The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-09-08

surely providence would open the way by
which she could yet reach his heart.
"This is madness, my child" remonstra-
ted the afflicted father "You must be
well aware that your infatuated husband
will soon be pennyless, and if you still re-
tain your connection with him it will be
nearly impossible to aid you. You and
your child must share his poverty and de
gradation."
1t matters not" returned Helen firm
ly. Il will abide by my husband. 1t
would be little comfort to me to be sur
rounded with all that should make life
happy and to feel that my husband was a
wanderer upon the earth, without friends or
home"
"But your child" still urged the disap-
pointed parent. "Do you consider your
duty to him? ThinL of the evils to which
he will be exposed as a constant witness of
the scenes which are enacted in the home
OF the drunkard. You shudder, Helen,
and think me unkind, but present to
you the plain unvarnished truth. Your
innocent boy, nay, even yourself, may be
treated with personal violence"
"Oh father, father, in pity forbear,' en-
claimed Helen, covering her face with
her hands, and giving way to burst of
grief almost alarming by its violence.
But Mr.. Meredith went on:
"Promise me, at least, Helen, that
If what | have mentioned ever does take
place, you will then consider yourself alb
solved from the tie which you now deem
so binding, and will return to those who
would spend their lives for your happiness" :"
Helen's wild sobs had ceased, and calm
ly though sadly, she listened to her faith
er's earnest appeal. A moments pause
and she answered in low sweet tones
Never, father. Never while the
breath of life remains in my husband, will
l torsakc him. Personal i'll treatment will
not abate my affection, for it is not he, but
the demon who has for the time obtained
possession of him, who would strike. But
my child, my sweet yoy ! if this dreadful
crisis arrives, he shall be yours. His
wretchcd mother will leave him to the kind
friends who would gladly protect him :;
and oh if possible, conceal from him the
misery and disgrace of his parents"
Much affected, Mr.. Meredith turned a.
way, and returned to acquaint the mother
OF Helen with the result OF his mission.
Weeks. months, and even years passed
on, and Henry Graham had not paused
in his fearful course. AS Mr.. Meredith
had foretold, poverty and degradation had
come upon him, but still his gentle wife
remained true to her purpose and to the
continued entreaties of her parents that
she would come to them, or at least per-
NIT them to take her innocent boy from
his miserable home, she answered with a
quiet smile:
"The time has not come yet, father
Henry has never treated us with personal
unkindness. Even in his widest moments
a word from me will often quiet him, and
have seen tears on his cheek when little
Arthur kneels to repeat his evening pray
er. There is yet hope. His heart is not
utterly hardened. Surely you would not
have me leave him to destruction. The
dark shadow which has fallen upon us
will pass away, and we shall again be
united in purified and exalted love-"
To such appeal the father could only
shake his head mournfully, as if these
were to him vain anticipations.
Little could be done for Helen's COM
fort, excepting to project her from actual
want for nothing which could be turned
into money was safe from her selfisl. hus-
bands grasp. Even her own personal
property, articles of jewelry, which she val
ued rs rememberances Of those she loved,
had, one by one, disappeared.
1t was near the close of sultry sum-
mer's afternoon. Helen sat in her scanti-
ly furnished apartment with little Arthur,
now a lovely boy Of four years, by her
side. The husband and father was absent
and there was little reason to expect him
home until late hour Of the night, for
midnight carousing had now become an
habtual custom. Still there was a chance
that he might return to the evening meal,
and Helen now laid aside her work, and
rose to prepare the tempting morsel which
she knew would suit his appetite, and al
so the more simple refreshments for her
self and her hoy. 1t was her own choice
to perform this task herself, for she shrunk
from the thought Of another witness to the
constant degradation Of her husband. The
oppressive state of the air increased the
usual depressed state of her spirits, and
sighed so frequently and 50 heavily that
little Arthur stole to her side, and slipping
his hand into hers, said softly:
"Are you tired, mammal l will help
you set the table"
"Thank you; dearest" was the reply
" | do not feel very well this evening. ]
shall be glad OF your help"
"You are not sick, like poor father
continued the little boy, as he careful.
y placed the plates on the table. "He
has been sick a long time. How soon will
he get well, mammal"
"Ido not know, dear. We will pray To
our Heavenly Father for him."
Yes, mamma, l do always pray that
the Lord will make him better, and one
day thought the Lord had heard my
nravar foy fafhar Matted nv head and