The organ of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, O. [Ohio]) 1852-1853, 1852-08-27
SELECT TALE,
TFrom the Friend of Youth.
WHY THE FATHER BEGAN TO DRINK,
AND WHY HE LEFT OFF DRINKING.
BY MARY IRVING.
PART l

PAhI i.
"What is the matter, Charley, boy2" said
young lady to a little curly three year old, who
came crying into the parlor, where she sat sew
ing, holding his two chubby hands against
his head. "What is the matter. There, be
little mani Don't cry sol Hush up, and tell
sister what hurt Charley"
Charley fall down-bump head % said the
little fellow, leaning the bumped head on
his sisters lap.
Oh, Charley mustn't mind thatl See,
Charley is sister Margaret's brave boy, and
brave boys don't cry when they hurt their
heads. There, let sister kiss it, and make it
well Now, isn't it betterH''
She wiped his -sprinkled face with her
handkerchief, after she had given the healing
kiss, and shaking her finger rOguishly at Char
ley, surprised him into laugh. He slid down,
and ran off to his play. But he did not play
long. He grew tired of his marbles, and roll
cd them away from him into the farthest
corner of the nursery. Then he lay down on
the floor, and shut his eyes. His nurse, see
ing that he was very sleepy, took him up, and
laid him on his crib-bed.
Margaret sat in the parlor, sewing, very
happily. She was thinking what sweet little
brother she had-what "well spring of plea
sure in the great house, the dear laughing boy
was. Her mother had died when Charley was
very little baby, and Margaret had ever since
taken mothers care Of him. She did not,
however, love him so Oery much as his
father did. He could scarcely bear to have
Charley out of his sight for moment, when
he was in the house. The boy seemed to
be the only thing that had comfOrted him after
the loss Of his dearly loved wife: He had
three affectionate girls but he did not love
them, altogether, so much as he loved his idol
Charley's little finger They were not enviOus
Of their brother; for they, too, loved him
Who does not pet pretty baby-especially a
mOtherieSS baby2
The alabaster clock on the marble mantel-
piece rung for twelve, just as two girls came
skiDping in, fresh from school. They peeped
in upon their sister, and ran away to hang up
their white sun -bOnnets.
where's hubby sisterH" said the Oldest
one, who was about nine years old.
"Hush you mustn t make a noise, or you IL
wake him up. He has just gone to Sleep
A quick impatient ring at the door annOun-
ced their father, who always came home from
his store to an early dinner with his chill
dren.
"Where's Charley2' was his first question,
too, when he came into the parlOr.
"He is taking little nap, father said
Margaret, cheerfully.
"Whew what did you let him go to sleep
lust now, for2 You know always want him
to frolic with, when | come in from my busi-
- ness! Is he sick2'' he added, with suddenly
changed tone.
"Oh. no, father he was only sleepy a little
earlier than usual, and | thought l wouldn't
try to keep him awake"
'I don't like it at ALL" said the father,
throwing discontented glance on his two
little girls, who had drawn as near him as
they dared, and were looking lovingly into his
face.
"Go and get ready for DINNER, children, 81
he said, noticing that their curly heads were
tumbled.
When he sat down at the dinner table, the
sight Of the little plate at his right hand, with
spoon in it, mug before it, and high chail
behind it, seemed to take away all his appe.
tite.
Margaret, I'm going to wake up that boy r.
he said rising from his scat.
ooh, why, father2 wouldn't l''
"lti is nonsense to have him going to sleeT
this hour-the only one between morning and
night, in which | can see him Besides, l an
afraid he is sick. :"
Margaret followed him, half amused, half pro.
voked, at what she thought his needless anx.
iety.
The blinds had been shut, SO that the large
room was almost dark The father lifted up
lace fly-net, which fell in graceful folds around
the crib, and looked at the child silently for {
moment. He had not the roses on his cheeks
that been in bloom there an hour before hG
Law, with one round arm over his head, still
and pale, with heavy, dark purple circles around
his half-shut eyes.
"This child'is sick, Margaretp' said hel
father tremulously.
'He was we'll half an hour ago, Whispered
Margaret doubtfully.
"Charley, nv darling wake up pa said hi
father, gently kissing his hot forehead.
Charley did not move, nOropen his eyes
He breathed quickly and strangely.
"Charley, my boy Charley" cried tn
father, shaking him, to arouse him,
The child Just moved his eyelids, with
murmur Of pain, and then settled back int
that strange stupOr Of sleep.
"send for DR.. H, Margaret 70 exclaim
cd the father, huskily catching upthe child il
his arms.
Rose and Abby, the two little sisters, ran al
the way to the office Of DR.. H., and toll
him as we'll as their crying would let them, t