The Democratic sentinel and Harrison County farmer. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1851-1852, 1851-08-06

but it is time for you togo to bed, now" and
taking him by the hand, she led him to his
couch, and as she imprinted kiss on his
rosy cheeks, a prayer went up from that
mothers heart, that her son might be tenn
perate man. With sorrOwful heart she re-
sumed her place.
The moon was shining brightly, and every
thing was quiet. But what strange con-
trast it presented to her feelings. She thought
ofthe time when her first love was plighted.
Itwas only two short years, butwhat 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 own exer-
tions to reform him. Twas after midnight,
and with sad and painful feelings she pre-.
pared to retire, when heavy knock at the
door startled her. With troubling hand,
she took the lamp and opened It.
~ am very sorry for you, madam" said
the policemen; ''but your husband was
broug hit to the Station this evening, intoxi-
Gated, and / was directed to bring him
home"
As soon as she had seen him laid on the
bed, her feelings gave way, and she burst
into flood of tears. How changed he look
| ed, as he lay there senseless before her
80, merciful Father" she cried, sinking on
her kness, "help me to bear this trial"
We draw the veil of silence, over the scene
that presented itself that night, in Clarence's
dwelling.
In the morning vague feeling of con-
seriousness came over his mind. He arose
and dressed himself, but it was with great
difficulty. His system had undergone a
severe shock. He had drunk deeply, and
Fhe felt its effects in a trembling frame, and
a burning headache. He looked on his wife,
1t was evident that her repose had been
short. The traces Of tears were still visible
on her pale checks, and her eyes looked
swollen with weeping. A half suppressed
sigh escaped from herlips, asif she still strug-
gled with some heartfelt emotions. Clar-
ence had never seen his wife look so sorrow
full before, and his better feelings were deep
| ly touched. Gradually he recolected all
the incidents ofthe proceeding night "Fool
that am," he said, ''to touch that cursed
stuff" "Oh! my poor wife! How can I
look you in the face again, tears of repen-
tance flowed down his face, and for the first
time in his life. Clarence saw that he was a
degraded man. He felt that he had lost the
position that he once held in society; and,
loverpowered by his emotions, he sank into
a chair. He thought that he had need of
a glass, to compose his spirits, and enable
him to meet the reproaches Of his wife. So
taking his hat he stole softly to the door,
Just then she awoke. With woman's quick
perception, she understood his feelings.
''You will not go out again, Henry, will
you," she said in voice so full of emotion
that Clarence seemed chained to the spot.
Mrs. Clarence arose, and taking her hus-
bands hand, led him to the bed. "You are
i'll, Henry, and had better take some rest;''
and she added afectionately, Gas soon as
breakfast is ready, | will come and call
you"
He threw himself on the bed, for he could
not speak His wife's kind behaviour had
completely unnamed him. 1t was soon
prepared, and she endeavored by kind at
tentions to show him, that she at least would
not reproach him. The meal was soon des-
patched, and Clarence prepared to leave
home for his place of business. His wife
saw at glance, that if he took one glass,
his appetite would again conquer him. And
she determined to make an effort to save
him.
"Henry," said she, 'laying her hand on
his shoulder, "you was deeply intoxicated
last night. OH could | have thought that
you would ever make me drunkard's wife?
Our child! must he live to see his father be-
come sot? Think how happy we have
been together. God has given us all we
could desire. He has blestus with kind and
affectionate parents. Do not bring them
with sorrow to the grave. Promise me you
will not drink again.
Long and earnest was her appeal, till her
tears prevented her from proceeding.
There was deep struggle going on in
the mind of Clarence. His wife whom he
loved so tenderly, was before him in tears.
He hesitated, for he felt that he could not
leave his companions, and break offthe hab-
lit, that had already SO strongly enchained
him. He was just going tot tear himself away
from what he considered foolish weakness,
when the door softly opened, and little Char
ley came in.
"What are you crying for, mammal" he
said throwing his arms around her neck.
Poor child, he was but adding fresh grief
| to his mothers heart
"Henry" said she, 81 entreat you once
more, in the name of all you love most dear,
to abandon strong drink. Beholdme at your
feet, will you not make me happy? Kneel,
my son, and ask your father to save us from
ruin.
There was deep feeling with which his
wife spoke, that Clarence could not with.
stand. Taking her tenderly by the hand, he
led her to the sofa. Emily said he, in a
solemn tone, II promise before God, not tc
drink any spirituous liquors again. Weshal
yet be happy. My dear Emily, I have in
ljured you deeply. Can you forgive me?"
| Mrs Clarence threw her arms around hel
husbands neck, and wepttears fjoy.
81 do forgive you,' she replied, "and may
God help you to keep your promise" She
felt that God had assisted her to reclaim her
husband, and she thanked him with all her
heart.
There was one thing that Clarence saw
must be done before he could feel himself
safe, fearing to trust himself to speak, he left
the room. His wife watched his departure
| with feeling Of uneasiness; buttrusting that
i all would yet be well, she resumed her house
hold duties.
| That day Clarence was more tempted to