Meigs County telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy [Ohio]) 1848-1859, 1853-04-12
POMERoY YUEsDl APRIL 70. 1853.

lars for H. Ii has moi been harmed, and is
as good as it was then. Most OF the lime !
have received good rent for it. Now, sir,
you shall have it for just what | poid Tor ~
and each month you shall pay me just such
a sum as YOU can comfortably spare, ill all
is paid. will ask you for no rent nor Tor
cent of interest. You shall have deed
OF The estate, and in return will take but
single note and mortgage. upon which you
can have your own time'
Thomas Wilkins lried 10 thank The old
man for his kindness. but he only sunk
back in his chair and wepl like child; and
while he sat with his face buried in his
hands. the old man slipped from The room.
And when he returned, he bore in his hand
neatly covered basket.
Come, come the Captain exclaimed
'cheer up, my friend. Here are some III
bits for your vile and children--take them
home; and believe me, Wilkins, il you feel
half as happy in receiving my avor, as !
do in beslowing it, you are happy indeed
'Oh, God!-God will bless you for this
sirr exclaimed the kidness.slricken man;
'und if belray you confidence, may die
on the instant
Stick 10 your pledge, Wilkins, and will
take care of the res,' said the old Captain,
as his friend took the basket. If you have
lime tomorrow, call on me. and will ar
range the papers,
As Tho mas Wilkins once more entered
the streets, his tread was light and easy.
A bright light Of joyousness shone in every
feature, and as he wended his way home
ward he felt in every avenue Of his soul,
that he was once more MAN.
The gloomy shades that ushered in the
night Of the ,hrly.frst Of December, had
fallen over the snow-cad earth. Within
the miserable dwelling of Mrs. Wilkins
there was more comfort than we found
when we first visited her; but yet nothing
had been added 10 The furniture of the place.
For the last six days, her husband had come
home every evening, and gone away every
morning before daylight, and during that
time she knew that he had drank no inloxi-
eating beverage, for already had his face
began TO assume the stamp Of lis former
manhood and every word he had spoken
had been kind and affeclionate. To his
children he had brough, new shoes and
warm clohing, and 10 herself such things
as she stood in immediate need of; but yet
with all this, he hal been tactilurn and
thoughtful, showing a dislike 10 all ques'
tons, and speaking orly such words as are
necessary. The poor, devoted, loving wife
began TO HOPE. And why should she not?
For six years her husband had not been
thus before. One week ago she dreaded his
approach; but now she found herself wait
ing for him with all the anxiety Of former
years. Should all this be broken; should
this new charm be swept awny! Eigh.
O'Clock came. and so did nine and ten, and
, yet her husband came not.
Mother said liuIe Charles, just as the
clock struck zen, and seeming TO have
awakened from dreary sumber, isn't This
the last night OF the old year.
Yes, my son.
And do you know what | have been
| dreaming, dear mother? dreamed that
father had brough, US New Years presents
r just as he used to- But he won't will he?
| He's 100 poor now?
e mo, dear boy, we shall have no other
presents than food; and even for that we
must thank dear father. There lay your
head in my lap again
The boy laid his curly head once more in
his mothers lap, and with fearful eyes she
g gazed upon his inocent form.
II The clock struck eleven! The poor wife
was yet on hel ,ireless, sleepless walch!--
a But hardly had the sound of The last stroke
s died away, ere the snow.crust gave back
| the sound of football, and in a momer
+. more the husband entered. With tremb
}. ling fear she raised her eyes To his face
e and q wild thrill Of JOY went to her heart, al
e she saw that all there was open and bold
J only those manly features looked more joy
/. Gus, more proud than ever.
J. Lizzie said he, in mild, kind accents
e i am laie 10 night, but business has detained
a me. and now | have lavor 10 ask Of you
a Name it, dear Thomas, and you shaI
>, not ask a second time,' cried The wife, q.
Il she laid her hand confidently upon he
h husbands arm.
Il And you will ask me no -queslions9' con
Il tlnued Wilkins.
/. No, | will not
II Then continued the husband rs he ben
u over and imprinted kiss upon his w(e''
,, brow, Il want you TO dress our children fo
d a walk, and you shall accompany us. The
l. night is calm and tranquil, and the snow il
well trodden-'
n But
n ASK no questions! Remember you
promise
> Lizzie wilkins knew not wha. all this
meant, nor did she think 10 care; for any
It thing rhal pleased her husband she wouIt
j. have done with pleasure, even though it hat
t. wrenched her very hean.sIrings. In shor
j. time The children were ready; then Mrs
ID Wilkins put on such articles Of dress as sh,
r. could command, and soon they were in lh,
road. The moon shone brightly, the star
ri peeped down upon The earth, and they seem
ed 10 smile upon the travellers, from OUT lhei
y twinkling eyes of light. Silently Wilkin
led his way, and silently his wife and chill
ut dren followed. Several times The vile gaze
up into her husbands face; but from the ex
preston that rested there she could max
TO oul nothing that tended to satisfy her.
= Al length a short turn in the road brough
them suddenly upon the pretty white col
e; iage where years before they had been S