The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1854-02-02
WHOLE NUMBER l49

nor resentment ; but seemed deeply hu-
inflated, and was calm, very firm, silent
and sad
Seeing that he would not remain, the
children were taken from the table ere
their dessert was eaten, and, half con-
soled with liberal supply of cake and
fruit, handed into the wagon already
waiting at the door.
fearful adieus passed between Sarah
and the family. But neither father nor
brothers came forth to say a word to the
erring son and brother who drove off
from the old house from which his pres
enee had baniShed the sunlight on that
day Of days, with purpose in his heart
never to return to it again.
How weak, sad and hopeless he felt
Temptation, he knew, was all around
him and the past gave him no assur-
ance that he could resist the tempter
when his serpent eyes should rest upon
him.
And did the sun shine forth again in
the house of the old farmer Perkins af-
ter the departure of Edward Not SO.
The cloud was heavier, and the heart,
upon which its murky shadows fell, was
gloomier than before. 1t was the sad
dest Thanksgiving day ever spent in
the old family homestead. Try as sho
would to assumean untroubled aspect for
the sake of the children, Mrs. Perkins
could not smile, but ever looked at them
with wet eye. And the father, who
had striven to seem cheerful, grew ST.
lent as the day declined, and, ere night
fall, had retired from the family to COM
mune with himself alone.
A year had passed 1t is the morn
ing Of another Thanksgiving day All
is busy preparation in the house Of Ed
ward Perkins The wagon stands at
the door, with Tom champing his bits,
and looking as sleek and self-satisfed
again, as when twelvmonth gone, he
bore his master and family to the pleas
ant home of old farmer Perkins. Now
the children come laughing forth in ire
pressible glee and there is the moth
er Not the worn, sorrow stricken
creature we last saw; but woman with
light footsteps, and bcaming eyes. And
Edward What change Spruce in
person, cheerful Of countenance, erect,
and confident in manner-we scarcely
recognize in him the poor, down looking
inebriate, whom we followed with our
sympathies, yet almost hopeless, from
the house Of his father year ago
Now the happy party are in wagon,
and Tom is off at brisk trot. In a few
minutes they are opposite the White
Swan.
Z" | want to stop here for moment"
says Edward, checking the horse. "Hold
he lines for moment, Sarah"
" What is the meaning of this The
ace of Sarah does not grow pale There
s no look Of fear on her countenance-
10 word OF remonstrance on her lips
She smiles as she receives the lines
rom her hust and's hands. Now he
springs from the wagon, and now he
disappears through that door from which,
70 many times, he has come forth with
III his manhood trailing in the dust.
Y on hold your breath. What madness
% tempt the tempter Is he already
70 strong that he can hearkeu to tho
'oice of the charmer, and keep free from
Ter snare. How long he stays. Ever
md anon, the eyes of Mrs. Perkins are
urned toward the door through which
Ter husband disappeared. A shadow
S beginning to creep over her face, or
ur sight deceives There he comes
low the countenance of his wife bright
ms Now, with pleasant word he
prings into the wagon, speaks to Tom,
nd is off. Mr.. Perkins looks happy,
nd he is in fine spirits.
Three miles away, and another pub
ic house comes in sight. Will Perkins
'e able to pass' He is nearly opposite
yes, he will go by no-hc has reined "
lp and is getting from the wagon.
" must give Tom little water" says
'erkins.
Sarah makes no objection noe
ook concerned She has strong faith,