Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1843-04-15

COME sh. shuddered at The thought, ssh ouIc
he become drunkard-O. it cannot be, | viii
win him back. Happy am - thought she, "tha
his destiny Is mine, that shall have the blessed
prerogative Of bearng with him the ills Of life
and soothing It's trials and sorrows.''
Several months had passed away, and the IN
pleasant part Of The occurrence Of the wedding
eve had never been alluded TO by husband or wife
and happier couple could not well be found
/ But Georges mind was one that was formed for
novelty; II had never been awakened TO knowl
edge of that high and chivalrc sense Of honor,
which points US to forego our own pleasures for
those Of others, and which finds its greatest hap.
piness IN making others happy, in a word, he was
! emIneDily selfish, and about this time IT that
he became less and less attentive TO the society
Of his young wife. Not tina, he was less kind
than formerly, hut the craving for variety, the
love Of change, and the batteries Of a large cir
Gle n young men among whom he passed
downright. clever fellow, would often tempt him
from his home, 10 which he returned, causing
modification and sorrow unspeakable. In vain
did Kate itnpiore and enireat him 10 desist from
habits so pernicious, and practices SO banefu TO
happiness, and rife with every evil Most SOL
EMMY would he promise amendment, and CT.
ten forget il, though when that promise Civ
he doubtless intended to keep it, but the force
Of habit was already upon him. and its cravings
would with difficulty be controlled.
A year had passed on and fine, rosy checked
infant had been added TO the family, and for a
ume, IOlS mao seemed 10 nave me elect 10 Win
draw him from the society Of his former associ
ates. Bat old habits returned, and again and
agalc did he visit his home in state of beas,ly
'n'oxication. Business now became less prospe
rous and nothing seemed to go we'll.
All this while, how Jared il with the gentle
Kate? Alas! those only who have felt the ruth
less hand Of the deamon upon their household
those only who have borne The heavy burden
which so many Of our countrywomen have been
obliged to bear-can tell the SORROWS Of that
heart which maurns affections crushed and hopes
bligh,ed by the drunkenness Of father, husband,
son.
Meekly and patiently, for two long years,
which otherwise might have passed SO happily,
had she borne, without murmur unkind re-
had bIoash up ,hs hs as AAs bhy t8asbpnds sas
en,reated him to reform-but all of no avail: the
ha bit still seemed to increase, and sorrow and
anxiety had already impaired the bloom Of her
cheek though a smile OF tender greeting played
ever upon her lip to welcome his return. AS
tenderly did she love, with all his faults,
when on The bridal eve, she pledged TO him her
heart. Blu, she foresaw that something more ef>
feciive must be sought or he was past recovery.
That very evening, at a later hour than ever be-
fore, the young wife sat alone waiting her hus-
bands return. Her thoughts were of the past
of the golden dreams of youth-and the sad real
ities of her present lot. He came at length; his
manner was fierce and almost frentic; he was
dreadfuy excited, and under the hellish influence
u
with curses, and for her good offices Of attention
TO his wants. she received upon her slight and
shrinking form. the weight Of the hand which
should never have been raised but 10 protect
Then all the noble spirit of the woman came to
her aid she was weak no longer; then did she
resolve TO live thus no Night passed. and
the day dawned upon the sIeepless eyes of Kate.
Breakfast prepared, and late tina, morning did
the husband rise from his couch. with aching
limbs and re flee ,ions dreadful as the fires of
dad Ia of
upon the lovely countenance of the young wife,
as she sazed upon him with look which went 10
his very soul, and he first broke silence
sKa,e. my dear, you look i'll to-day" sigh
escaped her.
"Why are you sad' Speak to you were
WON'T
"George," said she, 'this is the anniversary of
our wedding: two years ago this very day did
promise be TO you true and loving WIFE,
Have fulfilled my pledge?"
Eyes. dearest, and more, thousand times"
"And, George, you then did promise, before
God and The world, to love. honor, and protect
me- How can YOU love, when your conduct en-
bi,ters every moment Of my lifel How can you
honor while you heap such bitter modification
upon me- and how can you protect rae, when You
throw away the power even to protect yourself.
George, have you fulfilled your pledge!"
Her husband was surprised and subdued; never
before ha d he heard such language from her lips,
or beheld such decision stamped upon her brow
The past rushed upon his mind and the days gone
by. and the golden dreams of happiness he had
formed ere the heart of the maiden was won aud
she had become his wife, and for a moment he
was silent.
"Speak, George, have you kept your plsdges"
"No, dearest, no: have been curse TO my
self and TO you. Would that had listened to
YOUR counsels ere i. had ceme TO this"
"But will YOU listen now replied Kate. and
her beautiful face was lighted with smiles, though
her ewes instantly filled with tears; "grant me
but one request, and the past shall be forgotten
and your Kate. you used TO call me. shall be
as devoted and az true she has ever been"
"Name it; but name it, bes. Of women, and il
shall be DONE
81 ask of you but other pledge. Sign this,
and she extended to him temperance pledge
.sgn this, and keep it, and want no other assn
rance that every other pledge will be sacrediy
Kent ma that there Is q God in Heaven'