Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-11-15
CHAPTER II.

do under the terror of the audaclty OF
which he had been guilty-so he sought to
resolve his doubts in the fountain to which I
he had often before applied. Whether al
cohol is good solventin mental operations |
or not, is a mooted point, though in official
preparations it is useful. AS however the
Maine Law, which admits its sale for med
eciDal and some other purposes, does not
make any exception in favor Of It's use as
auickener of the intelles. wasupfase thu |
weight Of authority would be against our
friend Martin. However, he took drink
and that drink, superadded to his previous
imbibitions, was an efectual soother, and
he went to sleep under it. What were his
dreams we are not able to record, but the
presumption is that they were none of the
pleasantest, since when he awoke, he was
very much surprised to find that the world
was still standing
He drowsily surveyed Tumble Down
Farm in the twilight, and thought that it
never had seemed to him quite so dilapida.
ted. He leaned modify on tumble down
fence which scarce seemed equal to his
weight and if only he had seen Hogarth's
picture of Gin Lane, he might have dis
covered striking general resemblance in
the scene to the great artists ideal. The
very out houses seemed to reel-and the
scraggy trees looked as if they might have
pawned their fruit and leaves for the means
of intoxication. The pigs had lean and
hungry look-utensils and tools rotten in
corners, waste and want stared out from
all sides. Indeed he cried at length,
raising himself upright, things MUST mend
and they shall ?
He felt hand placed on his arm, and
was surprised to find that he had been over.
heard-for he did not know that any one
was near him. 1t was his eldest daught
er; and while with delicate tact she con
cealed the fact that she had noticed his.ex
clamation, she led him on to talk hopeful
ly of the future as if indeed it were with
in his reach and control The family
gathered round them-three daughters
two sons, and their mother. Each wa
surprised to find that the subject of tn
conversation was the projection of vari0u
improvements-for they naturally suppo
sed that the exciting event of the day wa
the theme. The mother heard incredu
lously. The twilight concealed the bite
smile with which she listened to all thes
fine promises; for drunken mans wifi
may be excused if she has no faith in hir
whatever. But this much at any rate wa
gained-an evening at home, for one VIII
had not before missed the tavern for man
long day.
On the morrow all was astir, betimes, 6
Tumble Down Farm The two boys-be
ter late in the season than never, took lu
ty hold of whatever would least bear wal
ing. The three girls made themselvC
busy within doors and new atmosphel
seemed to surround the homestead II
breakfast commenced cheerfully, but vi
: interrupted. One Of the deputies of Il
sheriff of the county made this very ear
call. With considerate politeness he 7
: fused to broach his business, until Mart
| had gone through the forms of breakfas
t but the poor fellow, who knew his CUES
< had little satisfaction in his repast, al
would not have pretended to any, exec
l. to blind his family. That, however W
labor lost, for they were as quick of p,
u
# we may merely say thatP Pettifogg, Els
= had commenced proceedings to obtain
t, due course of the forms of law, what
= had failed to secure by trick.
IS Martin was in a dilemma; vulgarly spe;
p, ing, in tight place. His boys relaps
- from their short reformation into worse th
to uselessness, and his girls could not bear
De under SO much surrounding difficulty.
r. " the elder-not because she was bet
ID than the others, but because she had M
o, years, was of service to him. She hinted
e. the continued improvement of his farm
Is suddenly suspended advised the repair
,u fences. the removal of weeds, and prepa
IS, ton for harvest.
~ To what purpose!' be asked. q
en- place is ours nc longer
r. DO you mean to give it up without
- effort to keep it? Even if you do, it m
be year at least before you can be disI
", sessed. Take advice, father and find
d. what may be DONE,
tie Your mother is so wearisome!
To- who can wonder at that? Excuse
ess father, out have you not wearied her for
N. nv year! Every day of neglect and C
if lessness-every folly and extravaganza
But, my dear father said the girl, aston
ur- ed at herself, L am using very strange
tn guage for child to parent. Forgive
his for did not intend to increase your uni
cry piness By seeming undutful.'
re- I know what you would have said,
K. can supply the rest said Martini in a y
on choaking with emotion. But how doe
led happen, child, that you are so superior
Ok of US?
md Me! o, indeed am not said Ce
Ioc- bIushng-and there the conversation ce;
om, But Cecilia was superior, as her father
dld to all the household. She had rot beer
e much exposed to wasting influences.
OF whole youth had not been spent in the
ent argc atmosphere Of Tumble Down F
OF One of the greatest lacks in that atmosE
ID a was the religious element; for Martin N
ION. er for many years had lived in forgetfu
rtln Of the uses, the benefits, and the priv
nes- of the Christian Sabbath. Neglect Of
arty godliness which is probable even in this
hat ent world, is sure at the last to bring it
1ich rebuke and retribution here. Cecilia
Pet was the god-lke and protege of her ia,
y at sister, had for the most part resided