire to drown
present grief, and no habitua vice, dis
played itself in the eagerness with which he
quaffed, glass after glass; the fatal liquor.
Before the close Of the dinner, the bottle
needed replenishing. My father looked at
me inquiringly, but | did not heed him, for
at the same time my eye was on my brother.
and glance enabled me TO ascertain the
heated and perious condition toward which
he was rapidly advancing. took notice of
the hint. The repast was finished, and with
out a syllable left the table. Against my
own conviction, | iorsook my guardianship.
and only to avoid a greater evil For two
hours remained in my own room. would
not have quilted it again that evening had
not the never absent aud tormenting anxious
ness that accompanied every hour of my
brothers. solourn with US driven me back
again to observe the progress of the new.
made reconciliation. tripped confidently
to the dlnlng-room, opened the door, and
was staggered, bewIldered and confounded
by the view that | encountered there. Could
i trust what my eyes presented to my wax
ing mind! Or did dream Had lost
my recollection, my reason, in the conflict
my brain had undergone The first object
that perceived upon the table was ken.
the duplicate of that which / possessed-thc
conductor to the wine-cear Wine of DIFF
erent kinds crowded the board, some in
bottles, unopened some in the like half
emptied, and next to them vessels drained of
their last drop. My father was transformed
already into the wretched object that wine
had ever rendered him. lie had become
wild, mad and ignorant of his acts-his
words-his thoughts. Frederick himself
had partaken7of the fearful beverage until
excitement glared in every feature of his dis
ordered countenance, and his veins sweled
with the hot and bounding blood that passed
along them. 1t was an awful season. One
nconslderate word from either-one excla-
mation-one dangerous half whisper might
be destruction to them both. Careless
children were they at the mountains edge,
unconscious OF danger, and ready to take
the step that dashes them to pieces. Who
should have courage to venture near, and
drag them backward from the yawning
breach! Who would risk life now for the
chance OF sparing it Oh such an one was
needed here to speak the word that might
appease and save the helpless men who had
ventured to the very brink of ruin In my
fathers face could not trace Mischief
Was it possible that fear had still controlling
power, and still protected him when every
other feeling had given way under the mad
ening drink ! Would for his own sake that
it might be So Yes, drunken aniity and
not ferocity seemed to be the prevailing hui
NOR. How long it would endure depended
on his companion and antagonist Freder-
lex had grown loquacious, his voice was
thick and it grew hoarse with exercise