The Columbian fountain., 1845-11-15

mother, and one or both of his sisters, who
were at home, had startled his mind into re-
fiection He could Not but contrast their
constant and afectionate devotion to him,
with his own shameful and criminal neglect
of Them Conceal her real feelings as she
would, it did not escape his notice, that
when Anna came home at night, she was so
much exhausted as to be hardly able to sit
up; and as for Mary, often when she
he noticed her air of languor and exhaus-
ton, and her half-stifed expression Of pain,
as she bent resolutely over her needle
work. Never before had he felt so indig-
nant towards Ellen's husband for his neglect
and abuse of her, his once favorite sister !;
and, indeed, the favorite Of the whole family.
il was, to his own mind, mystery how
he ever could have sunk so low, and be-
como SO utterly regardless Of his mother
and sisters.
wretch! wretch miserable wretch that
i am p he would, sometimes, mentally ex-
claim, turning his face to the wall as he lay
reviewing, involuntarily, his past life Uni
formly it happened, that following such a
crisis in his feelings, would be some affec-
tionate word or kind attention from Mary
or his mother, shifting upon his heart with
emotions of the keenest remorse.
1t was under the influence Of such feel
ings that he went out on the afternoon just
alluded to. Still, no settled plan Of refor-
nation had been formed in his mind, for the
discouraging question would constantly arise
while pondering gloomily over his condi-
s'What can do?''
TO this, he could find no satisfactory an
swer. Three or four years Of debasing
drunkenness, had utterly separated him
from those who had it in their power to en-
courage and strengthen his good desires,-
and to put him in the way of providing for
himself and his family, by an industrious
application to some kind of business.
He had walked slowly on, in painful abb
straction, for about five minutes, when a
hand was laid on his arm, and familiar
voice said
g Is this you, Graham Where in the name
of Pluto have you been, for the last three
weeks Why, how blue you look about
the gills Havn't been sick, | hope? :"
!" Indeed have, Harry" Alfred replied,
in feeble voice. 6 1t came very near being
all over with me.o
$ Indeed Well, what was the matter 7"
Raising his hat, and displaying long and
still angry-looking wound on the side of his
head, from which the hair had been cut "a
way, he said
.sDo you see that 70
"Ireckon do.''
"Well that came very near doing the busi-
ness for me.n
"How did it happen ~
81 harly know, myself ] was drunk, !
suppose, and quarrelled with some one, or
insulted some one in the street-and this
was the consequence"
".Really, Graham, you have made a mar
now escape"
"Havn't II 1t kept me in bed for nearly
three weeks, and now, can just totter about.
This is the first time have been outside of
the house since it happened"
sY ou certainly do look weak and feeble
enough," replied his old friend and crony,
who added, in a moment after,
ssBut come take drink with me at the
tavern across here. You stand in need of
something"
"No objection, and thank you," Alfred
rejoined, at once moving over towards
well-known, low tavern, quenching in mag
inaton morbid thirst that seemed instantly
created, by draught of swcetened liquor.
"What will you takef' asked his friend,
as the two came up to the counter
sI'll take a mint sling" Alfred replied.
"Two mint Sings" said his companion,
giving his orders TO the bar-kceper.
s'Hallo, Graham Is this you - ex-
claimed one or two loungers, coming for
ward, and shaking him heartily by the hand.
g We had just made up our minds that you
had Joined the cold-water army"
g indeed" suddenly calculated Graham,
an instant consciousness of what he was,
where he was, and what he was to do, fash
ing over his mind. s'I wish to heaven your
conclusion had been true 7"
This sudden change in his manner, and
his earnestly, indeed solemnly expressed
wish, were received with burst Of laughter
Here Dan," said one, to the bar-keeper,
"havn't you pledge for him to sign"
90, yes Bring pledge Bring pledge
Has no one a pledge I" rejoined another,
in tone Of ridicule