The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1843-04-08

and hopes blighted by the drunkenness of
father, husband, or son.
Meekly and patiently, for two long
years, which otherwise might have pas
sed so happily, had she borne, without a
murmur or unkind rebuke, with all the
trials that her husbands faults had brough,
upon her. She begged, prayed, and en-
treated him to reform-but all of no avail
the habit still seemed TO increase, and
sorrow and anxiety had already impaired
the bloom of her cheek, though smile
of tender greeting played ever upon her
lip to welcome his return. As tenderly
did she love, even with all his faults, as
when, on the bridal eve, she pledged to
him her heart. But she iorcsaw that some
thing more effective must be sought, or|he
was past recovery.
That very evening. at later hour than
ever before, the young wife sat alone
waiting her husbands return. Her
thoughts were of the past-of the golden
dreams of youth-.and the Sc d realities OF
her present lot. lie came at length; his
manner was fierce and almost frantic; he
was dreadfulIy excited, and under the
hellsh influence Of the dreadful poison.
Her smiles were met with curess, aud for
her good offices Of attention to his wants,
she received u.,on her slight and shrink
ing form, the weight of the hand which
should never have been raised but to pro-
tect.-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 more. Night passed, and the day
dawned upon the sleepless eyes Of Kate
breakfast was prepared, and la,eth morn
ing did the husband rise from his couch,
with aching limbs, and reflections as
dreadful as the fires of hell. No glad
smile Of kindly welcome played upon the
lovely counlenance of the young WIFE,
as she gazed upon him with look which
went TO his very soul, and re first broke
silence.
skate, my dear, you look i'll to-day
a sigh escaped her.
"Why are you sad2 Speak to me as
you were wont"
George" said he, ''this is the ami.
versary of our wedding: two years age
this very day | did promise to be to you
true and loving wife. Have fulfilled
my pledge2"
"Yes, dearest, and more, a thousand
times"
"And, George, you then did promise
before God and the world, to love, honor
and protect ne. How can you love
when your conduct embllers every mo.
ment of my life2 How can you honor
while you heap such bitter modification
upon me, and how can you protect me
when you throw away the power even tc
protect yourself George, have you full
filled your pledges"
Her husband was surprised and sub
ducd; never before had he heard sucl
language from her lips, or bcheld sucf
decision stamped upon her brow. The
past rushed upon his mind. and the day:
gone by, and the golden dreams of hap
plness he had formed ere the heart of tn,
maiden was won and she had become hi.
wife, and for moment he was silent.
Speak. George, have you kept you
pledge?"
"No, dearest, no; have been a curse
to myself and to you. Would that hat
listened to your counsels ere it had com,
to this"
"But will you listen now," replied
Kate, and her beautiful face was lightcc
with smiles, though her eyes Instant,
filled with tears; Grant me but one re
quest, and the past shall be forgotten
and your Kate, as you used to call me
shall be as devoted and as true as she ha
ever been"
shame it; but name it, best of women
and it shall be done.'
81 ask Of you but one other pledge
sign this" and she extended to him
temperance pledge; "sign this, and keel
it, and want no other assurance tina
every other pledge will be sacredly KEEP,
as that there is God in Heaven"
"IIand me pen then" 1t was done.
Sand now, Kate, let us begin the worlt
anew; and in what more fitting manne
than by thanking our Heavenly Fathe
for his mercies, and supplicating his al,
TO strengthen US in every good resoIu
ton"
A few months ago visited the little
town of Il. Six years have rassee
passed away since the temperance pledg'
was signed, and never was their hap
pier family group than that around th'
fre-side of George Walter and my Cousir
Kate.
Kate is happy as wife can be, ant
George is ever pleased to look back witt
gratitude for his escape from the drunk.
ards doom, through the influence of ont
who was too good to scold, but too high
minded to submit to the tyranny of al
appetite that trampled upon her rights a
woman.
ADDREss.-"Y are a cheat" Res