Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-07-02

age for some years, but never once saw her
during that tme-nor glimpse of my children
AT last became so abandoned in my life, that
my wife, urged on by her friends, no doubt, filed
an application for divorce, and as cause could
easily be shown why it should be granted, sep
ardton was legally declared To complete my
disgrace, at the next Congressional canvass, !
was left of the ticket, as unfit to represent the
district. left the county and State where l
had lived Gom my boyhood up
'Three years have passed since then For
two years of that period abandoned myself to
the fearful impulse of the appetite had acqulr-
led Then heard of this new movement--the
great temperance cause. At first sneered then
wondered, listened at last, and finally threw my
Iself upon the great wave that was sweeping on
ward, in the hope of being carried by it far out
of the reach of danger l did not hope with
vain hope 1t did for me all and more than
could have dreamed, 1t set me once more upon
nv feet--once more made a man OF me-
year Of sobriety, earnest devotion to my profess
ion, and fervent PRAYER to Him who alone gives
strength in every good resolution, has restored
to me much that | have Iost-but not aIl-not
the richest treasure that proved myself unwor-
thy to retain-not my wife and children, All,
between myself and these the law has laid its
stern impossible interdiction have no longer
a wife; no longer children; though my heart
goes out towards those dearly beloved ones with
the tenderest yearnings Pictures of our early
days of welded love are ever lingering in my
Imagination. dream of the sweet 6resde Cir
Gle; | see ever before me the once placid face
of my Alice, as her eyes looked into my own
with intelligent confidence | feel her arms
Irvine about my neck; the music of her voice is
ever sounding in my ears.
Here the speakers emotions overcame him
His utterance became choked, and he stood ST.
lent with bowed head aud trembling limbs. The
dense mass Of people were hushed into an OPP
pressve stiffness, that was broken here and there
by half sti1ed sobs. At this moment there was
movement in the crowd. A single female fig
ure, before whom every one appeared instructive
| ly to give way, was seen passing up the aisle
This was not observed by Delaney, until she had
he stood Then the movement caught his ear;
and lifting his eyes, they instantly fell on Alice
for it was she that was pressing onward-he
bent forward towards her with sudden uplihed
hands and eager eyes, and stood like statue,
until she had gained the stand and advanced
quickly to his side. For a moment the two
stood thus the whole audience thrilled with the
scene, were upon their feet and bending forward
Then Delaney opened his arms, and Alice threw
herself upon his bosom with quick wild gcs
ture. Thus for the full space of minute, they
stood-every ono fully, as by singular intui
ton, understanding the scene. One ofthe min
listers then came forward, and gently separated
them
No, no., said Delaney, you must not, you
cannot take her away from me-
Heaven forbid that | should do that replied
the minister. By your own confession, she il
not your wife
No, she is not returned Delaney mourn
fully.
But she is ready to take up her VOWS again,
Alice said, smiling through tears that now reign
ed over her face.
Before that large assembage, all standing
and with few dry eyes, was said in a broker
; voice, the marriage ceremony that gave DeIanc
and Alice to each other. AS the minister, al
aged man, with thin white locks finished the rite
he laid his hands upon the heads of the two h
had joined in holy bonds and lifting up his age
eyes, that srreamed with drops of gIadness, h
said in solemn voice:
What God hath ioincd togethcr let no
RUM PIT asundv,
Amca" was cried by the whole assembly a
with single voice.