Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1851-09-25

proceeded down --- street TO we'll
ford's.
"Waiter," said he, as they entered and
threw themselves on a lounge, "bring us a
bottle of brandy"
1t was brought, and the various topics of
the day were discussed with much freedom.
Several glasses were drank, and replenish-
ed as often emptied. At last Clarence rose
TO go home, when Freeland entered.
"Not going so soon, Mr.. Clarence, l hope"
said he, with bland smile.
"No, you must not leave us yet" echoed
Forbes. "Mr. Freeland no doubt has been
prevented from joining us before, by some
untoward circumstances; but here's to bet
ter keeping of his promises in future. You
won't object to drink that, Clarcnce?"
Thus pursuaded he took his seat again at
the table. Various toasts and sentiments
were proposed, and responded TO, till the
loud song and coarse jest, told too plainly
that rum had done its work. The church
bell struck II o'clock. The loud noise that
proceeded from Welford's, attracted the at
tention of policeman, who entered and or
dered it TO be stopped. Perceiving where
it came from, he proceeded to expostulate
with them, but finding it of no avail, he pro-
cured assistance and conveyed them to the
police office.
'Are you here Clarence?" said the mag
istrate, to whom his position at the bar was
well known. II should not have thought
this of you"
Not wishing to commit him, he called a
policeman and requested him to take him
home.
| But how passed the time with his poor
wife? Tea was ready at the appointed time
but her husband came not to fill his accus-
toned place at the table. 1t was delayed till
she had given up all hopes ofhis being home,
and then put back untouched. 1t was with
anxious feelings that Mrs. Clarence took
her station at the window. Each step that
rung on the pavement, and every form that
passed, seemed to her imagination TO be her
husband, but as often she was disappointed.
"Ma," said little Charley, ''won't Pa be
at home tonight"
Il hope so, my dear" said Mrs. Clar-
ence," with strong effort to conceal her
feelings, but it is time for you to go to bed,
and taking him by the hand, she led him to
his couch, and as she imprinted kiss on
his rosy cheeks, prayer went up from that
mothers heart, that her son might be a
temperate man. With sorrowlul heart she
resumed her place.
The moon was shining brightly, and
everything was quiet. But what a strange
contrast it presented TO her feelings. She
thought of the time when her first love was
plighted. 1t was only two short years, but
what change had taken place! Instead of
spending his evenings away from home, he
had never seemed so happy as when in her
society. She felt that she must rely on her
exertions to reform him. Twas after mid
night, and with sad and painful feelings,
she prepared to retire, when a heavy mock
at the door startled her. With trembling
hand she took the lamp ahd opened it.
Il am very sorry for you madam" said
the policeman; "but your husband was
brought to the Station this evening, intoxi-
Gated, and I was directed TO bring him
home"
As soon as she seen him laid on the bed
her feelings gave way, and she burst into q
flood of tears. How changed he looked, as
he lay there senseless before her. 80, mer-
ciful Father" she cried, sinking on her
knees, "help me to bear this trial"
We draw the veil of silence over the
scene that presented itself that night il
Clarence's dwelling.
In the morning a vague feeling of con,
sciousness came over his mind. He arose
and dressed himself, but it was with grea
, difficulty. His system had undergone a Sc
we're shock. He had drunk deeply, and hi
felt its effects in trembling frame, and ;
burning headache. He looked on his wife
1t was evident that her repose had beel
short. The traces of tears were still visi
bic on her pale checks, and her eyes looked
swollen with weeping. A half suppressed
sigh escaped from her lips, as if she still
struggled with some heartfelt emotions.-
Clarence had never seen his wife look 6,
t sorrowful before, his better feelings wer'
0 deeply touched. Gradually he recollecte'
+, all the incidents of the proceeding night
. ''Fool that | am" he said, "to touch tina
t cursed stuff. Oh! my poor wife! How cal
t look you in the face again." tears of re
pentence flowed down his face, and for th