Spirit of the times. [volume] (Ironton, Ohio) 1853-1858, 1854-11-07
S EL E G I ED TAL E .
MARY MORGAN.

Ill ColninS, answered morgan.
"Come quick, father, won't you ?"
"Yes, love-" And Morgan got up and
dressed himself, but with unsteady hands
and every sign Of nervous prostration.
In little while, with the assistance of
his wife, he was ready, and supported by
her, came tottering into the room where
May was lying.
ooh, father !''-wha, q light broke o.
YER her countcnance-''l'vc been waiting
for you so long. | thought you were
never going to wake up. Kiss me, father.
"What can | do for you, Mary?" ask.
cd Morgan, tenderIy, as he laid his face
down upon the pillow beside her.
"Nothing, iather. | don't wish for any
thing. ! only wanted to see YOU"
'l'm here now, love-"
"Dear father !" how earnestly, yet ten.
derly she spoke, laying her small hand
upon his face.
"You'vc always been good to me, ia.
father"
"Oh no. I've never been good 10 any
body" sobbcd the weak, broken spirited
man, as he raised himself from the pill.
low.
How deeply touchc was Mrs. Slade,
as she sat the silent witness of this scene.
"You havn't been good to yourself, ia.
ther. but you have always been good to
u.s."
"Don't Mary, don't say anything about
that" interposed Morgan. "Say that Eve
been bad, very wicked. Oh, Mary, dear,
| only wish that | was as good as you
are I'd like to die, then, and 60 right
away from this evil world. wish there
was no liquor TO drink-no taverns-no
bar.rooms. Oh, dear /! | wish | was dead.
And the weak, trembling, half.palsied
man laid his face again upon the pillow
beside his child, and sobbed aloud.
What an oppressive silence rcigned
for a time through the room.
"Fa,her." The stiffness was broken
by Mary. Her voice was clear and even.
Father, want to tell you something.
'What is it, Mary 2
'There'll be nobody to go for you,
father
The child's lips now quivercd, and
tears filled her eyes.
'Don't talk about that, Mary. I'm
not going out in the evening any more
until you get we'll. Don't you lemem.
ber, | promised 2
'But, ler,'-she hesitated-,l'm 60.
ing away to leave you aud mother
'Oh, no-no-no, Mary. Don't say
that. The poor mans voice was broken.
Don't say that We can't let you 60,
dear
God has called me-
The child's voice had a solemn tone,
and her eyes turned rcvercntly upward.
Il wish He would call me? Oh, | wish
he would call ne ! groaned Morgan,
hiding his face in his hands. What
shall do when you are gone? Oh,
dear!'
'Fs,her,-Mary spoke calmly again
you are not ready TO 60 yet. God will
let you live here longer, that you may
get ready
'Ilow can &c, ready without you to
hell me, Mary, my angel child !
'uave Mt tried to help you, oh Sc
many times said Mary.
'Yes-yes, you've always tried
'But it wasn't any use. You would
90 out-you would 90 to the tavern. II
seemed almost as though you could nj
help it,
Morgan groaned i'll spirit.
'May be | can h clip you better, father
after | die. | love you SO much that
am sure God will let me come to you
and stay with you always, and be you
angel. Don't you think he will mother?
But Mrs. Morgan's heart was too1ull
She did not even try TO answer, but sa
with streaming eyes, gazing upon he1
child's face.
Father, | dreamed something abou
you while slept today Mary agair
turned to her father.
What was it, dear 2
'l thought it was night, and that wa
still sick. You promised not to 80 ou
again until was we'll. Butyou did g
out. thought you went over to Mr
81 ade's tavern. When knew this, fel
as strong as when was we'll, and go
up and dressed myself, and started GU
after you. But had MT gone far belor
| met Mr.. Slsde's great bull dog, Nero
and he growied at me so dreadfully tha
| was frightened, and ran back home.-
Then | started again, and went ava.
round by MIR. Mason's. But there wa
Nero in the road, and this time he caugh
my dress in his mouth, aud tore grea
piece out OF the skirt. / ran back, ant
he chased me all the way home. Jus
as got to the door, l looked around, ant
there was Mr.. Slade, setting Nero oil
me. As soon as saw Mr.. Slade, tho
he looked at me very wicked, los! al
my fear, and, turning round walked
past Nero, who showed his teeth, ant
growled as fercely as ever, but did n
touch me. Then Mr.. Slade tried to stol
l me, but i didn't mind him, and kept righ
on until camo TO the tavern, and ther
you stood in the door, and you wer
dressed SO nice. You had on new ba
and new coat, and your boots wer
new, and polished like Judge Dixon's
| said, % father, is this you 2 end thel
you took me up in your arms, and KISSED
me and said, Yes, Mary, am your rea
father--not, old Joe Morgan. but MI
Morgan now, It seemed all SO strang
and looked in the bar.room to see VIII
ii ,yos &ha,o Put IL ,uae mt har.roOn